Olly Alexander on No Outsiders: “We need to show our solidarity with Muslim LGBT people!”

A music superstar has waded into the ‘No Outsiders‘ row over protests being held outside schools across Birmingham.

Olly Alexander, frontman for British synth-pop band Years and Years, delivered an impassioned speech in favour of LGBT+ education in schools across the UK during the band’s performance at Birmingham Pride on Saturday night.

Speaking on the main stage at Pride, the frontman transitioned into advocating for LGBT+ inclusive education.

“There are primary schools where apparently it’s not acceptable to learn that we exist. Like that’s the issue. And all that means is that Pride is still a protest and its for us to remind ourselves to show all those kids who are being told that they can’t learn about the possibility of gay people existing.”

Alexander is openly gay but admits he was told to hide his sexuality when he started his music career. The band frontman is now unapologetically out and strongly believes in campaigning for equality.

He’s also made a BBC documentary about his experiences, called Growing Up Gay, and said that speaking candidly about homosexuality had helped him combat his anxiety.

The No Outsiders project was created by Andrew Moffat MBE, assistant head teacher at Parkfield Community School in Birmingham. Mr Moffat created it to teach children about the Equality Act 2010 and British values. He also wanted pupils to recognise and celebrate difference and diversity.

Alexander added: “We need to show our solidarity with Muslim LGBT people and with people of different faiths, because I feel as well we will get through this together. I do think a lot of people’s intolerances and bigotry does come from a place of fear and misunderstanding.”

He ended his speech saying “But sometimes we have to just keep fucking going and not let it knock us down!”

Tickets are still available for Birmingham Pride 2019 via the the Birmingham Pride website or at the door.