Walk with the stars in May and combat gay hate
Preparations are underway for a major gay day out in Brighton at the start of May.
Gay and lesbian stars are to join hundreds of others on a gay walk in the popular seaside resort.
The 4th Annual Equality walk is a demonstration of solidarity against homophobic crime, a nice day out, a good bit of exercise and an opportunity to do a bit of star-spotting.
The event, organised by Stonewall, will take place on Sunday 6th May, which is the Bank Holiday weekend.
“We’re delighted with the number of people that have registered so far, but we still need loads more people to make the day a roaring success,” a Stonewall spokeswoman told PinkNews.co.uk
Coronation Street star Anthony Cotton and outrageous lesbian comedian Amy Lamé have already confirmed they will be trekking to raise money for Stonewall’s crucial campaign work around anti-gay hate-crimes and homophobic bullying in schools.
The 10km walk will follow a route set by BLAGSS, the Brighton-based lesbian and gay sports group, and ends in a prize-giving party at the newly-refurbished Legends bar.
Registration this year is only £10 for which participants will receive a Stonewall Equaity Walk t-shirt and goodies on the day.
All that those taking part need to do is raise over and above the registration fee and, as always, there will be some great prizes for the top fundraisers.
Prizes include tickets to Stonewall’s 2008 Equality Dinner, and a luxury break for two at the 5 star Dorchester Hotel.
The top prize, kindly donated by American Express, is a weekend for two in Paris, including two tickets for Eurostar, accommodation in central Paris and £250 of American Express travelers’ cheques.
Ben Summerskill, Stonewall chief executive, said the event is always fun, but there is a serious side to it:
“We continue to hear distressing reports of violent attacks on gay people and young people afraid to go to school because of homophobic bullies,” he said.
“We’re working hard on campaigns to highlight and tackle hate-crimes and bullying but we need the continued help of our supporters and friends to do this.”
He urged people around the country – not just LGBT people, but their friends too – to walk 10km to raise money for the critical campaigning work that needs to be done around hate crime.
To register now, visit www.equalitywalk.org.uk or contact the equality team on 020 7593 1874.
