Resource created by: West Yorkshire Queer Stories.

This learning story examines how a group of students at Leeds University actively campaigned against Section 28, and the discrimination of LGBTIQ+ people. An interview transcript is available which covers more of the issues faced by LGBTIQ+ community at that time. 

Curriculum Links

KS3 History: A study of an aspect of social history

KS3 & 4 PSHE: Relationships

KS3 Citizenship: The roles played by public institutions and voluntary groups in society, and the ways in which citizens work together to improve their communities.

KS3 Citizenship: The precious liberties enjoyed by the citizens of the United Kingdom

KS4 Citizenship: Human rights and international law

Discussion Ideas

• The Intentional Promotions stall was purposely designed so that it could be folded up and carried easily if there was a threat of violence.
  - How do you think it must have felt to be constantly assessing the potential for danger while protesting against discrimination?
  - Can you think of any issues in this country or in other countries where people may face similar dangers for promoting their beliefs?
• Intentional Promotions was an example of young adults taking action and protesting against injustice.
  - What are the issues sparking the protest and action among young adults today?
  - What tactics are they using to spread their message and persuade people to change their behaviour / change the law?
• Looking back through history, lots of political campaigns have used the same tactics as Intentional Promotions to publicise their cause, by holding rallies, distributing leaflets and creating merchandise.
  - Research examples of historical political campaigns that have used these tactics,
  - Do you think these tactics are still effective?
  - Why / why not?
  - What other forms of communication are available to campaigners today that were not available then?
• Some campaigners and protestors use violence in order to try and change a law they do not believe in. Suffragettes for example, were willing to take direct, militant action to secure the vote for women at the beginning of the 20th century. Do you think it is ever ok to use violence to promote a cause?
  - Why / why not?
  - Does it make a difference as to what the cause is that the campaigners are fighting for?
  - Does it make a difference if the violence is directed towards property (for example, damaging buildings) rather than people?
  - Why / why not?

Activity Ideas

• Find out about laws that affect LGBTIQ+ people in other countries.
  - How do they differ from those in the UK?
  - Which countries have the highest level of equality?
  - Which have the highest level of discrimination?
  - Devise a way to present your results visually. For example using an infographic, a map or graph(s).
• Historically, English law has discriminated more against homosexual men, than against homosexual women. Research to find out whether other countries have different laws for LGBTIQ+ people depending on their gender and / sexuality.
• Intentional Promotions used pin badges to spread their message and enable people to show support for their cause.
  - Design your own pin badge for a cause of your choice. Think carefully about:
  - Who is your badge aimed at?
  - Why have you chosen this audience or audiences?
  - What is your message? If you have chosen more than one audience, do you need a different message for each one?
  - How will you get this message across in the design? Think about colour, graphic devices and slogan.