West Yorkshire Actors Join Campaign Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth

Local stars Alexandra Mardell and Shakeel Kimotho feature in new film for LGBTQ+ youth charity

Two actors from West Yorkshire, Alexandra Mardell and Shakeel Kimotho, have joined a group of 30 LGBTQ+ celebrities and allies in a new film supporting LGBTQ+ young people. The film is part of a campaign by The Proud Trust, a UK-based LGBTQ+ youth charity, calling for increased support, safer spaces, and greater understanding for LGBTQ+ youth.

Local and national figures unite in #DeserveBetter campaign

Alexandra Mardell, born and raised in Leeds and known for her role as Emma Brooker in ITV’s Coronation Street, and Shakeel Kimotho, from Bradford and recently seen in Channel 4’s Tip Toe, appear alongside well-known figures including Dannii Minogue, Sir Stephen Fry, and Dame Kelly Holmes. The campaign film features a diverse group of celebrities from film, television, music, and sport, all advocating for the rights and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ young people.

Campaign highlights ongoing challenges for LGBTQ+ youth

The #DeserveBetter campaign aims to raise awareness about the difficulties faced by LGBTQ+ young people. Statistics cited by The Proud Trust indicate that nearly half of LGBTQ+ pupils experience bullying related to their identity, almost 60% have seriously considered suicide, and around 25% may not complete secondary education, which is double the national average.

The Proud Trust’s work and campaign goals

The Proud Trust provides a range of services including youth groups, one-to-one support, mentoring, family services, education programmes, professional training, and the Rainbow Flag Award programme. The charity has seen a significant increase in referrals following a recent Supreme Court ruling, reflecting a growing need for specialist LGBTQ+ support.

Additional campaign participants

• Comedian Tom Allen
• RuPaul’s Drag Race stars Danny Beard, Courtney Act, Catrin Feelings, and Elle Vosque
• Television personalities Denise Welch and Kizzy Edgell
• Radio presenter Adele Roberts
• Author Matt Cain MBE
• Actors Cyril Nri, Charlie Condou, Nathaniel J Hall, Elijah Young, Peter McPherson, Gabriel Clark, and Rob Madge
• Former athletes Anita Asante, Lianne Sanderson, Heather Fisher, Meg Jones MBE, Kirsty Gilmour, Lucy Shuker BEM, and Bruce Mouat

Statements from campaign supporters

Alexandra Mardell said, “Feeling accepted can change a young person’s life. The Proud Trust creates spaces where LGBTQ+ young people can be themselves, make friendships and feel supported.”

Shakeel Kimotho added, “Being accepted for who you are shouldn’t be something anyone has to fight for. The Proud Trust is helping LGBTQ+ young people feel seen, heard and supported.”

Rachel Williams, CEO of The Proud Trust, emphasised the importance of the campaign: “Every LGBTQ+ young person deserves to feel safe, accepted and proud of who they are. At a time when LGBTQ+ lives are being debated more than ever, it’s vital that young people know they are valued, supported and never alone.”

Further information

For more details about The Proud Trust and the #DeserveBetter campaign, visit www.TheProudTrust.org or view the campaign film on Instagram at @The_Proud_Trust.

Source: Doing Good Leeds