Some of the UK's leading LGBT politicians and celebrities
attended the launch of new anti-bullying charity Diversity Role
Models, last night.
Despite being embroiled in a public row over UK Border Agency
controls, Home Secretary Theresa May spoke at the ceremony, giving
a keynote speech about the importance of tackling homophobia in the
classroom.
The event, which took place in the House of Lords, drew a number
of openly-gay public figures including: BBC newsreader Jane Hill,
David Cameron's Head of Political Broadcasting, Michael Salter, and
Labour MP Chris Bryant.
Minister for Equalities Lynne Featherstone was also present.
Devised by former teacher Suran Dickson, the charity plans to take
positive role models of all sexualities into schools to educate
students about diversity.
Patrons include Heather Peace and Roger Crouch, the father of
suicide teen Dominic Crouch, who also gave a moving speech about
his son's death and the circumstances which surround it.
Packed with key members of the community, including Elly Barnes
- who recently topped The Independent's Pink List - the charity's
founder hailed the evening as a triumph.
"We were absolutely thrilled with the success of the launch,"
said Suran Dickson (pictured, left). "There was a real ground swell
of support and enthusiasm for what Diversity Role Models is setting
out to achieve.
"We were pleased to see so many MPs, teachers, parents and
corporate organisations present and asking how they can get
involved. Diversity Role Models has the potential to grow
exponentially which will enable it to have a direct effect on
thousands of young people's attitudes which will in turn, reduce
homophobic bullying."
