Jonathan Bailey, star of Wicked and beloved by musical theatre fans and drama teachers nationwide, is now using his spotlight to promote LGBTQ+ inclusion in schools. Admirable, yes—but not everyone’s clapping. Some argue that when test scores are tanking, and kids can’t read a bus timetable, maybe we should spend a little less time on guest speakers with glitter and a little more on algebra and actual employability.
🎤 When the Curriculum Starts Singing
Let’s be real: not every kid has West End dreams or the luxury to find themselves through jazz hands and rainbow flags. In an age where AI is replacing jobs faster than you can say “Careers Advisor,” the growing pressure to turn schools into social laboratories rather than educational institutions has parents raising eyebrows—and questions.
No shade to Bailey (the man can belt), but when actors lecture on identity to classrooms still trying to spell “identity”, some wonder if we’re getting priorities backwards. Maybe let’s master the basics—like math, literacy, and critical thinking—before diving into identity theory and panel talks about pronouns in iambic pentameter.
And yes, inclusivity matters. Nobody’s saying kids should feel excluded. But there’s a big leap from “don’t bully people” to full-blown campaigns fronted by celebrities whose main qualification is looking great in stage lighting.
💥 Challenges 💥
Are schools becoming self-esteem factories instead of knowledge engines?
Is celebrity activism helping, or just hijacking classroom time for culture wars and clout?
📣 We want your say in the blog comments—whether you’re cheering Jonathan on or calling for a return to chalk and challenge. 💬📚
👇 Comment, like, and share if you think schools should focus on education first—and maybe let the theatre stay on stage.
Top comments will be featured in the next magazine issue. 🎯📰
Chameleon Magazine 
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