Celebs
"I've been an extremely lucky sod in some of the wonderful experiences I have encountered over the past few years as part of my job - from flirting with Jake Gyllenhall, saving orphaned baby Orang-U Tangs in Borneo, and getting my greedy mitts on Take That- but hand on heart, NONE of the above fills me with more pride and elation than receiving personal and heartfelt correspondence from gay teenagers who write to tell me of their own journeys. Whether it's help and support, congratulations and celebration, or just honest and often heartbreaking confessions, I seriously couldn't bottle the immense feelings of joy I get from being able to make a young gay or lesbian teenager's steps into coming out and sustaining confidence within their sexuality easier, just for doing what I do and for relaying my own experiences as a result of this. Having resources such as 'Sticks and Stones' is absolutely essential for young gay people, and long may it reign supreme!" Anthony Crank – TV presenter best known for his work on T4 and MTV
"Kids are now growing up with positive gay role models on television like Will and Grace and gay people on Big Brother. It's no longer about living in a ghetto. The most challenging thing for me was when I was 21 and told my mother I might be gay. She went to pieces, unlike 10 years later when I properly, formally came out to her. The most difficult thing for me was that I had no role models. There was no one I could point to and say to my mother: 'There's a person who's out, leading a healthy, productive life, being accepted by society and doing well in their career, in a happy, healthy relationship.' Nowadays that's come a long way. Elton and I have given things a lot of profile. You have George Michael and Kenny, John Barrowman and his partner, people in the City and in government. People are in relationships, they're out, they're open, they're accepted, they're getting on with their lives." David Furnish – Film Producer
"Being isolated can leave one feeling alone, distant and uninvolved. For me I've had my music as my comfort for many years as a young person because although I live in the city of London being a lesbian in my younger years was hard. For those in this situation now I understand and feel the struggle you're going through. Though it's not always safe, the internet is an effective form of communicating with others who may be in the same situation. There is life away from isolation; there is hope out there and with the help of projects like Sticks and Stones people can have a platform for expression." Mz Fontaine, the UK's first Black Lesbian Rapper
"Yes we're lucky because we're free, I'm fighting for those less fortunate than me... I see them go through the stress and the strife for you all I would give my life.." - From Mz Fontaine's "Life Swap"
"The most extraordinary thing to happen over the past 10 years is the existence of the gay teenager. When I was at school at a big comprehensive there was no one in the world like you. There was no one on television, there weren't even documentaries. The internet has been the most phenomenal thing for young gay people and more empowering and liberating than any law. You used to feel completely alone, and now you can go online and meet thousands of people like yourself. The day a 12-year-old can watch telly with his dad and go 'Cor, look at him' when a sexy man appears on screen, and for the dad to laugh like he would if it were Pamela Anderson, we will be getting somewhere." Russell T Davies – Writer/Producer Queer As Folk and Doctor Who
"It was incredible the number of letters I received after Big Brother from young gay people who felt isolated and in a lot of cases bullied and harassed. Many were terrified to openly admit they were gay." - Josh Rafter, Big Brother Contestant and director of Britain's biggest gay property management agency Outlet
