Alex, aged 17
I wanted to get involved in this campaign because I really want more equality in our community. As an LGBTQ+ member I feel it’s important not just for me but for other people around me.
I think there are some tolerant people in Wigan Borough but there are also groups that are the complete opposite. I’ve experienced a lot of prejudice as I’ve got older and come out. Like any other guy I bottled it up, I’m not good at talking.
About a year and a half ago, I made a friend who is really supportive and helpful and my youth group has been very helpful as I’m learning new stuff about my community.
I’d say to anyone who is experiencing prejudice that those doing it don’t know anything about you and they’re not educated. They mustn’t know you well because if you’re in my position and you’re still here, then you’re very strong.
Everyone’s told to be individual but then society says that you have to be a certain type of individual. So if you’re not a certain kind of unique, they don’t want you to be unique. They just want you to conform to be like everyone else.
Everyone should just love everyone, that’s what matters. If people are being themselves, that’s what’s important.
Brentley, 14
I’ve experienced lots of hate with people calling me ‘a thing’, and ‘a paedophile’ for using the male toilets- I try to ignore these people who are being ignorant. I would tell people in my situation to stand up for themselves and that it is ok to say that’s enough if they’re getting asked too many personal questions.
Zak, aged 21
I didn’t grow up in Wigan but I sometimes spent weekends in Wigan visiting relatives. I remember when I was younger I watched an ITV documentary which featured a social experiment in Wigan where male couples held hands in the street. Nearly all the public’s responses to that were negative. I was very young at the time, so I wasn’t sure if I was gay at that stage but I remember I felt a bit ashamed and I didn’t like how it made me feel.
When I got older I joined the BYOU youth group (Wigan’s group for young LGBTQ people) and my confidence grew. I realised the issue wasn’t mine. It was everyone else who needed to be educated.