Yahoo News School head subjected to homophobic abuse after painting LGBT crossing
A headteacher has been inundated with homophobic abuse after painting a level crossing outside her school in LGBT colours.
Gerry Robinson, head of Woodside High School, in Wood Green, north London received hundreds of vile and abusive messages after a rainbow crossing was painted outside the gates.
The crossing became the first in Britain to be painted in the rainbow colour scheme to mark LGBT History Month.
Despite the abuse Ms Robinson has vowed to continue her work for equality.
“I am hugely proud of our students in their successful campaign to have the first rainbow crossing outside a school in the UK,” Ms Robinson said.
"This rainbow crossing stands for our commitment to championing equality, for our children’s rights to be respected and able to thrive as themselves, in school and beyond.
"I am enormously grateful to Haringey Council for supporting this important cause and for championing both equality and student voice.”
"The hundreds of abusive messages regarding Woodside's work on equality will not deter us from continuing our work.
"In fact, it only encourages us further for we do not want our students to go out into the world and face such hate."
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She added: "Never has there been a more important time to stand up to hate in all its forms and education is a key part of that."
The school posted on Twitter: "Our rainbow crossing has been up less than 4 days & we have had over 200 abusive messages.
"This may seem shocking to some, but for the LGBTQI+ community, threats, aggression & hate is a regular occurence.
"Education is critical in addressing this LGBT History Month."
The crossing was funded by Haringey Council.
