What do you see in the picture, where are they, what are they doing, what do you think this story is about?
This picture was taken at Birmingham Pride last weekend.
What is Pride? Why do people go on Pride events, who is it for?
(pupils may say Pride is for everyone, which is true, but ask what it is specifically for. Is it about racism, for example? What are the four or five letters you often hear when talking about Pride and what do they stand for - LGBTQ+)
There are Pride events every year in many cities around the world. Thousands of people march, wave flags and celebrate acceptance and freedom to be who they are.
Birmingham City Council flew the rainbow flag above the Council House and the library lit up in rainbow colours over the weekend.
Why do that? What is the council trying to show residents of Birmingham in 2026?
Some councils in the UK have banned Pride flags in public buildings this year. In Havering, East London, for example, the council office has flown a Pride flag during Pride month every year, but this year they will not. They have also told libraries to "scale back" pride celebrations. They say only the Union jack and St George's cross can be flown from public buildings.
What do you think about this decision?
What do you think some residents in Havering did in response?
What does "being more direct" mean?
You could argue there's no point in doing this as the decision can't be changed. What do you think?
In your opinion, did the residents do the right thing, are they breaking the law?
The Havering council leader explained the reason the council do not feel they need to fly the Pride flag; "The union (jack) flag represents our country and as such is inclusive of all our residents."
Can you see both sides of this argument?
What is your opinion?
Some people might argue in 2026 we don't need Pride events anyway. What are the arguments for and against this argument?
In a statement, Birmingham City Council said, "Pride helps create a city where everyone can live without fear and prejudice."
Why do some people live with fear and prejudice?
Why do you think Birmingham Council thinks a Pride event can help?
How do we make sure in our school there is no fear and prejudice - what can we do about that?
Why is this about No Outsiders?
Which British value is this about?
Do you want this assembly as a power point with Oracy sentence stems? To join the free mailing list and receive these assemblies as power points every week, email me on a.moffat@excelsiormat.org
No Outsiders: We belong here by Andrew Moffat (scheme of work for primary schools)
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