Prince William Urges Young People Struggling With Their Sexuality: "You Have Nothing to Be Ashamed Of"
Prince William rarely appears (willingly) on the cover of a magazine, but the Duke of Cambridge broke boundaries by advocating for the LGBTQ community on the cover of Attitude's June 8 issue. In May, he invited several members of the community to join him at Kensington Palace to learn about their experiences with bullying. In the cover story, Will spoke specifically about young adults who have faced difficult circumstances due to their sexuality:
"No one should be bullied for their sexuality or any other reason and no one should have to put up with the kind of hate that these young people have endured in their lives. The young gay, lesbian and transgender individuals I met through Attitude are truly brave to speak out and to give hope to people who are going through terrible bullying right now. Their sense of strength and optimism should give us all encouragement to stand up to bullying wherever we see it. What I would say to any young person reading this who's being bullied for their sexuality: don't put up with it – speak to a trusted adult, a friend, a teacher, Childline, Diana Award or some other service and get the help you need. You should be proud of the person you are and you have nothing to be ashamed of."
The issue went to press just days before last week's devastating shooting in Orlando, making Will's quotes story especially poignant. Will and wife Kate Middleton paid their respects to the victims and their families in a somber ceremony from London on Tuesday.
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Matthew Todd, The Duke of Cambridge, Paris Lees, Matt May, Charles Donovan, Melissa Whitehouse, Damilola Adejonwo, Junior Joye, and Helen Walsh gather at Kensington Palace.