Gay News

Complaints from parents after school play tells kids 'it's OK to be gay'

Wednesday, 12th November 2008

Written by Franecsca Cookney

Fit - a hip-hop musical The latest piece of educational theatre has caused controversy as parents complain that their children are too young to be talking about homosexuality.

'Fit' is a hip-hop musical which has been performed at some 75 schools across the UK by the Drill Hall touring theatre group. But for some parents, it is too much too soon. One mother, whose two children currently attend Dagenham Park Community School in east London, said: "When I was 11, I didn't even know what 'gay' was".

In a similar vein, the father of a 12-year old pupil at the school said: "Maybe I'm pretty old-fashioned sort of bloke but I don't want my boy seeing this. I could be wrong but I don't think it's normal to think about being gay at that age."

We can only assume that it is not their children who are being subjected to the homophobic bullying that takes place with alarming frequency across the nation's playgrounds. Although with attitudes like this at home, their kids would probably be too afraid to say.

"This is a profoundly important play and I'm pleased our students will get to see it and think about its messages," said Jenni Lewis, head of Drama at Dagenham Park, while the local council issued a press release commending what they described as a "pioneering anti-homophobia play".

The play includes a post-performance question and answer session with the playwright and teachers are encouraged to discuss the issues raised in personal, social and health education lessons.