The Albert Kennedy Trust, the charity for young homeless lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, this week announces the appointment of three new , high profile patrons of the charity from the worlds of publishing, music and TV, namely Linda Riley from our own Square Peg Media, singer and musician Dan Gillespie Sells, and actor Charlie Condou.
• Linda Riley is the owner of Square Peg Media, which produces a range of LGBT titles, and has supported the Trust for over two and a half years. As a mother who identifies as lesbian, she has used her influence as a publisher to campaign for recognition of same sex parenting and to challenge homophobic bullying in schools. Linda is an extremely hard working advocate of LGBT rights, especially of young people facing homophobia, bi-phobia and Trans Phobia
• Dan Gillespie Sells is best known as the singer in pop band ‘The Feeling’ and has been a supporter of the AKT for around three years. Dan grew up in a household regularly visited by LGBT activists and campaigners due to his mother’s involvement with the LGBT Disability charity, Regard, giving him very sound knowledge and appreciation of LGBT issues and rights.
• Charlie Condou, Guardian columnist and star of Coronation St, follows in the footsteps of two other Coronation Street cast members, Antony Cotton and Julie Hesmondhalgh, who are hard working Patrons for AKT. Charlie is very well connected across media, acting and politics and carries weight as a spokesperson on same sex parenting.
In addition to being dedicated and long term LGBT campaigners in their own right, each of the new patrons has been involved in supporting the AKT specifically in various forms in the past and accepting the role of patron will mean cementing that support and relationship. The patrons will act as figureheads for the charity and their key role will be to take part in both private and public activities and events to promote the work of AKT and to raise both funds and awareness for the Trust.
Speaking of the new appointments, AKT Chair, Edward Lord, said:
“Over many years, AKT has benefitted greatly from the involvement of high profile individuals who have helped raise awareness of our work in supporting LGBT young people as well as participating in the raising of vital funds to assist our future development – we are thrilled to announce the appointment of our three newest patrons, Dan Gillespie Sells, Linda Riley and Charlie Condou and look forward to working with them.”
Now in its 22nd year, the AKT enables lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) young people to live in safe homes and to fulfil their potential. AKT supports young LGBT 16-25 year olds who are made homeless or living in a hostile environment. For more information or to get involved visit www.akt.org.uk
