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Police message to gay youngsters

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A top police officer and colleagues around the county have made a film in which they speak about their experiences of being young and gay.

Assistant Chief Constable Steph Morgan – Leicestershire's third most senior officer – and 36 other officers from 16 forces today launched a campaign to reassure young people who are coming to terms with their sexuality that while life might be difficult now it will get easier.

The short film, released on YouTube today to mark International Day Against Homophobia (Idaho), also encourages victims of homophobic crimes to report incidents to police.

The film is introduced by Ms Morgan, who is the Association of Chief Police Officers' spokeswoman on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) issues.

In her introduction, she says: "Growing up is really tough, but it can be tougher if you are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgendered because you can be subject to bullying and abuse.

"Some even feel the need to escape by committing suicide.

"The police service takes hate crime really seriously. We are doing everything we can to try to stamp it out. So, please report it.

"Believe me when I say as a gay woman it does get better, but until it does, we are here to help."

The film is modelled on the internet campaign It Gets Better in which celebrities and members of the public post films to reassure young people who are struggling to understand their sexuality.

Ms Morgan said: "We did most of the filming in uniform because we felt it would have more impact that way.

"Officers streamed in from all over the country to take part. It was an overwhelming response from them.

"We know the suicide rate is higher among young LGBT people than the wider population and we know they are also victims of homophobic bullying.

"We wanted to reassure them the police are here to help.

"The officers who took part in this film have been through the same period in their lives and come through.

"If, by telling our stories and reaching out like this, we give even one individual the confidence to be themselves, then it will have been a success."

The idea for the film came from Leicestershire Police's hate crime officer, Darren Goddard, who spotted similar films online, including one by San Francisco Police Department.

Mr Goddard said: "Our film shows some very brave people telling their personal stories.

"The message to young people who may be worrying about their future is there is help and support available."

A survey last year by campaign group Stonewall found more than half of young LGBT people had been bullied, almost a quarter had attempted suicide and more than half had self-harmed.

Alice Ashworth, policy officer at Stonewall, said: "Videos such as this show the police can successfully talk directly to gay people, giving them confidence that it will get better."

Tim Peters, a youth project officer at Leicester LGBT Centre, said: "We see young people who have been bullied and worse.

"For an organisation such as the police to be behind a campaign like this is very positive.

"The more people who stand up, the better."

Police message to gay youngsters


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