Thousands to march for LGBTI inclusive education at Pride Glasgow

Thousands are set to march in support of inclusive education this summer, as Pride Glasgow announces a partnership with the Time for Inclusive Education (TIE) campaign today.

Pride Glasgow has endorsed the TIE campaign, which has advocated for mandatory LGBTI-inclusive education in all Scottish schools and for governmental commitments to tackle high rates of homophobia, biphobia and transphobia.

The partnership means that Pride’s official parade will be themed around the campaign and it’s calls for inclusive education, with those involved in the decision highlighting the political significance of the move.

Commenting on the news, Pride Glasgow CEO Alastair Smith said: “We are delighted to be working with TIE. Inclusive education is an issue that will tug on the heart strings of every LGBTI person, allowing individuals time for reflection about their experiences in education. This issue will bring the community out in their thousands to march, demonstrate and be part of bringing about the much needed change to our education system that TIE is aiming for.”

Since the campaign’s launch last June, TIE has continually argued for inclusive LGBTI education to be commonplace across all schools in Scotland, and have highlighted teacher training as a key method in achieving this.

Their calls have been supported by various political figures across Scotland, including party leaders Nicola Sturgeon, Patrick Harvie and Willie Rennie – all of whom have outlined a strategy in line with TIE’s calls in their party manifestos during the recent election campaign.

A TIE spokesperson said: “This is a huge step forward for both our campaign and the LGBTI community. Pride Glasgow’s decision to theme their parade – which attracts thousands each year – around TIE sends a clear message to decision makers in Holyrood that the time to create an education system that is fully inclusive of LGBTI identities and issues is now.”