For the first time in history, England’s Prince William has appeared on the cover of Attitude, a magazine in the UK devoted to gay issues. Coming soon after the Orlando mass shootout, this is the first time anyone from the British royal family has ever openly supported gay rights or even addressed homosexuality.
According to Attitude’s website, Prince William invited the magazine to the royal residence at Kensington Palace, in May, and also requested them to bring along representatives from the LGBTQ community.
The invitation was extended in an effort by the Duke of Cambridge, to better understand and empathise with the bullying, including homophobic, bi phobic and even transphobic bullying that the LGBTQ community faces, as well as understand the kind of mental and health implications of such bullying and discrimination.
Here are some quotes from Prince William, given in a statement to Attitude Magazine:
“You should be proud of the person you are and you have nothing to be ashamed of,”
“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.”
Prince William, together with brother Prince Harry and the Duchess of Cambridge, is at the helm of the ‘Heads Together’ campaign, which aims to end stigma around mental health.
Matthew Todd, the Editor of the magazine said:
“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,”