News
Coronation Street stars Brooke Vincent, Sacha Parkinson and Antony Cotton are all taking action this Anti - Bullying Week (Nov 15-19), and supporting Exceeding Expectations work in Manchester schools challenging the issue of homophobic bullying.
This year Brooke Vincent and Sacha Parkinson have been involved in Coronation Street's first ever lesbian storyline. Through their characters Sophie Webster and Sian Powers, audiences have seen just some of the challenges that face young lesbian, gay and bisexual people from rejection to homophobia.
Brooke Vincent who plays Sophie highlights that for many young lesbian, gay and bisexual people life can be harder: "Sacha and I really enjoy playing gay characters, and since the storyline started we realise more and more that there are so many people who are gay, and there are so many things that for them are a lot harder."
"Playing Sophie has made me realise that it’s not easy to say look I’m gay deal with it – because it’s not. Different people have different stories, some people have a terrible time, some people just breeze through."
Sacha Parkinson who plays Sian Powers adds: "This is an issue that Brooke and I are really protective about. We want to get the message across that there is nothing wrong with being gay. We always try and speak out, we wear rainbow wristbands in interviews - it's not just our job, we actually mean it!”
“Positive projects like this, and storylines like ours point people in the right direction.”
Antony Cotton, who plays Sean Tully - Coronation Street's longest running gay character - is a strong supporter of Exceeding Expectations, he says: "Education is key - if someone is brought up to believe one thing then by the time they are an adult they’ll automatically think that. No child, no human being is ever born to hate gay people. It's about getting the right messages out there and working together.”
This year’s theme for Anti-Bullying Week is “Taking Action Together”, and Exceeding Expectations Anti-Homophobic Bullying initiative will be in Manchester schools throughout November, with the play OUTLOUD, staff training sessions, follow-up workshops, a resource pack – with the OUTLOUD DVD and a range of lesson plans and resources to help support young people and teachers to discuss LGB&T issues, and challenge homophobic bullying throughout the year.
This Anti-Bullying Week let’s take action together to eradicate all forms of bullying, young people have the right to learn, grow and achieve in a safe and supportive space, so let’s work together to give them every chance.
Exceeding Expectations is a multi-agency partnership between Manchester City Council, Healthy Schools Manchester, The Hope Theatre Company and The Lesbian & Gay Foundation.
AIM HIGH: Your sexual orientation doesn't have to be a barrier to success - read Antony Cotton's story in Aim High, the Lesbian & Gay Foundation's inspirational guide for young lesbian, gay and bisexual people.
Brooke Vincent who plays Sophie highlights that for many young lesbian, gay and bisexual people life can be harder: "Sacha and I really enjoy playing gay characters, and since the storyline started we realise more and more that there are so many people who are gay, and there are so many things that for them are a lot harder."
"Playing Sophie has made me realise that it’s not easy to say look I’m gay deal with it – because it’s not. Different people have different stories, some people have a terrible time, some people just breeze through."
Sacha Parkinson who plays Sian Powers adds: "This is an issue that Brooke and I are really protective about. We want to get the message across that there is nothing wrong with being gay. We always try and speak out, we wear rainbow wristbands in interviews - it's not just our job, we actually mean it!”
“Positive projects like this, and storylines like ours point people in the right direction.”
Antony Cotton, who plays Sean Tully - Coronation Street's longest running gay character - is a strong supporter of Exceeding Expectations, he says: "Education is key - if someone is brought up to believe one thing then by the time they are an adult they’ll automatically think that. No child, no human being is ever born to hate gay people. It's about getting the right messages out there and working together.”
This year’s theme for Anti-Bullying Week is “Taking Action Together”, and Exceeding Expectations Anti-Homophobic Bullying initiative will be in Manchester schools throughout November, with the play OUTLOUD, staff training sessions, follow-up workshops, a resource pack – with the OUTLOUD DVD and a range of lesson plans and resources to help support young people and teachers to discuss LGB&T issues, and challenge homophobic bullying throughout the year.
This Anti-Bullying Week let’s take action together to eradicate all forms of bullying, young people have the right to learn, grow and achieve in a safe and supportive space, so let’s work together to give them every chance.
Exceeding Expectations is a multi-agency partnership between Manchester City Council, Healthy Schools Manchester, The Hope Theatre Company and The Lesbian & Gay Foundation.
AIM HIGH: Your sexual orientation doesn't have to be a barrier to success - read Antony Cotton's story in Aim High, the Lesbian & Gay Foundation's inspirational guide for young lesbian, gay and bisexual people.
The Statistics
80% of UK schools are aware of homophobic bullying incidents
6% of schools have policies targeting homophobic bullying
About 1 in 3 young LGBTs self-harm or attempt suicide
More facts >>