Divina De Campo is among several LGBTQ+ supporters backing Just Like Us’ new campaign, raising awareness of the issues LGBTQ+ teenagers face this winter.
Divina De Campo, Ian ‘H’ Watkins from Steps, Char Bailey, Cairo Leon, Dom&Ink and Benjy Kusi and Maxine Heron have backed the campaign, calling for donations to make sure LGBTQ+ young people have safer, more accepting school environments.
According to Just Like Us, LGBTQ+ teenagers are twice as likely to face bullying as their straight peers – 42% have been bullied in the past year and 91% have heard negative language about being LGBTQ+.
The charity, which helps secondary schools across the UK set up lunchtime and after school Pride Groups where LGBTQ+ and ally pupils can go to get support and acceptance, is calling for supporters to donate so they can help more schools create safe and supportive Pride Groups, and give young people hope that the new year will look more positive for them at school.
Drag Race UK artist Divina De Campo has backed the campaign to support LGBTQ+ young people this winter. She says: “Straight kids are given all the validation right from the start, every film, every cartoon, programme centres heteronormative relationships.
“LGBTQ+ kids aren’t given that validation often, it’s hard to see yourself reflected on screen sometimes.”
Divina De Campo has encouraged supporters to donate to Just Like Us this winter.
Dominic Arnall, Chief Executive of Just Like Us, explained: “This winter, we really need your support.
“This is a tough time and the last thing young people should be worrying about is whether it’s safe to be themselves. School is far too often a place of dread and anguish for LGBTQ+ teenagers but with your help we can change that. We want to help set up Pride Groups in every secondary school across the UK so that LGBTQ+ young people and allies can have a safe place to go, where they don’t feel afraid to be themselves and they don’t have to hear vile slurs about lesbians or trans people.
“It’s a common myth that things have got better – in reality LGBTQ+ young people are facing horrific rates of bullying, tension at home and hearing that who they are is something to be ashamed of.
“This winter, please help us change that by donating to Just Like Us.”
