I'm Still Me is a Theatre in Education piece, written and directed by Assistant Head [Equality and Diversity], Lindsay Greenaway, from Northampton School for Boys. The piece debuted at the 'I'm Still Me' LGBTQ Partnership Education Conference, held at Northampton University on the 5th of February 2015 - during LGBT history month. Later that year, the play was performed at the national Stonewall conference in London, and it was then made into a short film to be used as part of a teaching pack in schools.
The aim of the piece is to highlight and tackle homophobia in schools, using both comedic and thought-provoking scenes. The tongue-in-cheek style of the play is an insightful way of using humour to draw attention to the harsh nature of homophobia, biphobia and transphobia within schools; and stamps out gay stereotypes through a 'Guess the Gay' game show.
These kind of isolating views are formed through social influence within an individual's background and community. Therefore, finding a place where young people can have a safe environment to feel comfortable in themselves and be accepting of others is so important. As Lindsay said - "School is a place where ignorance can be challenged in a controlled and positive way". Education is vital.
LGBTQ theatre is ever changing and growing, yet there are still very few productions that actually include more than just the first two letters of the acronym. Not showing a well-rounded portrayal of all parts of the community, creates prejudice within it's self. Bi-phobia is something that I have become more aware of recently. Hearing comments that suggest, being Bisexual is "just an excuse to be promiscuous" or that Bisexual people do not really "deserve" to be part of the LGBT community. Those type of comments can be very damaging, especially when they come from other LGBTQ individual's - both in and out of the theatre environment.
However, I admire this play as it is a strong exception. From a moving verbatim monologue about having two lesbian mothers, to an emotive physical theatre scene between two transgender characters. It shows an inclusive representation of the community, and is intellectually accessible even to young children in Primary school as well as adults. The message of the play does not just help broaden the understanding for heterosexual/cis individuals, but it helps LGBTQ individuals know that they ARE accepted at school, even if home is not a safe environment for them to 'come-out'.
Being part of the 2017 and 2018 re-runs of the production and having the chance to speak to Lindsay about this play; gave me the inspiration to investigate more into the potent world of LGBTQ and the exploration of gender roles, within theatre. Both to enhance my own cultural knowledge, as well as, to write my 'Independent Research Project' on this topic.
I was personally very inspired and grateful to have been part of this production two years in a row - in many different ways.
It is okay to be you, your sexuality and gender is something that you deserve to embrace, but it does not define you. It is so important to raise the visibility of the community both within theatre and in general, whether you are part of the LGBTQ+ community or a Straight-ally. You are still, you.
Thank you Lindsay Greenaway for all the amazing work you are doing in celebrating this incredible community and best of luck for all the years to come of performing 'I'm Still Me'!
