UK rugby star Ben Cohen's campaign to
support gay charities and groups kicks off in May.
Cohen, also known as Big Ben and Benji,
announced on his website that he's prepared to take on a more visible
role in advocating for LGBT rights.
“This summer I am heading The Ben
Cohen Acceptance Tour to the USA. We are working with
gay/gay-friendly rugby clubs holding events and dinners and spreading
a message of acceptance and mutual respect for everyone and also
raising money for my soon to be formed foundation, which will be
supporting existing charities and organizations working within the
LGBT community.”
Fundraising to support the campaign,
which includes stops in Atlanta, New York, Washington and Seattle,
begins with two meet-and-greet events titled Beer with Ben in
April in the UK.
In Manchester, Cohen and the Village
Spartans Rugby Club will hold an event on Thursday, April 7 at the
Taurus. A Wednesday, April 20 event at 2 Brewers teams up Cohen with
the Kings Cross Steelers.
“I am looking forward to coming along
to meet everyone,” Cohen
wrote in a blog post announcing the events. “It should be a
fun evening. I will be bringing along some auction items, updating
everyone on the Acceptance Tour details and speaking about my rugby
career.”