The resulting DVD uses archive material from the collections of Shropshire Archives, along with newly gathered video interviews with local people, to look at lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender history, both in Shropshire, and in its wider national context.

Its aim is to support the National Curriculum in encouraging discussion of, and respect for, difference and diversity and to provide an innovative approach to combating homophobic and transphobic bullying.

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This MLA West Midlands funded project brought together a teacher from the William Brookes School in Much Wenlock with Shropshire Archives to create a resource for students and teachers at Key Stages 3, 4 and beyond.

Combining historical sources with debate of very current issues, this is a cross-curricular resource, relevant to PSHE, Citizenship, History, RE and English. It includes case studies relating to Shropshire people, exercises and worksheets to use with students, plus helplines and contact details for many support organizations.

The timeline brings together landmarks of national and international significance in LGBT history, with examples of local events, initiatives and reactions.

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1957

Digitized images of newspaper articles, publicity flyers and many other sources illustrate the text throughout. They can be enlarged to read on screen or printed out.

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Interviews with local people whose lives are affected by LGBT issues, either directly, or through friends, family or work, form the heart of the resource.

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There are short extracts from the interviews throughout the DVD, designed to encourage thought and debate. Full versions of all the interviews are available in the resource bank.

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Major topics, such as ‘What is Homophobia?’, are examined from different perspectives, including the work of West Mercia Constabulary, personal experiences and the findings of campaign groups and support organizations.

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The DVD provides links to important research work by organizations such as Stonewall, allowing teachers and young people easy access to further reading.

There are also exercises and worksheets for teachers to download and use with students.

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Archive sources are used to inspire debate and to examine how changes in legislation and public opinion have affected areas such as newspaper reporting.

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The resource is cross-curricular, with particular relevance to English and Religious Studies as well as PSHE and Citizenship.

There are sections on the trials of Oscar Wilde, the history of gay and lesbian literature, LGBT presence in popular culture, and even the use of Polari as a secret language which has left its mark on the modern vocabulary.

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The introduction of civil partnerships across the United Kingdom in 2005 was a huge landmark for those involved in campaigning for gay rights.

The resource looks at the legislation involved, the experience of Shropshire Registration Service in introducing and performing the first ceremonies, and the story of Shropshire’s first couple to enter into a civil partnership.

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Transgender issues are complex, defined by gender identity rather than sexual orientation. Thanks to the support of the Gender Identity Research and Education Society (GIRES), the resource links to their material to explain the issues involved, and provides contacts for support groups.

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The resource is not just for teachers and students. For any young person questioning their sexuality or struggling to decide whether to not to come out, it provides valuable information, details of many support groups, and stories and advice from people of all ages who have personal experiences to share.

The hope is that the DVD will give that young person a feeling of reassurance and support.

The information given on general health and well-being, such as bullying, contraception, STDs, alcohol and drugs, with links to useful support groups and websites, is of relevance to all young people.

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Fred D'Aguiar is Professor of Creative Writing at Virginia Tech, USA, and a highly regarded published poet and novelist. During his teenage years he attended school in Charlton, London. This was his comment on the resource:

"Imagine a young mind feels and knows intuitively a condition as true, but lacks any confirmation from others, is devoid of language and story to validate those tentative feelings and help to shape that embryonic conviction. It is hard to overstate the importance to a young mind of a positive word, a good image and an uplifting story. The witnesses on this DVD, their evidence and testimony, hold up a mirror to young minds. This DVD must be seen by all young people who crave a positive image, supportive words, and a mirroring story, because this DVD will save lives."

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Design by Shropshire Archives’ Image Services

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For more information about the‘Some People Are Gay. Get Over It!’DVD, please contact Kerry Dickins at:

Shropshire Archives,Castle GatesShrewsbury,SY1 2AQ

Tel: 01743 255350

Email: archives@shropshire.gov.uk