Pride London's Youth @ Pride group have today sent an open letter to the ten uniformed youth services inviting them to take part in this year's Pride London parade and celebrations, and work together to combat homophobia and transphobia.

Youth @ Pride's research found that the services that published their Equal Opportunities Policies all included statements against discrimination based on 'sexual orientation'. However the experiences of young LGBT people show homophobic bullying and a culture of discrimination within these same organisations.

Lauren-Angela, Chair of Youth @ Pride London said:
"I've experienced, and also hear from my friends, difficulties in getting involved in youth activities. Youth groups can be really hostile environments for gay young people, and there's often little understanding from youth leaders of the difficulties we might face. Stonewall's Research confirms this and that’s why we are offering some great opportunities for London's LGBT Youth community."

LGBT Young people often find themselves drawn to bars and clubs, at a younger age than their peers, when they find the youth services intended to support them a far from comfortable environment. This is despite the Governments Every Child Matters agenda to create positive activities for all young people.

Scott, Vice-Chair of Youth@Pride and Campaigns Coordinator for London's LGBT Youth Council, said:
"Everyone knows about homophobia in schools - but the bullying that occurs in youth activities are definitely on the same level. However the focus is on schools. That's why we are taking on the challenge and launching our Youth Activities (Out Youth Activities) Campaign, that asks youth groups and services to actively demonstrate their commitment to equality and inclusion of our community".

Patrick Williams, a Director of Pride London added:
“This important campaign highlights the unique lack-of-support often faced by our LGBT youth. We are very proud that our Youth @ Pride group have decided to take positive action. They are inviting organisations to show young people that their support for all goes beyond just written policies. I look forward to seeing which of them will be prepared to do so.”



ENDS





Notes to Editors


1) Pride London, a registered charity, is the capital’s annual gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender cultural festival. The climax of the festival on 30 June 2007 attracted over 460,000 visitors.

2) The ten Uniformed Youth services are: Scouts, Boys Brigade, St John Ambulance, Red Cross, Girl Guiding, Combined Cadet Force, Met Police Cadets, Sea Cadets, Army Cadets, Air Cadets. A copy of the letter is available on request from the press office

3) Stonewall's School Report was published in 2008 - full copies are available from www.stonewall.org.uk/schoolreport. The research produced by Stonewall, a Gay Rights organisations, showed that: "Young (LGBT) people are more likely to seek support, and a community, in pubs and clubs, even if they are underage. Nearly two in five lesbian and gay young people have attended a pub or club...with the same amount not participating in any extra curricula activities, and nearly half not participating in any volunteering opportunities...". The research has also drawn links between Homophobic Bullying and underage drinking with nearly 50% of homophobically bullied young people reporting going out on the Gay scene.

4) Every Child Matters sets out the government’s framework of support for young people from birth to 19 and can be found at  http://www.everychildmatters.gov.uk

5) For further information about Pride London please contact  press@pridelondon.org