Stonewall today opens registration for its tenth annual Equality Walk, which takes place in Brighton on 5 May. The 10k Walk, supported by American Express, raises funds for Stonewall’s Education for All programme, which helps schools tackle homophobia and support lesbian, gay and bisexual young people.
Over 600 supporters took part in last year’s Walk, raising a record-breaking £70,000. Registration for this year’s event is open at www.equalitywalk.org.uk.
Homophobic bullying remains commonplace in Britain’s schools. Last year Stonewall’s School Report 2012, based on research by the University of Cambridge, showed over half of gay young people are homophobically bullied in Britain’s schools, while nearly all hear homophobic language. Tragically, nearly a quarter of gay young people have attempted to take their own lives. The Equality Walk is one of the charity’s main fundraising events to support its anti-bullying work.
Stonewall Director of Fundraising Catherine Bosworth said: ‘Once again we’re hoping to see hundreds of people turn out for the Equality Walk to take a stand against homophobic bullying. Every penny raised will help us support gay young people who face a daily nightmare of assault, abuse or isolation at school, simply because of the way they were born.’
The Equality Walk is a family-friendly event, which opens with a gathering in the Royal Pavilion Gardens and ends with an all-ages party in top sea-front bar The Honey. To find out more or to register a team, visit www.equalitywalk.org.uk.
