Clare Balding OBE and Lord Browne of Madingley, the former Chief Executive of BP, have been unveiled as the new patrons of anti-bullying charity, Diversity Role Models in time for its annual fundraising carnival and auction at Café de Paris, London on Thursday, October 24.
Diversity Role Models, one of the UK’s leading anti-bullying charities, uses positive role models to deliver pioneering pro-diversity workshops in schools across the country to counter stigma and stereotypes based on sexuality.
Simon Blake OBE, Chair of Diversity Role Models, said:
“We are thrilled to welcome Clare Balding and Lord Browne as patrons of Diversity Role Models. Lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender students are three times more likely than other children to attempt suicide; one in six has received death threats.
“Bullying for reasons of sexuality is a wicked and insidious part of our culture and the voices, support and reach of our patrons are invaluable assets in helping us change attitudes and – ultimately – eradicate homophobic bullying.”
Clare Balding OBE added:
“I am delighted to be a patron of a charity doing such essential work with young people. You can change the law but it is attitudes that are at the heart of society… only by changing attitudes do we make real progress.”
Lord Browne of Madingley, said:
“When I was growing up, I would have found it much easier to come to terms with my sexuality if there had been visible role models of happy and successful gay people.
“We must not underestimate the power of role models on perceptions, behaviour and quality of life for those who do not belong to the majority.”
This year’s fundraising carnival and auction at Café de Paris, London will feature headline acts, including Jimmy Somerville and Britain’s Got Talent’s Glambassadors, plus an auction conducted by Christopher Biggins. Last year’s event featured a wealth of celebrity guests and exciting acts – including comedian and presenter Sue Perkins and DJ Boy George – and raised over £76,000, which went towards tackling homophobic bullying in schools.
To book tickets for this year’s event, CLICK HERE:
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