My name is Jabar Hussain and I have recently withdrawn my 9-year-old son from Parkfield Community School because it has decided to implement a programme called No Outsiders.

At 9 years of age, my son is only just starting to understand sexual differences and biological reproduction. The idea that two men can produce a baby is overwhelming for him. No Outsiders also teaches gender politics: that a boy may choose to be a girl and vice versa. I know I am not alone in thinking that this is inappropriate and can only sow confusion in young children.

My son may be at risk of emotional and physical harm when he is told that “it is okay to feel your body is wrong” or “it is okay to change gender”. Changing sex or gender could lead a child to life-altering medical treatments such as drugs and surgery and can also cause personal unhappiness. This should not be taught to primary aged children.

No Outsiders does not consider the wishes of parents to be important and teaches that children must learn and internalise its values, no matter what.

I acknowledge that there are different families in the UK and I respect those who choose to live a different life from my own. However, there are more and more LGBTQIA+ identities each day and even adults struggle to keep up with them. As a parent, I should have some say in how my child navigates this difficult world. My son has the right to ask me questions about how his family and community view these issues without feeling he is breaking the school rules – even while at home. 

No Outsiders reflects a worldview in which religion is not a positive thing, but something negative.

For me, my Muslim faith is the positive basis of deeply held convictions. I respect the fact that in the UK there are people of many different faiths and many who live without faith. I ask that my faith – the faith of my children – be respected, not undermined.

I have applied for Legal Aid in order to challenge the implementation of No Outsiders in my son’s school and been told I must first raise money through CrowdJustice.

I am asking for your help in donating now to the legal campaign to remove the No Outsiders from my son’s school so that he can return to school – no longer as an Outsider.