Celebs reveal their LGBT heroes for Switchboard
To mark the re-launch of one of the UK’s oldest LGBT+ charities, Switchboard, an array of LGBT celebrities have come together to talk about their personal heroes.
Opening the video, Switchboard’s newest patron Tom Daley says: “My LGBT hero is anyone that is brave enough to be who they are, and embrace it, and be proud of it. Because it’s people like that that are able to encourage other people to do the same.”
George Takei reveals his hero to be Tim Cook, stating, “he personifies the diversity of LGBT people throughout American society.”
Bethany Black says “my LGBT hero is Julie Hesmondhaigh who is in Cucumber and Banana and has been a real strong ally for the LGBT community for the last 16 years.”
Mark Gatiss, a long-time supporter and patron of the charity, is one of the last people in the video to speak, naming the charity volunteers as his heroes. “I don’t have an LGBT hero, I have hundreds and hundreds of them. All the wonderful people who have volunteered for Switchboard over the years.”
The chorus of stars go on to name many other people as their heroes throughout the video including Derren Brown, Laverne Cox, and Ellen DeGeneres.
The video is the finale to a series of 25 LGBT+ themed videos produced by YouTuber Calum McSwiggan throughout LGBT Pride month. Teaming up with so many well known faces, he creates an uplifting video of a wide and diverse range of celebrities talking about the people who inspire them the most.
The video was premiered at The Waldorf Hilton Hotel in London last night, to an audience of 600 guests including many of the famous faces who had contributed clips. It was simultaneously published on Calum’s YouTube channel, youtube.com/eatgaylove.
Some of the other LGBT hero nominations:
Arielle Scarcella: “My LGBT hero has always been Davey Wavey, he always comes from a deep place of love and respect for himself and for others.”
Matt Lucas: “My gay hero is Ben Cohen who has done amazing work as an activist to combat homophobic bullying and has just generally been a great supporter of the gay community.”
Gary C: “My hero is actress, comedian, Bethany Black. Aside from being a talented performer, she’s also a trans woman, and proud of who she is.”
Doug Armstrong: “My LGBT hero is Derren Brown because he showed me that it doesn’t matter what age you are when you come out and that it doesn’t have to define you as a person.”
Vinny & Luke: “Our LGBT hero is Laverne Cox, an amazing possibility model that inspires millions across the globe.”
Jake Bass: “My LGBT hero is everyone right now who’s actually using their immense platform to make a difference.”
Hannah Witton: “My LGBT hero is Ellen DeGeneres because she’s absolutely hilarious, really kind, and will always stand up for the gay community.”
Fisayo Akinade: “My LGBT hero is Russell T Davis, because he helped to bring LGBT stories to mainstream television.”
Fox & Lewis: “Our LGBT heroes are anyone involved in the trans movement, whether that’s in film, radio or journalism”
See the video in full: