THE actor Alan Cumming has backed a fundraising campaign for LGBT+ young people in Scotland.
Cumming is encouraging the LGBT+ community and allies across Scotland to take part in Purple Friday on February 23.
The event, which is spearheaded by charity LGBT Youth Scotland, calls on Scots to wear purple in a bid to raise awareness of the challenges faced by many LGBT+ youngsters across the country.
This year the charity hopes to raise £20,000, which will go toward its mission of removing barriers which impede some LGBT+ young people in Scotland from reaching their full potential in terms of their education and career.
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Cimming said it the campaign, which is now in its ninth year, was “so important”.
“I’m delighted to be supporting LGBT Youth Scotland in building a more inclusive Scotland this #LGBTHistoryMonth,” he said.
“Young people are our future and it’s so important that queer young people all over Scotland know that they are loved and valued for who they are.”
People are also being encouraged to take part in the charity’s Miles for Money Challenge, which sees fundraisers cover as many miles as possible to raise money.
As part of the campaign historic sites such as Lerwick Town Hall and Perth Concert Hall will also light up purple.
CHVRCHES lead singer Lauren Mayberry has also thrown her support behind the campaign.
“Myself and CHVRCHES are longtime supporters of LGBT Youth Scotland and the important work they do.
“As someone who seeks to be a visible and vocal ally to the LGBTQ+ community, I hope that initiatives like Purple Friday can help encourage young people to live proudly as their authentic selves and be seen, accepted and celebrated for who they are.”
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Speaking about this year’s event, Dr Mhairi Crawford, chief executive of LGBT Youth Scotland, added: “Visibility is so important for LGBTQ+ young people. When they see allies publicly supporting them, it builds self-esteem and creates safer, more inclusive communities.
“That's why this year we're asking people to be high-viz allies - to get active, have fun, and visually demonstrate that Scotland stands with its LGBTQ+ young people.
“The miles you move and money you raise through sponsorship will help us continue providing life-saving services and campaigning for equality.
"We want to ensure LGBTQ+ young people in Scotland grow up in a country where they are loved, included and free to be themselves”.
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