As part of LGBT+ History Month, the EIS hosted a powerful evening of stories, socialising, and solidarity at the Glasgow Women’s Library. Marking almost 25 years since the repeal of Section 28/2A in Scotland – a clause brought in under the Local Government Act of 1988 prohibiting the promotion of homosexuality in schools – the evening brought together EIS members, activists, educators and guests from across Scotland for a night themed around Stories of Section 28/2A.
Open to all EIS members, and co-hosted by EIS Equality Convener, Nicola Fisher and LGBT+ Network Co-Chair, David Dick – the evening consisted of a celebratory showcase of written stories submitted by EIS members reflecting upon the impacts and legacy of Section 28/2A; the launch of a series of new EIS short films; a keynote contribution from the TIE Campaign about a new dedicated Section 28/2A teaching resource; and a unique premier of the UKs first feature-length documentary about Section 28 that is being created by Edinburgh based Filmmaker, Sarah Drummond. Attendees also enjoyed music, socialising and refreshments throughout.
“This was a powerful reminder of all-too-recent LGBT+ history and the importance of recording, sharing and teaching this history. With the recent attempts to rewrite the history of the Stonewall riots and the backlash against LGBT+ equality on both sides of the Atlantic, it could not have been a more timely reminder that our voices matter.”
-Pam Currie, EIS LGBT Network
“EIS Stories of Section 28/2A event was a moving and timely reminder of the dangers of scapegoating, bigotry and erasure, but also a triumphant acknowledgement of the power of collective action and solidarity. The speakers and the films highlighted struggles from the past but also looked towards the future by highlighting the amazing progress in LGBT+ education, in which the EIS has played a key role. EIS should be applauded for delivering a top-class event for their LGBT+ teachers and allies, with messages that are more urgent and inspirational than ever.”
-David Dick, EIS LGBT Network.
Members’ Written Stories of Section 28/2A
Ahead of LGBT+ History Month, the EIS captured some members’ stories and reflections about Section 28/2A. Some were teachers at that time, some were pupils and some were not born. The stories, reflections and extracts collected and displayed were unique, inspiring and emotive reminders of the legacy and human impacts of Section 28/2A, particularly its impacts on LGBT pupils and upon the teaching profession.
The array of stories capturing themes of silence, shame, struggle, and of activism and courage are moving testimonies that will contribute to a TIE teaching resource, as well as being hosted on the EIS Website as part of the EIS’s Stories of Section 28/2A Project.
By capturing, telling, and sharing these invaluable stories of the past and present, it is hoped that future generations can learn from history and use this as inspiration and motivation to continue to build inclusive, safe, and welcoming environments for all.
“I was at school when Section 28 was introduced. At that time, I knew I was gay, but the word ‘lesbian’ was toxic.”
“We need to defend and implement LGBT+ inclusive education, and we cannot do this without the support of allies.”
“I had never heard of it until the campaign to repeal it. By that time, I was around 16 and had come to terms with the fact I was gay but only felt able to tell one friend I knew I could trust because it was so shameful.”
“What strikes me now as a teacher looking back is that LGBT+ teachers did exist both before and during Section 2A/28, in my school and in schools up and down the country.”
“We will keep educating our young people to respect differences, celebrate diversity and be their authentic selves. We will not allow their identities to become unspeakable again.”
“It takes solidarity from allies who need to actively help us to hold the line more than ever as far-right movements seek to divide us .”
New TIE and EIS Section 28/2A Teaching Resource
Following a 2023 AGM resolution instructing Council AGM to: “…develop a teaching resource on the Scottish context for the historical campaign to remove Section 2A of the Local Government Act 1986 (Section 28 in England and Wales.”
The EIS has been working with the Time for Inclusive Education Campaign to co-develop a new dedicated resource for secondary teachers. An overview of the resource was shared at the event, and it is envisioned this resource will be available soon. The series of lessons and resources aims to enhance teachers’ knowledge and understanding of Section 28/2A, and its impacts, and further the delivery of Inclusive Education today.
Don’t Say Gay Documentary Film
The EIS was delighted to be joined by Edinburgh based Filmmaker Sarah Drummond who also attended the event to discuss her upcoming project—the UK’s first feature-length documentary on Section 28/2A which delves into the profound effects and impacts of this piece of legislation.
Sarah provided an overview of the context, thinking behind the documentary and plans for the future, with all attendees being treated to a very exclusive preview of an extract from the film. Elements of the EIS 2025 LGBT History Month event were captured to feature in Sarah’s final film which is due to be released in 2026. Her work will be instrumental in preserving and amplifying the voices of those affected by the legislation, ensuring that these stories are not forgotten and captured through the power of film.
Shocked, then angry, then confused and finally experiencing some kind of grief for an adolescence that might have been quite different
Commenting on the event, Sarah said, “I went to school under Section 28 in Edinburgh, first in Trinity Primary School and later the Royal High School. I found out about Section 28 aged 30, and it was a mix of emotions. Shocked, then angry, then confused, and finally experiencing some kind of grief for an adolescence that might have been quite different if I had had positive images of LGBTQ people.”
“Being at the event at EIS on Friday 21st for LGBTQ+ history month was a moving experience for me. I’ve been working on this film for nearly 5 years, it takes a long time to fund and make documentaries and being able to show teachers from the time and those educated under Section 28 a short clip was quite moving for me. I’m really grateful for the opportunity to share this work in progress and the responses from people in the room and what it stirred up for them. I feel the weight of telling this story in the best way I can that’s both representative of the past and nudging us to stand up for LGBTQ rights in the future.”
“These events are great, and needed. I could feel the joy in the room. It’s a positive celebration of the hard work done by organisations like TIE, EIS and others and we need to keep cheering them on in the face of stormy times ahead. I certainly felt that at the event, a pride from everyone in the room doing this work and championing positive images of LGBTQ people in education and beyond.”
Read Sarah’s blog.
New EIS Learning Films
A major feature of the night was the release of five new learning films created by the EIS, designed to educate and inform members, activists, learners and beyond about the legacy of Section 28/2A and the broader fight for LGBT rights in education.
The videos feature four individual interviews and a collective longer piece capturing the stories and reflections of retired member, James Whannel, activist Sue John from the Glasgow Women’s Library and current LGBT teachers and EIS Activists, Pam Currie and Dawn Wilson. These insightful films serve as an essential resource for teachers, students, and activists working towards a more inclusive curriculum.