» Gay News: Star support
Actor Sir Ian McKellen, singer Dan Gillespie Sells and snowboarder Jo Chastney all spoke at Stonewall’s third annual day for young lesbian, gay and bisexual people.
The day at London’s City Hall this month was sponsored by Aviva and attended by 140 lesbian, gay and bisexual 16 to 25-year-olds from across Britain.
As well as speeches from celebrity role models, young people attended workshops on realising ambitions, developing confidence, being gay and having faith, getting the job you want, staying safe and healthy and developing campaigning skills. The day finished with forum theatre from Rikki Beadle-Blair and his troupe of actors, Team Angelica, who showcased plays exploring gay issues – including FIT, Stonewall’s touring play for schools designed to challenge homophobic bullying.
Stonewall chief executive Ben Summerskill said: “Recent Stonewall research has demonstrated how the culture of homophobia in Britain’s schools leads to lesbian, gay and bisexual pupils underachieving.
“The Stonewall Youth Event restores confidence to young people and empowers them to enter the world with a more positive attitude towards their sexual orientation in all areas of their life – at home, at school and at work. We’re very grateful to Aviva for making this event possible.”
One young woman said in her feedback: “Classic day. I feel better about who I am.”
