Dan Gillespie Sells, Linda Riley and Charlie Condou new patrons of LGBT homelessness charity
The Albert Kennedy Trust, the charity for young homeless gay, bi and trans people has announced Dan Gillespie Sells, Linda Riley and Charlie Condou are to join as patrons.
Dan Gillespie Sells is best known as the openly gay singer from ‘The Feeling’ and has been a supporter of the Albert Kennedy Trust for around three years. The charity said due to his mother’s involvement with the LGBT Disability charity, Regard, Gillespie Sells has knowledge and appreciation of LGBT issues and rights.
Linda Riley is the owner of Square Peg Media, which produces a range of LGBT titles, and has supported the Trust for over two and a half years. As a mother who identifies as lesbian, AKT said she used her influence as a publisher to campaign for recognition of same sex parenting and to challenge homophobic bullying in schools.
Charlie Condou, Guardian columnist and star of Coronation St, follows in the footsteps of two other Coronation Street cast members, Antony Cotton and Julie Hesmondhalgh, who are hard working Patrons for AKT. Charlie is very well connected across media, acting and politics and carries weight as a spokesperson on same sex parenting.
Patrons will act as figureheads for the charity and their key role will be to take part in both private and public activities and events to promote the work of AKT and to raise both funds and awareness for the Trust.
Speaking of the new appointments, AKT Chair, Edward Lord, said: “Over many years, AKT has benefitted greatly from the involvement of high profile individuals who have helped raise awareness of our work in supporting LGBT young people as well as participating in the raising of vital funds to assist our future development – we are thrilled to announce the appointment of our three newest patrons, Dan Gillespie Sells, Linda Riley and Charlie Condou and look forward to working with them.”
Now in its 22nd year, the AKT enables lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans young people to live in safe homes and to fulfil their potential. AKT supports young LGBT 16-25 year olds who are made homeless or living in a hostile environment.
