‘It’s our duty to show up and be visible’: Drag Race queens Tia Kofi and Veronica Green go back to school to teach children the wonders of LGBT

Drag Race UK queens Tia Kofi and Veronica Green have been sent back to school by Metro.co.uk to teach the children at Charlotte Sharmon Primary in London all about the beauty and wonder of the LGBT community – a lesson and insight so many children never receive growing up.

Primary schools in the United Kingdom are still not required to teach young children LGBT inclusive lessons, when essentially a reluctance to do so simply deprives kids of understanding and having their eyes opened to a community packed with imagination, creativity and acceptance – possibly three of the most important tools children can grow up with.

For most, growing up LGBT is a lonely experience, having to navigate through the most complex journey alone without any point of reference or guidance to help them on their path.

Education undoubtedly plays a huge role in a child’s self-discovery. If LGBT history and people are removed from the classroom, for many young people – LGBT or otherwise – it will take years until they discover a community out there wanting to welcome them with open arms, that celebrates difference and individuality with lessons in resilience and strength like no other.  

In turn, Tia and Veronica spoke to children of a variety of ages, each with insightful questions about the queens’ experiences of being LGBT.

‘It was super important to come here because things have been changing and young people today are much more open minded and aware of things going on in the world,’ Tia explained.

Drag Race stars Tia Kofi and Veronica Green go back to school (Picture: Metro UK)

The children of Charlotte Sharman Primary school asked the queens questions about LGBT (Picture: Metro UK)

‘For us to come back to a primary school where we weren’t treated as nicely as we could have been and have this warm and lovely experience from all these kids asking these really interesting and thought provoking questions.

‘It’s just gorgeous to see how far we’ve come and know these kids are the ones who are going to keep pushing this further.’

Veronica Green: ‘It’s our duty to show up and be visible’ (Picture: Metro UK)

‘These kids are the ones who are gong to keep pushing this further’ (Picture: Metro UK)

‘For me it was so important coming here today because I cast my mind back to when I was in Primary school and people like Tia and me didn’t exist back then,’ added Veronica.

‘If I could have been introduced to inspiring figures who would then lead me to this path earlier it would have made me a much happier child.

‘It’s our duty to show up and be visible. When children see themselves within you they realise they can be whoever they want to be.

‘It doesn’t necessarily mean being a drag queen but it means they can be creative and colourful and bright individuals.’

When children see themselves within you they realise they can be whoever they want to be

Charlotte Sharman’s head teacher said it was ‘one of the nicest experiences for our children to take part in’.

‘Celebrating all the ways that make us unique and different, including Pride, is something we hold dearly.

‘Both Tia and Veronica welcomed the children warmly, opened up honestly to them and empowered them to do more, without patronising or shying away from key issues.

‘They were real role models and inspirations. They took the time to ensure the children felt special and listened too and gave them an experience they will remember for years to come.’

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