Prince William Promotes 'Heads Together' As First Royal To Cover UK Gay Magazine
/Prince William's meeting with nine members of the LGBT community who have been bullied online and in everyday life for their sexual orientation and gender identity took place before the deadly terrorist murders in Orlando. His posing for Attitude's cover story marks the first time a royal has ever fronted a gay publication.
Prince William, along with Kate Middleton, The Duchess of Cambridge, and Prince Harry are raising awareness of mental health issues as part of their new charity Heads Together.
"No one should be bullied for their sexuality or any other reason and no one should have to put up with the kind of hate that these young people have endured in their lives," he told the magazine. "The young gay, lesbian and transgender individuals I met through Attitude are truly brave to speak out and to give hope to people who are going through terrible bullying right now. Their sense of strength and optimism should give us all encouragement to stand up to bullying wherever we see it."
Improving mental health has been Kate's No. 1 priority and she is dedicated to mental health problems among young children in her Heads Together role. The Duchess wrote a blog post in February 2016 in which she stated "I wouldn't hesitate to seek help if Charlotte or George had mental health problems."
Prince William is focused on young men at risk for suicide in his Heads Together role, and Prince Harry will help military members and veterans with a commitment to highlight the "invisible injuries" connected to their service. The positive connection between exercise and mental health will be a key plank in the royals new endeavor.
Heads Together has been voted the Charity of the Year for the 2017 Virgin Money London Marathon. The organization launched on May 16 and includes eight charities: the Anna Freud Centre, Mind, Place2Be, Best Beginnings, Campaign Against Living Miserably, Contact, The Mix and YoungMinds.