Pride in PE: Spotlight on Kerstin Casparij
This Pride Month, the PE Department is looking to the world of professional football for inspiration!
Huge congratulations to Manchester City right-back and Dutch international Kerstin Casparij on an incredible double-winning season (WSL and FA Cup)!
Beyond her massive talent on the ball, Kerstin is a powerful voice for the LGBTQ+ community. As a proud lesbian and a passionate advocate for trans rights, she recently stepped up as a patron for the LGBT Foundation to help build safe spaces for queer women.
Thank you, Kerstin, for showing our students what it means to be a champion for everyone.
Pride in Art: Celebrating a Yorkshire Trailblazer
For this week's Pride Month feature, our Art Department is looking at the incredible legacy of Bradford-born artist David Hockney! 👓✨
Widely considered one of the greatest living British artists, Hockney was famous worldwide for his brilliant, sun-soaked colours and massive contributions to Pop Art.
Beyond his incredible talent, Hockney was a foundational icon for the LGBTQ+ community. Standing up as an openly gay man in the 1960s - before it was legal or socially accepted - he chose to put queer relationships and identities directly onto his canvases.
By refusing to hide who he was, Hockney broke down barriers for generations of artists who followed.
Our students learn from his technique, but they can also learn from his immense courage to be bold, unique, and unapologetically himself.
Zanele Muholi: Visual Activist
Our Art Department is also incredibly proud to feature the legendary South African photographer Zanele Muholi for Pride Month.
Identifying as a "visual activist," Muholi uses the camera lens to fight for equality, safety, and human rights. Their stunning, award-winning black-and-white portraits document and celebrate the lived experiences of Black lesbian, gay, trans, and non-binary individuals.
Why Their Work Matters: In a world where queer stories are too often hidden or marginalised, Muholi’s photography captures the sheer joy, resilience, and dignity of the community.
Through their art, Muholi reminds us all of the importance of being seen, being heard, and being proud of who we are.
Pride in Drama: Gina Yashere
Our Drama Department is wrapping up our Pride Month features by celebrating the brilliant Gina Yashere - a true trailblazer for queer and Black British talent in showbiz!
From her early days stand-up comedy and appearing on Live at the Apollo, Gina has always used her voice completely unapologetically.
A True All-Rounder: Gina didn't stop at acting. She moved behind the camera to become an executive producer and co-creator of major TV sitcoms in the US, proving that representation matters just as much in the writer's room as it does on screen.
As a proud lesbian woman, Gina’s incredible journey shows our students that authenticity, hard work, and a bit of sharp wit can take you all the way from London to Hollywood.
Spotlight on Alan Cumming!
Our Drama Department is highlighting the brilliant Scottish actor, singer, and writer Alan Cumming for Pride Month!
Alan is a master of transformation. Whether he is performing Shakespeare, starring in a hit Broadway musical, or capturing audiences on television, his energy and range are unmatched.
More Than An Actor: Alan is also a dedicated activist. For decades, he has spoken openly about his identity as a bisexual man, fighting to ensure young people grow up in a world where they feel safe, seen, and celebrated.
He proves that you don't have to fit into a single box to build a spectacular life and career.
Pride in Music: Celebrating LGBTQ+ Artists
Our Pride Month celebrations are moving from the assembly hall straight into the classroom! This month, Guiseley students are exploring how the theme of pride connects directly to their everyday curriculum.
In our Music Department, students are tuning in to the incredible impact of LGBTQ+ musicians, vocalists, and creators. From the timeless, legendary anthems of Sir Elton John to the history-making, powerhouse performances of Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, our classes are diving deep into how these artists have shaped the global music industry.
Through their music, our students are learning that creativity thrives when people are free to be completely authentic.