Fusion
A support group for LGBTQ+ students
Fusion is Birchwood’s equality group, celebrating difference and diversity in our learning community. We meet weekly on a Tuesday lunchtime in D4. By coming to Fusion, students have the opportunity to go on relevant trips and attend speaker events (recently hearing Peter Tatchell and Olympic gold medalist Kate Richardson Walsh speak about their experience of being LGBT+), whilst also providing a regular space for students to meet their peers and create a supportive network within school. Being part of Fusion enables students to play an active role in school community through engaging in fundraising activities and ensuring that an attitude of acceptance and respect for all remains a central part of life at Birchwood.
Latest news and information
LGBT+ History month
February is LGBT+ History month in the UK - an annual month-long observance of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender history, and the history of the gay rights and related civil rights movements. In 2005, educators and activists Sue Sanders and Paul Patrick organised LGBT+ History Month as part of a Schools Out UK project, a programme that aims to educate young people about the issues members of the LGBT+ community face and to make schools feel inclusive for everyone, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation.
The event was first held in February to coincide with the abolition of Section 28, a hugely controversial piece of Conservative government legislation which banned local authorities and schools from “promoting” homosexuality. After widespread opposition and condemnation, Section 28 was abolished in 2003. Alas, due to the ongoing pandemic, we will not be able to celebrate the month in the usual way at school. However, we will hopefully be able to run various events later in the year to ensure that acceptance without exception remains a central part of our school community.
Please also check out Fusion groups Twitter page - @fusion_bwood - to read up on profiles of famous LGBT+ figures - past and present - as well as information, talks and resources on all things LGBT+.
February is LGBT History month
February is LGBT History month – an annual observance of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender history, and the history of the gay rights and related civil rights movements. In light of which, Birchwood will be running various events to celebrate the occasion. We have started the month by showing the film The Imitation Game starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightly. The film is about the work of the legendary Alan Turing and his team as they work to break Enigma – a Nazi code believed to be unbreakable.
Added to this, Fusion – Birchwood’s Equalities group – will be running a cake sale. There will be whole school assemblies throughout the week commencing Monday 11 February, focusing on significant events and figures in the gay rights movement. Finally, Wednesday 27 February will see a celebration in the main hall with various activities for students to get involved in.
Fusion are showing The Imitation Game to celebrate LGBT History month
Tickets are now available for The Imitation Game.
The film is being shown as part of LGBT history month celebrations.
All proceeds will be donated to Stonewall and Birchwood's Fusion group.
Please see attached poster for further details.