West Midlands stars join celebrity campaign supporting LGBTQ+ young people

Two West Midlands stars have joined a line-up of 30 celebrities and high-profile allies supporting a campaign for greater understanding and support for LGBTQ+ young people.

Former England rugby international and Olympian Heather Fisher, from Birmingham, and Coventry-born West End performer Rob Madge feature in a new film for LGBTQ+ youth charity The Proud Trust.

The film forms part of the charity's #DeserveBetter campaign, which calls for safer spaces, better support and greater acceptance for LGBTQ+ young people.

Heather represented England at the 2010 and 2014 Women's Rugby World Cups before going on to compete for Team GB in rugby sevens at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Rob began their career as a child performer in West End productions including Mary Poppins and Oliver! They are now best known for writing and starring in the award-winning, Olivier Award-nominated show My Son's a Queer (But What Can You Do?).

They join a host of familiar names in the film, including singer and presenter Dannii Minogue, broadcaster Sir Stephen Fry, Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes, comedian Tom Allen and RuPaul's Drag Race stars Danny Beard and Courtney Act.

The campaign highlights the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ young people, with the charity citing figures showing nearly half of LGBTQ+ pupils experience bullying because of who they are, while almost six in 10 have seriously considered suicide.

The Proud Trust supports thousands of young people through youth groups, one-to-one support, mentoring, family services, education programmes and professional training.

Heather said: "Sport taught me the importance of teamwork, resilience and backing each other through the toughest moments. Every LGBTQ+ young person deserves that same support, and The Proud Trust is helping to make that happen. I'm honoured to support #DeserveBetter."

Rob said: "All young people deserve the freedom to express themselves without fear or judgement, and The Proud Trust is creating spaces where LGBTQ+ young people can discover who they are with confidence and joy. Supporting #DeserveBetter felt incredibly important to me."

Rachel Williams, chief executive of The Proud Trust, said the film sent a message that LGBTQ+ young people were valued and supported.

She added: "We're incredibly proud that Heather, Rob and the other 28 LGBTQ+ people and allies taking part in the film have chosen to stand with us and support #DeserveBetter.

"Their voices send a powerful message that there is a whole community standing beside LGBTQ+ young people, championing their right to be themselves and thrive."

More information about the charity and campaign is available at theproudtrust.org.