Individuals CAN, and DO, Make a Difference

Have you ever disagreed with something, but said nothing? The human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell spoke to Charters Sixth Form students this week and encouraged them to stand up for what they believe to be right, and become 'change-makers'.

During his 30 minute presentation he gave examples which illustrated that just a few people can make a difference and inform social change; from Emmeline Pankhurst who was part of the UK's suffrage movement and founded the Women's Social and Political Union in 1903, to Rosa Parks who refused to give up her seat on a bus for a white man in Montgomery, Alabama in 1955, history shows us that just a few people can make a difference.

He encouraged our young adults to get involved in their local community, and his speech was full of personal examples which showed them that making a change is possible. In 1998 Peter exercised his right to free-speech when he interrupted the Easter sermon at Canterbury Cathedral to challenge the Church of England's stance on terminating the employment of gay clergy. Although arrested and fined for this act, it resulted in a dialogue starting between the Archbishop of Canterbuty and the LGBT community shortly after the incident.  In 2018 he staged a solo protect to highlight Russia's human rights abuses against gay men in Chechnya. The protest changed the narrative, and was the top news story around the world instead of the World Cup. 

Time and again Peter stressed that if there is something you feel strongly about, you can make a difference. 

Following Peter's talk, students had a Q&A session with him, asking a variety of questions that both praised and challenged his work.  Our Sixth Form students asked insightful questions, and Year 12 Gethin especially, put some tough thoughts to Peter about his role in several topical issues.

Ms Hughes, who helped organise Peter's visit said, "As our sixth formers are nearing adulthood, we would like to empower them to stand up for what they believe in and recognise their power to bring about change. We've invited Peter Tatchell in, a man who has spent his life campaigning for human rights, often at the expense of his personal safety, to inspire them to be a 'change-maker' and create for themselves a culture to be proud of as global citizens." 

We would like to thank Peter for his inspirational words, and for taking the time to visit our school.

If you wish to find out more about Peter, you can do so through his website.