Lanarkshire badminton star Kirsty Gilmour has lent her support to a new film urging greater support and safer spaces for LGBTQ+ people.
The film was created by The Proud Trust, which brought together around 30 high-profile celebrities and sportspeople who are allies of the community. Gilmour is among the 30 LGBTQ+ celebrities and allies in the line-up, joined by Stirling curling star Bruce Mouat, pop icon Dannii Minogue, Sir Stephen Fry and Olympic legend Dame Kelly Holmes.
A decorated career
Gilmour has represented Scotland and Great Britain, competed at three Olympic Games and became the first Scottish badminton player to win a European title. She also claimed Commonwealth Games silver in Glasgow in 2014.
She said: “Everyone deserves the chance to grow up feeling safe, confident and accepted. The Proud Trust is providing life-changing support to LGBTQ+ young people across the UK, and I’m proud to help shine a light on that through #DeserveBetter.”
Campaign aims and challenges
The #DeserveBetter campaign launched earlier this summer to highlight the experiences of LGBTQ+ young people and call for greater understanding, safer spaces and better support. The new film unites all 30 names behind one message: that every LGBTQ+ young person deserves to feel safe, accepted, heard and able to thrive.
The campaign arrives as LGBTQ+ young people continue to face significant challenges. The Proud Trust reports that nearly half of LGBTQ+ pupils experience bullying because of who they are, almost six in ten have seriously considered suicide and almost a quarter may never complete secondary school — twice the national average.
Voices behind the film
Rachel Williams, CEO of The Proud Trust, added: “Every young person deserves to feel safe, accepted and proud of who they are.
“At a time when LGBTQ+ lives are being debated more than ever, it’s vital that young people know they are valued, supported and never alone.
“We’re incredibly proud that Kirsty, Bruce and the other 28 LGBTQ+ people and allies taking part in the film have chosen to stand with us and support #DeserveBetter.
“Their voices send a powerful message that there is a whole community standing beside LGBTQ+ young people, championing their right to be themselves and thrive. #DeserveBetter is a call for all of us to do better, as if we come together we can build a future where every young person gets the support, acceptance and opportunities they deserve.”
The Proud Trust supports thousands of LGBTQ+ young people through youth groups, one-to-one support, mentoring, family services, education programmes, professional training and its Rainbow Flag Award programme. The film also features comedian Tom Allen, RuPaul’s Drag Race stars Danny Beard and Courtney Act, television favourite Denise Welch, Heartstopper actor Kizzy Edgell, radio presenter Adele Roberts and author Matt Cain MBE.
More information about The Proud Trust and the #DeserveBetter campaign is available at www.TheProudTrust.org or on Instagram at @The_Proud_Trust.
