As part of Stonewall Cymru’s on-going ‘It gets better.Today’ campaign, Peter Vaughan – Chief Constable of the South Wales Police has recorded a video message committing to stop homophobic bullying and hate crime.
Andrew White, Director of Stonewall Cymru said:
“We’re so pleased that Chief Constable Vaughan has become the latest to join our campaign. As someone who grew up gay in the South Wales Police area I find his even more encouraging. It is a real sign of how far we have come, but also recognises we have a way yet to go.” He added “South Wales Police are members of the Stonewall Diversity Champions programme and we’re recently ranked third top Police Force in the UK, they know that people do best when they can be themselves!”
The ‘It gets better.Today’ campaign tells young people that they don’t have to wait for their lives to improve – they can be great now. It is inspired by the US campaign which has attracted messages of support from people such as President Obama, Hillary Clinton, Christina Aguilera, Janet Jackson, and Justin Beiber. In the UK it has attracted support from David Cameron, Sue Perkins, Brian Dowling, Clare Balding, Joe McElderry, Anthony Cotton, and many more.
The campaign launched in January features all Welsh four party leaders.
First Minister, and leader of the Welsh Labour Party Carwyn Jones said:
“we all want a society where people are valued as individuals, where there’s diversity and equality and respect and that means dealing with homophobia and homophobic bullying.”
Deputy First Minister and Plaid Cymru Leader Ieuan Wyn Jones added:
“you have the right to be who you are, when bullying is tackled and challenged in schools things can improve dramatically”.
In his message, Welsh Conservative Leader Nick Bourne stated that he is:
“proud to support the right of everybody to live their lives as they see fit”.
Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Kirsty Williams added:
“Wales is a great country in which to grow up but it can be miserable and frightening if you’re experiencing bullying because of your sexuality” adding “if you can speak out, if you can find help. We know that things really do get better”
Stonewall Cymru hopes to add other messages from public figures and celebrities as well as teachers and young people.
Andrew White, Director of Stonewall Cymru told us:
“with more people are coming out at school, lesbian, gay and bisexual pupils are becoming more visible than ever, we a thrilled that Wales’ leaders have supported our campaign”
he continued:
“we work with schools, employers and communities throughout Wales who are making sure that things do get better for lesbian gay and bisexual people, today. Together we really can make it happen!”
