Prince William has made history.
He has become the first British royal to appear on the front cover of a gay magazine, as he stands up for the LGBT+ community.
He invited Attitude Magazine, along with a number of guests, to Kensington Palace to share their experiences of homophobic, bi-phobic and transphobic bullying, and what sort of mental health implications it can have.
Making history: Prince William appears on the cover of Attitude https://t.co/82ykiKEjghpic.twitter.com/BbiYLbA1nf
— Attitude (@AttitudeMag) June 15, 2016
After the discussion, William made the following statement:
“No one should be bullied for their sexuality or any other reason and no one should have to put up with the kind of hate that these young people have endured in their lives.
The young gay, lesbian and transgender individuals I met through Attitude are truly brave to speak out and to give hope to people who are going through terrible bullying right now. Their sense of strength and optimism should give us all encouragement to stand up to bullying wherever we see it.
What I would say to any young person reading this who’s being bullied for their sexuality: don’t put up with it – speak to a trusted adult, a friend, a teacher, Childline, Diana Award or some other service and get the help you need.
You should be proud of the person you are and you have nothing to be ashamed of.”
Responding to William’s statement, Attitude editor Matthew Todd said:
“During my time as editor of Attitude I have met parents whose child has taken or lost their life after being bullied for being LGBT+ or just perceived to be LGBT.
I am very happy that the future King of the United Kingdom agrees this must stop and I would urge parents in particular to raise their voices in their communities to ensure that every school protects – really protects – all children.”
William’s full feature and front page cover will be available in July.
