National Student Pride, now in its thirteenth year returns to the University of Westminster’s Marylebone campus in London, from February 9-11.
The centre piece of the event for the 1,700 people attending will be the main daytime festival on Saturday, February 10 featuring discussion panels, performances and a careers fair. The evening entertainment will be hosted by the infamous G-A-Y night clubs, culminating with a party at G-A-Y Heaven.
The focus of National Student Pride in 2018 will be LGBT Homelessness Vulnerable young LGBT+ people are still getting kicked out of their homes when they come out – and it destroys their lives.
Figures published by The Albert Kennedy Trust, who help LGBT+ people who are homeless, who live in a hostile environment or are in housing crisis, show that of young homeless people, LGBT+ kids are much more likely to be suffering:
● One in four of homeless young people identify as LGBT+
● Nearly four in five of them say coming out to parents was the main factor in becoming homeless
● Once homeless, LGBT youth are more likely to experience targeted violence and discrimination, develop substance abuse problems, be exposed to sexual exploitation, and engage in higher levels of risky sexual behaviour, than their non-LGBT peers
The Albert Kennedy Trust, Attitude Magazine and National Student Pride’s panel will bring together young LGBT+ homeless voices, with soon to be announced special guests to amplify the discussion needed on this debate, to empower those young people and kick start a wider discussion on the crisis of LGBT+ youth homelessness.
Chair of Student Pride Hatti Smart, says: “The figures from the Albert Kennedy Trust are truly devastating. I’m lucky my mum was very supportive when I came out. But for many, it’s a different story and they are kicked out of their homes.
“We hope our event this year inspires the media, influencers and activists to support charities such as AKT and lift the voices of young LGBT+ homeless people”
Tim Sigsworth Albert Kennedy Trust CEO, adds: “AKT believe that youth homelessness is the most pressing human rights issue facing LGBT+ communities today in the UK. No young person should have to choose between a safe home and being who they are.”
For a full lineup of events, click here:
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