#AlQaReading Book Club: Heartstopper (Pre-reading)

Heartstopper is a teen LGBTQ+ graphic novel series by Alice Oseman, covering life, love and everything in between. Sweet and funny, it also sensitively deals with topics like bullying and coming out.

Objectives: Explore the aims of LGBTQ+ History Month, Pride, and Stonewall; have a discussion about key issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community.

Outcomes: A number of discussions in response to group questions; a question that you still have about the LGBTQ+ community and its history.

Discussion questions:

1. How many books, films, or television series can you name with a same-sex relationship at its heart? Give examples.
2. Are you surprised at how many or how few you can name? Explain your ideas.
3. Why is it important that same-sex relationships are represented in books and on the stage and screen?
4. Can you think of any other people or groups in society who may feel underrepresented? What is the impact of this?
5. What do the letters ‘LGBTQ+’ stand for? Discuss these terms together.
6. What do you know already about LGBTQ+ History Month? What is its aim?
7. Have you ever heard of or attended Pride? What is it and how does it link to LGBTQ+ History Month?
8. What were the Stonewall riots? Is this something you have discussed already at school or elsewhere?

Task 1:

In small groups, you will have five minutes to discuss and come up with ideas for each of the questions that appear on the board. After five minutes, one person from your table will summarise one or two of the key points you have come up with. Try to avoid repeating each other and change your scribe and spokesperson after each round.

At the end of today’s lesson, in your notebook, note down a question you have about the LGBTQ+ community or its history that you would like to find the answer to over the course of your other Heartstopper lessons.

Extension: Can you link today’s discussions to any real-life examples you have witnessed or someone you know has experienced? Note: Make sure you are sensitive to the feelings of people who may be affected by what you are talking about. No need to use names or details that identify specific people!