Celebrating Being Me: First Flintshire Schools Pride event a success

The first Flintshire schools ‘Celebrating Being Me’ event took place recently at Hawarden High School as part of Pride Month, a UK-wide celebration of LGBTQ+ equality and to raise awareness of issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community.

This uplifting and inspiring event was organised by staff and students from Hawarden High School alongside the Flintshire Healthy Schools Team and Flintshire Youth Service. 

Approximately 250 pupils from secondary schools across the county attended the celebration, supported by staff from 25 different charities and organisations with an affinity to the LGBTQ+ community, alongside several dignitaries. 

The school was awash with rainbow flags, bunting and decorations creating the perfect backdrop to a fun filled day which began with Hawarden’s LGBTQ+ Ambassadors who were the hosts for the event. Students from all the schools were mixed to attend themed workshops from different providers including Mind Cymru, Wisekids, Theatre Clwyd, North Wales Police.

The afternoon included the sharing of good practice amongst the students and presentations from Leola Roberts-Biggs of the Welsh Youth Parliament and Connor Freel from North Wales Police.  Hundreds enjoyed the party-like atmosphere that followed, with performances from Hawarden High School choir, cheerleaders and even an energetic Zumba routine led by Kirsty Hughes from Aura Leisure which got everyone on their feet.

The highlight of the event was freelance actor and workshop facilitator Taylor Martin, who attended as their alter ego Mel Teaser in iconic British drag style with a modern twist. 

Leader of the Council, Councillor Ian Roberts said:

“Every member of the community is entitled to a learning and working environment where all aspects of our identities are recognised and respected, and where we feel safe and secure.”

Chief Officer for Education and Youth, Claire Homard said:

“It was a wonderful day, and it was clear that the young people were having a great time. This was a real celebration of diversity and inclusivity across our secondary schools, and we look forward to many more events like this in the future.”

Feedback from the young people has been excellent and extracts from the evaluation activity undertaken on the day have included the following:

“Very fun, I really enjoyed it; it is important to celebrate diversity and see ourselves represented no matter who you are”.

“This event has taught me and others where we can get help if we are struggling”.

“The pride event made me feel like a part of a community and it helped me understand that there are lots of other people (that are) part of that community as well”.

The team of organisers behind this year’s successful event have already started planning a bigger and better event for next year and are incredibly proud of this work to raise awareness and support young people.