Sir Ian McKellan Visits Learn to lead Equalities Team

Sir Ian Mckellan has been so impressed with the work of the Learn to lead equalities team at Chew Valley, a Performing Arts College in Bristol, he tweeted so! He visited Chew Valley School to learn about the work they had been doing in promoting human rights, opposing bullying and in particular challenging homophobic language and behaviour in school.

The Equalities Team have achieved national recognition for their campaigning work, addressing a Stonewall Conference in London and being made Stonewall Champions.

Ian McKellan with Students from Chew valley School

Sir Ian McKellen was a founder member of Stonewall and has devoted much of his private time to supporting the organisation and promoting equal rights. Greeted by Brian Matthews, Dani Ireland and Holly Dando from the Equalities Team, he was bowled over by Chew Valley School, the work it is doing and the atmosphere and pupils he encountered.

In a series of mesmerising addresses and question and answer sessions he talked movingly about his own personal history in the context of changing attitudes and legislation in relation to gay rights. Whilst celebrating the undoubted progress he has witnessed in his own life-time he urged Chew Valley students to continue to be a beacon for civilised attitudes and behaviour against the cruelties that can exist on these shores as well as intolerant societies abroad.

He also had this important message for the students gathered outside the library to catch a glimpse of the actor