The first step towards change is awareness. The second step is acceptance – Nathaniel Branden

*PRIDE AND BEYOND*

“The first step towards change is awareness. The second step is acceptance.”- Nathaniel Branden

Acceptance is the key to peace and ensures a harmonious future for all of us.

Billabong High International School conducted a physical assembly, attended by students of Grade 7 to 12, on the occasion of Pride Month. It was the school’s second season of the celebration which had formerly been done through an online meeting.

The objective of the event was to divulge to students the fact that the world is diverse in sexualities as well.

The students were given a detailed explanation of the LGBTQ+ acronyms, pronouns, and the nuances of gender identities and sexual orientations by the Guests of Honour, from Laksya Trust ,Madam Maya Urmila Kohli and Mr. Ritesh Desai. Various speeches and discussions on the struggles, history and the progress of the community informed the students about how one’s sexuality is never a choice, but an innate gift that allows one to embrace self and love in it’s authentic character that is not just tethered to opposite-sex relationships, it’s soft ribbons secure the hearts of men that are feminine, women that are masculine, and children in exploration of their identity.

Billabong High International School’s efforts to educate students and raise awareness on sensitive topics were made possible due to the constant support of the Principal, Dr. Priti Shrimal, the High School Coordinator, Ms.Hetal Thakkar and the Sociology teacher, Dr. Pooja Dikshit Joshi.