Product reviews for It’s More than Flags and Rainbows

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.