It"s an incredibly powerful statement to make, and one that could not have come at a better time.
Today, Attitude magazine revealed Prince William as their July cover star, a huge step towards promoting acceptance and support of LGBTQ"s global community.
On May 12th, the Duke of Cambridge invited a few staff members from the gay publication, as well as members of LGBTQ, to Kensington Palace, where the group discussed bullying based on sexual orientation and its mental health consequences.
William is the first royal to be on the cover of a gay magazine, something everyone in the world sorely needed to see after the mass shooting in Orlando on June 12th.
A day before the cover was unveiled, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge signed a book of condolence at the U.S. Embassy in London.
There, they chatted with members of LGBTQ group Gliffa, and William revealed that he was doing something special with Attitude (neither Kensington Palace nor Attitude would comment on the project at the time).
When the May 12th meeting wrapped, the Duke released the following statement:
“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.”
Watch the video for behind-the-scenes footage at Kensington Palace.
