Derby’s mayor has spoken frankly about his experiences of homophobia at a special event held at a city school to help pupils learn about hate crime.
Councillor Robin Wood – the longest serving member of Derby City Council – spoke to Year 8 students at The Bemrose School about his role as Mayor, and how, when he was voted into the role unanimously back in 2021, he made history in becoming what is believed to be the first male Mayor of Derby who is assisted by his husband, the Mayor’s Consort, Andy Flint.
Organised by Kelsey Mumford, Stevie Wild Derby City Council Neighbourhood Partnership Officers and Sally Siner Prevent Education Officer for Derby City Council supported by Derby Homes, the Spectrum of Hate event was held to coincide with Hate Crime Awareness Week.
Guest speakers at the Bemrose School Spectrum of Hate event.
It also featured guest speakers who shared their lived experiences with mental health, and those who had experienced Islamophobia.
Neil Wilkinson, executive headteacher at The Bemrose School, said: “The words ‘Spectrum of Hate’ sound like very strong ones to use, but we wanted to educate our pupils on issues that affect us all in the world today. We know that hatred breeds crime and activities, and that we don’t want our young people and adults to grow up in a world where this exists.
“The event, which was brilliantly organised by Derby City Council, has helped our pupils to understand issues that they may come across in their lives so that, ultimately, it doesn’t manifest in hatred and cause harm and distress to other people’s lives.
“LGBTQ+, radicalisation and things that young people can be exposed to across the whole of Derby city and the wider area. Our aim is to help them to understand these topics; not to normalise the issues and behaviours but to help them understand that those behaviours aren’t acceptable.
“We want our pupils to be happy, safe and understanding of people’s diversity. We want them to be inclusive in their lives so that they not only respect people, but also help them get along and understand that people are unique, people are different and their individuality is what makes them unique.”
Loue Marc, a musician who held a charity event at The Hairy Dog in Derby last year, raising funds for mental health organisation Mind, spoke of how music helps him.
He said: “There is still such a stigma around mental health and I want to get people talking more. I shared my experiences of how music helps me, and it was really well received.”
The event at The Bemrose School was one of several organised by Derby City Council to mark Hate Crime Awareness Week.
Kelsey Mumford, of Derby City Council, said: “The Spectrum of Hate is a hate crime awareness event targeted at Year 8 students and is a lived experience workshop. They hear from guest speakers from all the recognised strands and are provided with support, information and helplines.
“It has been such a well-received, thought-provoking event and we’ve been lucky to hear from some inspirational people talking about and sharing their experiences.
“It is so important to keep the conversation going and educating others. The students at Bemrose were engaged with the volunteers and I was really proud of them.”
ENDS
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