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Stonewall welcome tourists
Ahead of WorldPride and the Olympics, and with thousands of additional tourists expected to be pouring into London over the next few weeks, Stonewall has launched a special ‘You’re Welcome’ guide – reassuring LGB travelers that they are welcome in the UK and will not be persecuted by any anti-gay laws. The guide, available in English, French, Spanish, German, Italian and Polish, explains the legal protections enjoyed by gay people in Britain, and where they can go in case of any problems. You’re Welcome! will be distributed to every Tourist Information Office, Citizens Advice Bureau and police force in England, as well as many bars and clubs. The guide specifically points out to travelers from countries where gay persecution is still rife that they are free to be themselves whilst in the UK, and can rely upon police and health services to help them if things go wrong.
Stonewall Chief Executive Ben Summerskill 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. 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.”
The guides are available online from www.stonewall.org.uk/visitorsguide. English, French and Spanish guides will be distributed at WorldPride on 7 July, and German, Italian and Polish guides can be downloaded from 6 July.
Click the guide cover above to go through to the official website.
Posted: 3 July 2012
