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Supporting youth outside the classroom

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• Pride London

LGBT Youth Give Homophobia Its Marching Orders!

Saturday, 14 June 2008

Pride London's Youth @ Pride group have 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.

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. That's why we are taking on the challenge and launching our 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:“ 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.”