Book Nook - It’s More than Flags and Rainbows: Getting LGBTQ+ provision right in schools

Significant progress has been made in relation to LGBTQ+ rights in the last few decades, with the legalisation of gay marriage marking a major turning point. Despite this, for many LGBTQ+ students, the reality of school life remains challenging at best. Between 30% and 50% of LGBTQ+ young people are likely to have experienced bullying in schools, and they are twice as likely to experience depression, anxiety, and panic attacks compared with their peers.¹ From a recent rise in anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric in public discourse to debates over curriculum content, young people are still growing up in an environment where their identities are politicised and erased.

Even in schools that outwardly celebrate diversity, LGBTQ+ inclusive actions tend to be limited to token gestures or one-off assemblies which are insufficient and rarely tackle the root cause of homophobic bullying. In an age of political and ideological polarisation, it’s more important than ever to establish a comprehensively inclusive environment in schools where every child feels safe, seen and supported; not just during Pride Month, but every day of the year.

As the founder of the not-for-profit organisation, More Than Flags and Rainbows, Ian Timbrell is a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion in schools. Drawing on his personal journey and 20 years of teaching experience, Ian works with schools across the UK, distilling his lived and professional insights into practical strategies for creating safe, inclusive environments where everyone can thrive.

Ian’s new book, It’s More Than Flags and Rainbows: Getting LGBTQ+ Provision Right in Schools, is an inspirational handbook that helps schools develop the confidence and the know-how to embed inclusivity as a consistent and sustained part of school life. It gives teachers and leaders step-by-step guidance, enabling schools to plan strategically to establish an environment where all children and young people can freely express their authentic selves. Although the focus of the book is on LGBTQ+ diversity and inclusion, many of the principles in this book are applicable to most areas of diversity.

At the beginning of each chapter, Ian includes a vignette from his life story, offering context about how he arrived at his ideas, and also demonstrating how the issues tackled in the book appear in real-world settings. Written with warmth, passion and empathy, It’s More Than Flags and Rainbows is both a rallying cry and a practical toolkit for change.

Essential reading for principals, teachers, guidance counsellors or anyone passionate about LGBTQ+ inclusion and diversity in schools.

Ian Timbrell is the founder of More Than Flags and Rainbows, a not-for-profit organisation that supports schools and charities with LGBTQ+ inclusion. He is an Independent Thinking Associate and has delivered inspiring talks and workshops across the UK that empower educators to tackle homophobic bullying, embrace equity and foster inclusivity. Drawing on his personal journey and 20 years of teaching experience, Ian’s debut title, It’s More Than Flags and Rainbows provides schools with the knowledge and strategies to create meaningful, lasting change for LGBTQ+ inclusion.