Three hundred pupils at the University of Cambridge Primary School formed a giant rainbow to mark the end of LGBT+ history month today.

Our primary school continues to embrace opportunities to define what a truly inclusive education could be

Vice-Chancellor Professor Stephen Toope

The school children were joined by staff and Eddington residents who each donned clothing to match one colour in the rainbow in a show of support for diversity.

With temperatures plummeting to -3°C and snow flurries disrupting plans for an outdoor celebration, the local Eddington and Cambridge community packed into the assembly hall in a show of solidarity.

Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge, Professor Stephen Toope said: “As LGBT+ History Month reaches its end, we have much to celebrate. Exhibitions, talks and performances have charted the rich and vibrant history of the LGBT+ community – but also its struggles.

“In my field of law, there have been advances in gaining equality for LGBT people – from protection from discrimination, to celebration of civil unions and parenthood. But equality in law doesn’t always translate into equality in life. That’s why we will keep up our efforts to celebrate Cambridge’s diversity.

“Specific initiatives, including the School of Humanities and Social Sciences’ recently announced programme focusing on LGBTQ+ research, illustrate the importance of acknowledging this diversity in our academic pursuits as well as in our daily lives. Our primary school continues to embrace opportunities to define what a truly inclusive education could be.

“LGBT+ History Month has shown what we can achieve when we all work together with the common goal of creating the Cambridge we want to live, work in and  study in. We are committed to being a place where people are allowed to be themselves – to think their own way, define their own boundaries and form their own identities.

“Thanks to all of you who have participated, given your support and helped Cambridge to be a welcoming, open and tolerant place.”

LGBT+ History Month takes place every February to promote the visibility of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, their history, lives and experience. This encourages diversity and equality, as well as raising awareness and advancing education on matters affecting the LGBT+ community.

Eddington’s rainbow photo call marked the end of the month of activities across the school, University and society to raise awareness of and celebrate the LGBT+ community. 

Heather Topel, Project Director for the North West Cambridge Development, said: “The Eddington Rainbow was a success and we are pleased to support the development of Eddington as a new community in Cambridge that is open to all.  We will be hosting a range of events throughout the year that support the broad range of individuals and communities that are part of Cambridge.”


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