So So Gay
As the Olympics draws closer and in light of WorldPride, Stonewall have released a new guide specially for gay, lesbian and bisexual visitors coming to the UK. The multilingual guide, entitled ‘You’re Welcome!’, explains gay rights in the United Kingdom to tourists and gives them advice on what to do and where to go if anything goes wrong while they are here. It is currently available in six languages; English, French, Spanish, German, Italian and Polish.
More than 1.5 million gay, lesbian and bisexual people visit Britain every year, contributing over £1 billion to the economy – although many may come from countries that do not enjoy the same level of gay rights as in the UK, or none at all. Ben Summerskill, Stonewall’s Chief Executive said: ‘Years of campaigning by Stonewall has made sure Britain’s 3.7 million gay people are legally protected from discrimination in every walk of life, but we know many of the gay people who visit Britain might not have the same protection at home.’
He added: ‘Despite gay tourists’ billion-pound boost to the economy, during this Jubilee and Olympic year little has been done to make sure they know their rights and feel safe. Stonewall is proud to offer millions of gay people a warm welcome and some helpful advice.’
You can download or request your free copy here or get them from all Tourists Information Offices, Citizen Advice Bureaus, police stations and many gay bars and clubs.
