News - UK LGBT charity Stonewall has recruited new high-profile people to support their Education for All campaign, which tackles homophobic bullying in schools. The household names such as PM Gordon Brown and singer Beverley Knight have spoken out about the urgent need to tackle the epidemic of homophobic bullying in Britain's schools to tie in with National Anti-Bullying Week (16 – 20 November).

In a statement, Gordon Brown said: 'Stonewall's Education for All campaign has shown how homophobic bullying has festered as a result of Section 28. I'm very proud of how hard this Government fought for repeal, and of the work we now undertake to ensure that lesbian, gay and bisexual people are safe and happy at school. I'm a proud supporter of equality and delighted to give Stonewall my full support for their activities for Anti-Bullying Week.'

Laura Doughty, Stonewall's Director of Communications, said: 'Stonewall is asking supporters of equality to get much more involved in direct campaigning – both during National Anti-Bullying Week and beyond. It's key for us to engage with people in ways they can respond to easily. Become our friend on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to keep up to date with exciting ways you can get more involved.'


As part of National Anti-Bullying Week, Stonewall has launched another national ad campaign – this time on the buses. 3,500 bus interior panels in England, Scotland and Wales will display the pupil-devised slogan to the campaign 'Some people are gay. Get over it!' Laura Doughty said: 'Some people are gay. Get over it!' was created by young people for young people. So for Anti-Bullying Week we're directly targeting young people travelling to and from school on buses.'

There are various interactive ways Stonewall is asking people to get involved with their activities for Anti-Bullying Week. These include writing to your old school, becoming a school governor, volunteering for Stonewall and displaying the campaign's slogan 'Some people are gay. Get over it!' by ordering your free posters / post-cards and helping them spread the word.

Stonewall is giving away free 'Some people are gay. Get over it' travel card holders, tying in with the public transport based ad campaign. To claim yours, visit www.stonewall.org.uk or catch Stonewall staff giving them out on London's Old Compton Street from 5pm on Friday 20th November.

The benefit nights raising money for Stonewall's National Anti-Bullying Week drive include theatre performances, cabaret and bar and club nights. To find out more about all of Stonewall's activities for National Anti-Bullying week visit: www.stonewall.org.uk/antibullying