Prince William is making history as the
first member of the Royal Family to appear on the cover of a gay
publication.
Prince William's cover photo for UK gay
glossy Attitude was shot by Leigh Kelly after he hosted an
informal meeting at Kensington Palace on the implications of
homophobic and transphobic rhetoric.
According to Attitude, Prince
William met with young members of the LGBT community who explained
how bullying had led to depression, drug addiction and suicide
attempts.
After the meeting, Prince Williams
released a statement in support of the LGBT community.
“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,” he wrote. “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 future king of
England added.