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Name: | Josh Chesterman |
Age: | 21 |
Year of the Fix: | 2008 |
Location: | Brighton |
Campaign: | Tackling homophobia in schools |
I became a Fixer when I was 19 because I wanted to tackle homophobic bullying in schools. I really feel the subject has been overlooked. I don’t think teachers deal with homophobic bullying as well as they do with other bullying such as racism, it’s not something they recognise as much.
My friends and I used our own experiences to create a drama and lesson plan called ‘The Words Hurt Too’, which I’m very pleased to say is now being used in schools across Wiltshire. The film is about two young people, one gay and the other lesbian, and the devastating effect homophobic bullying has on their lives.
Did you know that due to homophobia, young adults who are lesbian, gay or bisexual are at a higher risk for developing severe mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety? This can lead to truancy and often drugs and alcohol. Instead of taunts and abuse LGBT youth need our support to avoid these issues.
I’m now in my second year at the University of Sussex studying Politics and Contemporary European Studies. I’m about to launch a project which will see ‘The Words Hurt Too’ used in Brighton schools.
March 2011
I was shocked and honoured to receive the 'Shout' Category for the South West at the Vinspired national awards. The night also featured Tinchy Stryder and Gabriella Cilmi. You can watch the video here.
Hafsa Ur-Rehman
'Kate'
Olivia G
Mason Latey
Timothy Cranfield
Hannah Baker
Shak & Natasha
Tilly and Bella
Fern Lulham
Becky
Hannah Carter
Ben Simms
Fixers
Becky Thorn
Shano
Jo Quinn
Chelsie Brown
Lauren Taylor
Alexandra Garrick
Macauley Collinson
Shannon Rawlings