Beautiful BSL

The deaf community is currently campaigning for British Sign Language (BSL) to be officially recognised as a language of the United Kingdom. MP Rosie Cooper gave the 3rd reading to the Private Members Bill on Friday 18th March 2022, and over three thousand people - deaf, hearing, deaf-blind people, attend Trafalgar Square to rally for the BSL Bill. Tallis’ KS4 DSC students and some students from Year 10 BSL class attended the rally to support the BSL Bill. Rose Ayling-Ellis (Eastenders and Strictly 2022 winner), Nadeem Islam (Small World, The Bay, also ex Tallis student) were on stage addressing the importance of passing the BSL Bill. We met a couple of ex Tallis students, Jazzy Whipps (Youtuber) and Benny Ngo (Youtuber) and they chatted with our students. It was an unequivocally historical event of epic proportions, especially when the reading swiftly passed with unopposed votes!

Great news! The House of Lords passed their 1st reading on 21st March 2022, and the 2nd reading is scheduled for 1st April 2022, where politicians will debate whether to pass the BSL Bill prior to Royal Assent. We at Tallis are optimistic that the House of Lords are in favour.

The day went smoothly, we were so grateful of the glorious weather and were met with a friendly and joyful atmosphere.
Channel 5 News broadcast the event.

Spot us in the crowd? (We were at the front area before moving to the back as we need some space to roam round!)

Rally at the front.

Nadeem Islam, ex Tallis student sharing his view why the BSL Act must pass.

Us rallying for the BSL Bill to pass.

Meeting ex Tallis students (Jazzy, Benny and Sam).

Again, can you spot us?

Announcement: 3rd reading passed the Members Bill.

MP Rosie Cooper explaining what happened at the Private Members Bill reading.

Here are some comments from students:

It was really good and I did not expect to see so many deaf people together in my life. I had a great time! Before I went to the rally, I was expecting to see only a few people. The purpose of this rally is to make BSL an official language of the UK. It was interesting to see new people such as youtubers, celebrities and people from different schools. We were so elated about the BSL Bill being passed.  
-- Safa, Year 10 

I thought it there would only be a couple of people there. But there were over thousands of people there and I felt very overwhelmed. However, it was nice to be there, and it was a fun experience for me especially seeing old friends. It was nice to see everyone supporting the BSL Bill, and I was surprised to see the BSL Bill was passed quickly with no unopposed vote! That is good news for us.  
-- Aimee, Year 10

It was new and different for me to be around so many deaf people. I was slightly out of my comfort zone because I was surrounded by a whole new community. But I didn’t feel uncomfortable, it was beautiful and interesting. I really enjoyed the experience. I thought it was a great day and very important to be there. I was so happy when the Act passed with no rejections, and I could tell it meant a lot to the people in the crowd. It made me feel really happy to be there. 
-- Nekane Year 10 

It was packed! I thought it would be a small amount of people. But when we came round the corner from Charing Cross Station and walked to the top of Trafalgar Square, we looked down to see thousands of deaf people! I was so shocked; I had never seen so many deaf people! There were about four thousand people there! It was amazing to see that many people signing, everyone was so friendly, and they were asking us questions. The atmosphere was happy and positive, so many people fighting for their rights. When it was announced that they got a 3rd reading passed with no rejections, everyone did the ‘deaf cheer’. It showed how happy and excited everyone was. 
-- Shannon Year 10 

I did not know that many deaf people would attend the rally. Everywhere I looked, there were people signing to each other. I found it very interesting. It was lovely to see Rose there. I did not expect there to be thousands of people there. It was very crowded but I was thankful for the nice weather. The stage wasn’t big, but a big screen was attached so you could see the stage from the back. It was originally meant to take place at Parliament Square but moved due to the large number of attendees. The Bill passed with no rejections and the whole crowd cheered and signed the deaf applause. BSL should have always been recognised! It’s a language. It’s how deaf people communicate. 
-- Rylee Year 10 ​

When we arrived, I was amazed at how many deaf people there were, we barely got through the crowd to the school enclosure. It was a really hot day and we met ex Tallis students, like Jazzy Whipps. I saw my Dad and his friends there, also some people from deaf club. 
-- Josh Year 10 ​

I really enjoyed it as someone with a deaf mum and friends, it touched my heart seeing both deaf and hearing come together and unite as one to help make a change. I loved how they shed light to the deaf community and had people only signing on the stage. It was so beautiful to see so many deaf people express themselves and to be proud of who they are. I am so thankful to be involved in something so important. It was also so lovely to see people be so passionate, and I am thankful the Government have finally heard us. Sign Language is so important and should be mandatory in every school as deaf people are not rare and there are all different levels of it. They are just as important as any hearing person. Why should they be treated as a minority just because they can’t hear? Also, you or your loved one could potentially lose your hearing in the future. Anyone is capable of anything and to have your own language restricts their opportunities which is very selfish. You never know they could go on and be a brain surgeon. 
​-- Libby Year 10. 

-- Jane Newman, Deaf Support Centre