Jonathan Bailey ‘so proud' to support LGBT diversity week in UK schools
The 37-year old actor and patron to the charity, who has previously been open about his own sexuality and experience coming out, has said that he wished he had a similar initiative while he was at school.
Bailey said: 'School Diversity Week is an incredible initiative that creates the inclusive environment every young person deserves.
'Growing up, I wish I had something like School Diversity Week to let me know it was OK to be myself.
Jonathan Bailey said the initiative gave pupils the chance to 'learn, have fun, and embrace diversity' (Matt Crossick/PA)
'I would have loved to see LGBT+ inclusion celebrated in schools – it would have made such a difference in feeling seen, supported, and accepted.
'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.
'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.'
Bailey is also known for starring alongside pop star Ariana Grande and singer Cynthia Erivo in the film adaptation of the musical Wicked, playing the charming Prince Fiyero.
He added: '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 previously joined the likes of singer Jessie Ware and DJ Annie Mac to back a campaign launched by the charity that urged parents to become LGBT+ allies and help combat homophobic language in primary schools.
Bailey, right, starred alongside singer Cynthia Erivo, left, in the film adaptation of the musical Wicked (James Manning/PA)
Laura Mackay, chief executive of Just Like Us, said: '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.'
School Diversity Week runs from June 23 until 27.
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Metro
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Why ‘big hairy' Welsh miners led London Pride in1985
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They were protesting plans by Margaret Thatcher's Conservative government to close 20 collieries, which threatened to cut 20,000 jobs from many towns who relied on the coal pits for employment. Despite being hundreds of miles away from the nearest coal mines, Mike and his friend Mark Ashton decided they had to do something to stop this happening. 'It was in my blood to support the miners. It was the most obvious thing to do,' Mike, 71, explains. 'We were having a bad time, too. Gay men faced completely undiluted bigotry shown by everybody – the courts, the police, the government, schools, colleges, you name it. With thousands of members from all over the world, our vibrant LGBTQ+ WhatsApp channel is a hub for all the latest news and important issues that face the LGBTQ+ community. Simply click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! Don't forget to turn on notifications! 'We were sick of Thatcher and were desperate to get rid of her. The miners had shown us a way. 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Daily Mail
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