Her Majesty The Queen, Prime Minister David Cameron and Mayor of London Boris Johnson were among politicians who congratulated the charity for providing confidential advice to the LGBT community.
Beverley Knight, Dan Gillespie-Sells and X Factor star Lucy Spraggan played a set of exclusive live performances celebrating the 40th birthday celebrations of the London Lesbian & Gay Switchboard on Thursday March 6 inside the Palm Court at The Waldorf Hilton, London.
Beverley Knight said the occasion was a reminder that many gay people still need support, especially in countries where homophobia remains.
The Bodyguard Musical star who spoke before performing to guests: “You have a section of society particularly in Russia but let’s not forget all over the UK and world that are persecuted simply for being born a particular way. I mean are you kidding me?”
“If they could access the Switchboard, it’s those kind of people that we are trying to reach.”
Her Majesty The Queen made a rare pronouncement about an LGBT organisation, saying: “Best wishes and congratulations to all concerned on this most special anniversary.”
While the Prime Minister said: “I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the London Lesbian & Gay Switchboard on reaching its 40th anniversary.
“Since 1974 there has been real progress towards lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGB&T) equality. Voluntary organisations, such as the Switchboard, have made a vital contribution to that progress. The Government continues to work to create a fairer and more equal society by removing the barriers to equality that LGB&T people face.
“Over the forty years since it was established, the London Lesbian & Gay Switchboard has made a real difference day in and day out to the lives of LGB&T people. I would like to pay tribute to the volunteers and staff of the Switchboard for their dedication to providing help and support to the LGB&T community and I wish you every success in the future.”
The Mayor of London Boris Johnson added: “I would like heartily to congratulate the London Lesbian and Gay Switchboard on reaching its 40th anniversary.
Four decades on from its launch, the Switchboard continues to be the first port of call for many thousands of people – a testament to the dedication of a small army of unpaid, unseen, passionate volunteers that have worked selflessly over many years.
I hope that the gala evening is a fantastic success. I would like to also take this opportunity to extend my warmest good wishes to all connected with the London Lesbian and Gay Switchboard and wish you continued success in the future.”
The Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said: “I want to congratulate everyone involved in the London Lesbian & Gay Switchboard on their 40th Anniversary.
Since the Switchboard’s very first calls in 1974, we’ve come a long way in this country towards achieving the genuine equality that LGBT people have always wanted and deserved. This includes last year’s landmark equal marriage reform.
Yet there’s still a huge amount of work to be done. Every year, the Switchboard answers thousands of calls from people who still feel isolated by their sexuality. They can be struggling to come out to their family and friends, suffering from homophobic bullying at school or discrimination at work, or simply looking for someone neutral to talk to about their life. Whatever the issue, big or small, they know Switchboard is there for them.
“So, as you celebrate this landmark anniversary, I want to thank all of the volunteers and staff who have dedicated so much time and support to ensuring there’s someone there to help when the phone rings.”
Labour leader Ed Miliband concluded: “I would like to congratulate the London Lesbian and Gay Switchboard on reaching their 40th anniversary. Whether it be listening to someone’s difficulties in coming to terms with their sexuality, or letting people know what help is available in difficult situations, being there at the end of a phone is important. LLGS is a remarkable organisation of volunteers, and I would like to pass on my thanks and best wishes to the team for the work they do supporting the LGBT community and their families.”
Guests present included: Mark Gatiss, Myleene Klass, Pixie Lott, Jaymi Hensley, Kingsland Road, Nicholas MacDonald, Duncan James, Brian Paddick, Evan Davis, Darius Danesh and Henry Conway.
For more information about LLGS, CLICK HERE:
For free & confidential support & information to lesbian, gay, bisexual & transgendered communities throughout the UK telephone: 0300 330 0630 (DAILY 10AM – 11PM)
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