Celebrating changemakers
I n celebration of DC Pride Month, which was held alongside the national observance of LGBT+ History Month, this year’s theme was ‘Changemakers,’ building on the momentum of the College’s Black History Month. The month provided an opportunity to celebrate inspirational figures from the LGBTQ+ community, while reflecting on how we can support those who continue to face discrimination. DC Pride Month featured a range of assemblies, activities, events, and opportunities for students, teachers, and operational staff. The main aims of DC Pride were to engage everyone with the achievements and struggles of the LGBTQ+ community, while promoting Dulwich College’s values of equity and respect for all, ensuring everyone thrives in a diverse society. At the start of the month, we held launch assemblies for DC Pride, in which all the Junior, Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools watched a film featuring staff and students explaining allyship and how, as a community, we can be the Changemakers. Our Pride speaker, Matt Lindley (pictured), led a powerful assembly for students at the College. Matt, one of the first openly gay pilots in the UK, discussed the barriers he faced and the important role allies played in his career and confidence. He also led a special question-and-answer session with Combined Cadet Force students, offering career advice and guiding future pilots on how to achieve their goals. This year, students played a vital role in leading initiatives and specialised societies around the
College, allowing them to focus on issues within the LGBTQ+ community that felt relevant to them and the community. This year, we had a record- breaking 23 different talks, societies, and events for students to engage in. Our Sports Department led the Rainbow Laces campaign during DC Pride, helping to challenge harmful stereotypes that can create barriers to LGBTQ+ participation in sports. These barriers simply cannot exist, given the overwhelming evidence of the mental and physical health benefits of exercise. The campaign culminated in many of our pupils sporting their Rainbow Laces during a Saturday fixture. The Junior School was excited to celebrate Pride Month, highlighting the main theme of Changemakers and linking it to their values of caring for others and joining in. Their week of Free Learning consisted of learning first-hand about changemakers, such as Tom Daley and Ncuti Gatwa, and what it means to be a great ally. This was explored further in their Wellbeing lessons, focusing on discussions around how Changemakers continue to face challenges and how we all play an important role in creating a safe, respectful, and caring environment for everyone. We have been thrilled with the response to DC Pride this year. It has given students opportunities to explore meaningful issues and celebrate Changemakers within the LGBTQ+ community. We very much look forward to building on this work throughout the remainder of the year and into DC Pride 2026. ◎
by Mark Wignall, Teacher of Drama and Theatre studies
We all play an important role in creating a safe, respectful, and caring environment for everyone
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THE ALLEYNIAN 713
COLLEGE COMMUNITY
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