BBC LGBT Correspondent Ben Hunte to join Attitude and Student Pride panel on racism in the gay community
Attitude and National Student Pride's 'Pride Not Prejudice' panel will take place on Saturday 23 February at London's University of Westminster Marylebone campus.
By Will Stroude
BBC News LGBT Correspondent Ben Hunte will be among the commentators and activists making their voices heard on a panel discussing racism in the gay community at National Student Pride this weekend.
The BBC journalist, who was appointed the corporation’s first ever reporter dedicated to LGBTQ issues in December, will form part of Attitude and Student Pride’s ‘Pride Not Prejudice’ panel on Saturday (23 February).
Chaired by Attitude Editor-in-Chief Cliff Joannou, the discussion during the free daytime festival at London’s University of Westminster will see leading LGBTQ figures share their thoughts on tackling racism on the scene and within the wider community.
Joining Ben on the panel will be model and activist Munroe Bergdorf, Brexit whistleblower Shahmir Sanni, UK Black Pride Engagement Director Moud Goba, and model Reece King.
“It’s a sad fact that racism is still an issue in the gay community, with many black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) LGBTQ people feeling increasingly isolated from a community that purports to Pride itself on inclusion,” says Joannou.
“The furore over Manchester Pride’s decision to include black and brown Pride flag stripes on its 2019 artwork exposed an unwillingness to listen to those who feel that mainstream LGBTQ society doesn’t represent them.
“White privilege is a fact of modern life, and while it’s uncomfortable for some people to address, it’s only through talking and sharing our experiences that we can continue to grow.
“During Attitude and Student Pride’s ‘Pride Not Prejudice’ panel discussion we’ll be hearing from leading figures about how they balance their LGBTQ and racial identities, as well as examine the ways we can make the gay scene and community a more welcoming place for all LGBTQ people.”
Check out the line-up for Attitude and Student Pride’s ‘Pride Not Prejudice Panel’ and find out how to get your (free!) tickets below:
Ben Hunte, BBC News LGBT Correspondent
Munroe Bergdorf, Model and activist
Shahmir Sanni, Brexit whistleblower & public speaker
Moud Goba, Engagement director at UK Black Pride
Reece King, Model
Cliff Joannou (chair), Attitude Editor-in-Chief
Attitude and National Student Pride’s ‘Pride Not Prejudice’ panel will take place on Saturday 23 February at London’s University of Westminster Marylebone campus.
For your free ticket to Saturday’s daytime festival click here.