Bridgerton's Jonathan Bailey 'proud' to support LGBTQ+ diversity in UK schools
Jonathan Bailey is supporting the powerful initiative run by Just Like Us. LGBTQ+ equality will be celebrated in UK primary and secondary schools from June 23-27
Bridgerton sensation Jonathan Bailey has expressed his immense pride in backing the UK's LGBTQ+ diversity week in schools, a powerful initiative by Just Like Us, shining a spotlight on LGBTQ+ equality from June 23-27.
The annual event champions LGBTQ+ equal rights within primary and secondary schools nationwide and holds personal resonance for the-37 year-old actor and charity patron who has been candid about his journey of coming out.
Reflecting on his own past, Bailey remarked: "School Diversity Week is an incredible initiative that creates the inclusive environment every young person deserves."
Hailing the transformative impact such support would have had on him as a student, he commented: "Growing up, I wish I had something like School Diversity Week to let me know it was OK to be myself."
The acclaimed actor confessed: "I would have loved to see LGBT+ inclusion celebrated in schools – it would have made such a difference in feeling seen, supported, and accepted."
With great enthusiasm for the educational event, he said: "This week gives pupils the chance to learn, have fun, and embrace diversity, helping to build a future where all young people can be themselves without fear. I'm so proud to support Just Like Us in making that a reality."
Extending gratitude to participants, he added: "Thank you to every school, every teacher and pupil taking part because you are helping make the world a brighter and more joyful place for all LGBT+ young people and their friends."
Beyond these advocacy efforts, Bailey has dazzled audiences with his acting chops, recently cast with pop phenomenon Ariana Grande and vocal powerhouse Cynthia Erivo in the much-anticipated cinematic remake of the musical Wicked, where he rouses hearts as the dashing Prince Fiyero.
He expressed his deep pride in supporting Just Like Us, saying: "I am immensely proud to be in a position to support Just Like Us and increase the volume and awareness of what they're setting out to achieve, which I think is incredibly important.
"Children deserve the right to feel acknowledged and supported in who they are at such a vital time in their lives."
The star has previously joined forces with singer Jessie Ware and DJ Annie Mac in a charity-led campaign calling on parents to become LGBT+ allies and tackle homophobic language in primary schools.
READ MORE: Trump administration scrap suicide helpline for LGBTQ+ youths in 'devastating' move
Speaking about the importance of School Diversity Week, Laura Mackay, chief executive of Just Like Us, commented: "School Diversity Week is an opportunity for school communities to come together and celebrate the differences that make us all special.
"LGBT+ young people still face significant barriers at school, at home and in the wider world, but each school that celebrates and prioritises LGBT+ inclusion shows them that they are valued, seen and safe.
"We are so grateful to our patron Jonathan Bailey for taking such a strong stance on supporting LGBT+ young people and improving inclusion in schools, and also to every educator who is making sure that pupils have a supportive environment in which to learn, both during School Diversity Week and all year round."
This annual celebration of diversity in education is set to take place from June 23 until June 27.
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