Attitude’s Matthew Todd honoured with Freedom of the City of London for LGBT work
By Will Stroude
After eight years at the helm of the UK’s best-willing and ward-winning gay magazine, Matthew Todd left Attitude to promote his new book Straight Jacket: How to be Gay and Happy.
Marking his years of LGBT activism and community work, he has now been honoured with the Freedom of the City of London for his outstanding contribution to the LGBT community.
Very thrilled and grateful about this https://t.co/08EMaL3gag
— Matthew Todd (@MrMatthewTodd) July 20, 2016
Matthew’s years of work raising awareness of anti-gay bullying, LGBT mental health and gay rights saw him named British Society of Magazine Editors Editor of the Year 2011 (Men’s Magazine), and 2015 (Men’s Brand), as well as Stonewall Journalist of the Year 2011.
Speaking in the wake of last month’s tragedy at Pulse club in Orlando, which saw 49 LGBT people and allies lose their lives at the hands of gunman Omar Mateen, he told ITV’s Lorraine: “These atrocities don’t appear from nowhere. They snowball from prejudices and hate – often in the classroom.
“Every day, LGBT people face violence and are killed. We live in a cruel and unkind society. We need to be kinder to each other.
“This form of bullying is seen as an LGBT issue – but most people who are gay have straight parents. So if you have a child, ask yourself what are you doing to help?”
Matthew’s last magazine as editor at Attitude was a historical moment, as it was the first member of the British royal family, Prince William, to be on the cover.
His book, Straight Jacket: How to be Gay and Happy, is described as ‘part memoir, part polemic’, and covers topics ranging from depression and suicide to addiction and relationships.
From all of us here at Attitude, we would like to congratulate Matthew on this great achievement.
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