Transport Police support Equality walk

Illustrated rainbow pride flag on a white background.

The British Transport Police are going to have a visible presence at this weekend’s Stonewall Equality Walk.

Members of the force and support staff will be placing a stand at Brighton railway station on Sunday 6th May to encourage people to report hate crimes – one of Stonewall key campaign areas.

Some of the BTP staff will then join gay celebrities and hundreds of others on the 10km walk.

“This will be a great way to greet members of the public entering the city for this fantastic day for such a great cause,” said PC Steve Jarvis, an LGBT officer with the force.

The 4th Annual Equality walk is a demonstration of solidarity against homophobic crime, a nice day out, a good bit of exercise and an opportunity to do a bit of star-spotting.

Coronation Street star Anthony Cotton and lesbian comedian Amy Lamé will be trekking to raise money for Stonewall’s crucial campaign work around anti-gay hate crimes and homophobic bullying in schools.

The walk will end with a prize-giving party at the newly-refurbished Legends bar.

Ben Summerskill, Stonewall chief executive, said the event is always fun, but there is a serious side to it:

“We continue to hear distressing reports of violent attacks on gay people and young people afraid to go to school because of homophobic bullies,” he said.

“We’re working hard on campaigns to highlight and tackle hate-crimes and bullying but we need the continued help of our supporters and friends to do this.”

Last minute registrations should visit www.equalitywalk.org.uk or contact the equality team on 020-7593 1874.

Registration this year is only £10 for which participants will receive a Stonewall Equality Walk T-shirt and other goodies.