Local

Pride week at school number 225 has concluded

On September 27, the organiser of the pride week, Aleks Shah, suspended their education at the school after experiencing violence

17/Nov/23

1153

The pride week at school number 225 has concluded

On September 27, the organiser of the pride week, Aleks Shah, suspended their education at the school after experiencing violence. This created an obstruction of their awareness activities within the school premises, planned for October 9-15.

On the final day of the pride week, Aleks raised the LGBTQ+ flag in front of the school, number 225. Having come to the school with an openly queer identity in 2021, Aleks Shah has become aware of the queerphobia present in the education system over the past three years.

Having complained twice about the anti-LGBTQ+ bias in the school during one year, Aleks, who strives to be a voice for the queer community, is currently boycotting the school independently.

Aleks Shah stated that the harassment and threats from the school administration, teachers, and fellow students could not overshadow their determination to draw attention to the problems within his school, with the support of activism and platforms.

The "225 Pride" collective issued a statement regarding the pride week, saying:

"Stand against acts of violence!
As LGBTQ+ citizens, we face double discrimination in long-term areas affecting our lives such as employment, housing, and education. In our schools, which are spaces of expression and formation for ourselves, we face bullying and marginalisation due to our gender identity, sexual orientation, and other marginalised identities.
The goal of the '225 Pride' platform is to raise awareness about LGBTQ+ students and school staff at the 225 Secondary School named after Telman Abbasov. We know that the process of being visible and expressing ourselves is gradual.
Free and safe education, school corridors, classrooms, and the school community belong to all of us. This platform will serve as a means to call more than 1000 students and nearly 100 teachers to participate in building a safe Azerbaijan. Collaborating with LGBTQ+ students and school staff will enhance the well-being of all of us."