CarnalNation

In honor of the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia in May, Bromstone Primary in Broadstairs, Kent, UK, held an assembly for its students on the topic of bullying, which included a section on homophobia. As part of the presentation to the elementary school students, songs by Elton John were played. Some parents have expressed outrage over the assembly, saying that their children were left "confused" and "worried" by the information they received. Parent Gemma Martin said, "An Elton John song was played and the kids were told that Elton John was gay, and what that meant." Martin also said that the information about homosexuality has scared a number of the little girls and led them to question their friendships with other girls. "Little girls often cuddle each other if one of them is crying or has fallen over, and now they are afraid to do that in case the others think they are gay," she said. When the outraged parents tried to lodge complaints with the school, they claim they were branded 'homophobic' by school officials. Headmaster Nigel Utton claims that most parents have had been very positive about the way the school handled the difficult topic. That said, being subjected to Elton John songs could, indeed, reduce one to tears and might, in some quarters, be considered bullying.