Skunk Anansie

Gordon Brown, Derren Brown, Skunk Anansie and Beverley Knight are backing Stonewall's Education for All campaign which tackles homophobic bullying in schools. The household names have spoken out about the urgent need to tackle the epidemic of homophobic bullying in Britain ’s schools to tie in with National Anti-Bullying Week (November 16-20).
 
Laura Doughty, Stonewall’s Director of Communications, said:
"Stonewall is asking supporters of equality to get much more involved in direct campaigning – both during National Anti-Bullying Week and beyond. It’s key for us to engage with people in ways they can respond to easily. Become our friend on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to keep up to date with exciting ways you can get more involved."
 
As part of National Anti-Bullying Week, Stonewall has launched another national ad campaign on buses. 3,500 bus interior panels in England,  Scotland and Wales will display the pupil-devised slogan to the campaign ‘Some people are gay. Get over it!’

Laura Doughty added:
"‘Some people are gay. Get over it!’ was created by young people for young people. So for Anti-Bullying Week we’re directly targeting young people travelling to and from school on buses."
 
There are various interactive ways Stonewall is asking people to get involved with their activities for Anti-Bullying Week. These include writing to your old school, becoming a school governor, volunteering for Stonewall and displaying the campaign’s slogan ‘Some people are gay. Get over it!’ by ordering free posters / post-cards and helping them spread the word.    
 
The benefit nights raising money for Stonewall’s National Anti-Bullying Week drive include theatre performances, cabaret, bar and club nights.
 
Skin, lead singer of Skunk Anansie, said:                                                                                                                            "Lesbian, gay or bisexual young people should never have to experience bullying. Stonewall's Anti-Bullying Week campaign shows them people are out there to support. Please get involved any way you can."

Derren Brown said:
"If we all put our minds to it, together we can tackle homophobic bullying. Support Stonewall this Anti-Bullying Week to make sure all lesbian, gay and bisexual young people can lead happy and positive lives."

Singer Beverley Knight said:
"I'm a huge supporter of equality. But lesbian and gay young people don't get treated equally at school. They get stigmatised and bullied just because of who they are. Support Stonewall during Anti-Bullying Week so young people can achieve 100% of their potential."

Gordon Brown, Prime Minister, said:
"Stonewall's Education for All campaign has shown how homophobic bullying has festered as a result of Section 28. I'm very proud of how hard this Government fought for repeal, and of the work we now undertake to ensure that lesbian, gay and bisexual people are safe and happy at school. I'm a proud supporter of equality and delighted to give Stonewall my full support for your activities for Anti-Bullying Week."

To find out more about all of Stonewall’s activities for National Anti-Bullying week visit:
www.stonewall.org.uk/antibullying

To get free ‘Some people are gay. Get over it’ travel card holders visit: www.stonewall.org.uk

Stonewall staff will also be giving them out on  London’s  Old Compton Street from 5pm on Friday November 20.