Untitled 2a is a film created last year for a film installation. It unveils my own autobiographical struggle of coming to terms with my sexuality where the education system has failed me.

“Too often, our children don’t get the education they need - the education they deserve [...] Children who need to be taught to respect traditional moral values are being taught that they have an inalienable right to be gay.”

     Margaret Thatcher during her speech to the Conservative party conference 9 Oct 1987

A controversial addition of Section 2a to Section 28 of the Local Government Act 1988 prohibited the promotion of the teaching of acceptability of homosexuality as a pretended family relationship.

The clause was repealed by Section 122 of the Local Government Act 2003, but its effects are still real and alive in schools today. Stonewall Cymru and youGov conducted a survey that revealed that 87% of secondary school teachers say homophobic bullying happens in their schools. 85% of staff have not received specific training on how to tackle homophobic bullying. A third of teachers hear homophobic language from other school staff. Full article, http://www.stonewallcymru.org.uk/cymru/english/media/current_releas... I think you will agree that these figures are astonishing. 

I am currently in the early stages of developing my work of Untitled 2a. In the long-term, I aim to develop strategies that will ultimately support teachers, parents, young people etc. to eradicate homophobia in our schools in Wales and beyond.

I call out to everyone who reads this blog to respond below with your thoughts and potential involvement in my project. You can also contact me by email joshalantrask@me.com with any personal experiences or questions about the project. I also ask that you share this blog if you know of someone who would be interested in the project.


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Comment by Emma MacNab on February 11, 2015 at 11:50
Hi Josh
We've got a team event called workout coming up and I rhin it could really help. It's aom is to help people develop projects and make new collaborations. There are always devisors/creators/directors/actors/writers/etc looking to work on projects and help people develop their ideas. The next one is on 21st feb at WMC in Cardiff. It's completely free. Contact Laura from Team or give me a message if you want more info.

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