Stonewall helps gay youth develop their potential
Gay equality organisation Stonewall’s first Gay Youth Event, held last weekend in London, attracted almost 100 participants from around the country.
The event, held at London’s City Hall and sponsored by Norwich Union and the Greater London Authority, was part of Stonewall’s pioneering Education for All programme.
It offered practical help about being gay in 21st century Britain through a mix of inspirational speakers and workshops.
Keynote speakers included Olivia Hallinan, from hit TV shows Sugar Rush and Torchwood, and Lt Cdr Craig Jones, the most senior openly-gay officer in the Royal Navy.
Actor John Barrowman, filming the final of Any Dream Will Do, sent a message of goodwill to the participants.
Practical workshops included How to Interview Well, Turning Being Gay into an Advantage, Going Back to School and College and Knowing Your Rights at Work.
Successful lesbians and gay men shared their experiences with participants too.
Young people travelled from Wigan, Hull, Cambridge and Bristol to be at the event.
Ben Summerskill, Stonewall’s chief executive, told PinkNews.co.uk:
“The Gay Youth Event was all about making the most out of being gay in Britain today.
“We want all young people to grow up to secure every single ounce of their potential.
“This programme was designed to help unlock that potential, and we very much hope to be able to hold another event in the future.”
