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A host of queer celebrities and LGBTQ+ allies have recorded messages of solidarity and support for young people in lockdown.
Caitlyn Jenner, Stephen Fry, Master of None actor Lena Waithe, Radio 1 DJ Adele Roberts, Queer Eye’s Bobby Berk and film director Dustin Lance Black, husband of Tom Daley, have all recorded messages.
The campaign, which launched on Tuesday, is a collaboration between the British LGBT Awards and It Gets Better UK, an LGBTQ+ charity, and aims to provide a sense of digital community to individuals that may be struggling with their mental health due to limitations on their movement due to the virus.
LGBTQ+ people and those from minority backgrounds are often the most disproportionately affected in times of strife, as the LGBT Foundation illustrates in its Coronavirus Briefing.
The celebrities have recorded messages from their places of isolation around the world for the campaign, with Caitlyn sending hers from her Malibu home and Stephen Fry from his library in London.
“"I just want to say to everybody: stay positive, there is going to be brighter days ahead - I promise you that”
- Caitlyn Jenner
In her video, Jenner says: “This is a difficult time for everyone, but especially young LGBT+ kids who are locked down right now. I just want to say to everybody: stay positive, there is going to be brighter days ahead – I promise you that… this is Caitlyn Jenner from Malibu, California, sending you all, a lot of love.”
Stephen Fry says: “We will get through this. We have to stay positive, if we can, and look towards brighter days ahead. And there will be brighter days ahead… I’m sending love to you all: stay safe, and snug and comfy and cosy, and confident. Lots of love.”
The campaign features a list of charity resources accessible to young people in need during the pandemic and can be accessed via Twitter, Instagram or the British LGBT Awards Website. A list of the charities available for young people seeking help can also be found on the campaign page here.
“Even though lockdown measures have eased a little in England, young LGBT+ people are still facing extreme challenges at home,” says British LGBT Awards founder Sarah Garrett MBE.
“Many are trapped with families who don’t accept who they are, and others feel isolated because they no longer have a network of support around them because of social distancing measures. #InThisTogether is our way of letting young LGBT+ people know that they are not alone and there are people and organisations available for them to talk to.”
Members of the public are also encouraged to film their own messages by visiting the It Gets Better UK website.