Ian has written a book that clearly comes from both his personal and political awareness.

As a gay teacher who, like so many before him, had a torrid time at school – experiencing no positive mention of homosexuality and suffering bouts of homophobic bullying – he writes with passion and knowledge in the hope of making sure that another generation does not have to suffer as he did.

It is a very well-constructed how-to book for educators and anyone who is working in an organisation, taking the reader through clear steps that are not only LGBTQ+ friendly but explore and enable inclusivity.

The book is timely given the challenges we now face with the right wing particularly in America but also here in the UK, challenging the human rights of trans people.

The book takes the reader on a journey to discover the myriad of reasons why the work is necessary, the footnotes and resources alone are compelling.

The discussion of emotional suffering and scarring leading to unfulfilled potential makesclear to the uninitiated the crucialness of the work.

Ian uses a compassionate tone, indicating that we all need to learn – that knowing how defamatorylanguage, lack of representation and silence has a negative effect, not only on young people who know they are LGBT+ or who are beginning to think they might be, but on everyone.

Ignorance leads to prejudice, and it is every teacher and employer’s job to make sure that every student and staff member is safe and in a position where they can be seen as who they are.

It’s More than Flags and Rainbows is a clever title, indicating as it does that superficial signalling is not sufficient.

Ian takes care to guide us through small steps that have a fair chance of success. Then leads us on slowly to deeper changes that will affect the school or organisational culture and its curriculum or policies.

Throughout he offers examples of resources and reminds us to take care of ourselves and find named allies to support us.

So check out the footnotes and the resources at the back and you will have a companion and guide to the crucial work of ensuring that your organisation recognises and celebrates each and every person in it.

This book will be enormously helpful to those responsible for schools, whether as governor, school leader, or with local authority or MAT responsibilities. The issues around gender and identity are some of the most complex challenges facing schools today. Those issues are dealt with in a clear and measured analysis of every aspect. Ian Timbrell offers a coherent approach with guidelines for decisions and advice on best ways forward, all with sensitivity and always in the best interests of young people.

A positive and purposeful book with the occasional dollop of humour added throughout. Almost every sentence and paragraph needs highlighting for its ideas, provocation, or information. Ian’s experience of growing up with homophobic bullying, and finding the courage it takes to come out, brings home the absolute need for every school to address LGBT+ identities as a core part of their approach to diversity, equality, inclusion, and belonging.

I wish had been given this book as a core text at the start of teaching. It would have been simultaneously enlightening and affirming of my values and passions within education. Furthermore, the explanations of terminology and the considered reasons for doing or not doing particular actions are very clear.

This is a brilliant book! I found it easy to read. A useful way to foster inclusion at any school or organisation that values all children and young people, outside or in.

It’s More Than Flags and Rainbows offers practical and actionable insights for education professionals interested in LGBTQ+ diversity and inclusion. It explores key themes with nuance and does not shy away from the more difficult conversations that need to be had in order to create meaningful inclusion beyond flags and rainbows. Ian shares his lived experience as a gay man, his practical knowledge as a former teacher, and his expertise as an LGBTQ+ diversity and inclusion consultant, to create a thought-provoking guide for educators. This book is a great and timely addition to the field of LGBTQ+ inclusive education!