Be Switched On

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people all know what it is like to be discriminated against because of our sexuality. We believe that our common struggle as LGB&T people outweighs the differences that separate us and so we wish to celebrate the ethnic diversity of the LGB&T communities whilst drawing parallels between the experience of homophobia and that of racism.

Our campaign spokesmodels talk about what being 'switched on' means to them, and reflect upon their own experiences of racism on the gay scene:

Phyll Opoku (Co-founder & Director of UK Black Pride)

Hanaan Baig (Stonewall Housing)

Julius Reuben (Big Up volunteer)

If you or anyone you care about has experienced racial discrimination in LGBT spaces, we would encourage you to address the issue informally with the management of the venue. If you do not feel able to do so, or if you are not satisfied with their response, you can seek advice and support at the links below:

GALOP

www.galop.org.uk

Galop works to prevent and challenge homophobic and transphobic hate crime in Greater London. We reduce crimes against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, and campaign for an improved criminal justice system.

The Newham Monitoring Project

www.nmp.org.uk

Newham Monitoring Project (NMP) is an independent community-based anti-racist organisation based in the east London borough of Newham in England.

NMP works with members of the black community suffering racial discrimination/violence, police misconduct and civil rights issues. They monitor the response of statutory organisations - such as the police, the council and housing services – to the black community, in order to advocate for fair treatment and access to justice where this is not being met.

The Monitoring Group

www.tmg-uk.org

The Monitoring Group helps victims of racism and hate crimes seek justice by providing advice and practical assistance. They also seek to raise public awareness of racism and religious hatred and its consequences, and, where possible, influence thinking at a local, regional and international level.

We hope the campaign provokes discussion and encourages everyone to recognise the benefits of a diverse LGB&T community that welcomes, respects and celebrates all of its members.

Be Switched-On and embrace diversity in our community.

The 'Switched On' campaign was supported by the Big Lottery Fund, and developed by Big Up volunteers.

Big Up is the GMFA volunteer group, working to improve the health of Black gay men.