Michael Causer 19, fresh out of a FE college, was beaten to death on his way home after a night out in Liverpool. Two teenagers kicked and punched him to death because of who he loved, so badly it was nearly impossible for his body to be identified. It took this despicable, inhuman act for the local community and religious groups to realise the effect of their intolerance. Churches held vigils, denouncing homophobic attacks, the public set up a charity raising hundreds of thousands of pounds to help other young gay people affected by the bigotry of others. In Liverpool they learnt too late, never again they proclaimed.

On the 12th February 2008, openly gay, 15 year old Larry King (top left) was shot twice in the head by his 14 year old class mate. What did Larry do to deserve this? He asked his male classmate to be his valentine. One third of young gay people aged under 19 surveyed in the UK said they had been the victim of violent homophobic abuse. Homophobic bullying in schools, colleges and university is rife, its existence continued by staff ignoring or not knowing how to deal with the issue.

Where LGBT students differ from those of other minority groups is that we do not have the inherit support granted to say ethnic minorities. A lesbian girl growing facing prejudice would find it difficult to go to her straight parents for support, unlike a girl of an ethnic minority facing an issue of prejudice being able to talk to her family of similar ethnic descent. This is one of the key factors to why LGBT youths are six times more likely to commit suicide, they feel abandoned and lonely. An LGBT society can give these students the support they need.

As a proud, openly gay man I can tell you that our society is not as tolerant as it would appear to the ‘omg i love gay people!’ gang, though your support is welcome if slightly misplaced. I see myself as lucky, I have never experienced the level of homophobia that ruins so many lives but i bear witness to the small things. Kissing my boyfriend in public, holding his hand, giving him the affection that feels so natural, draws glares and comments from those who feel love is something that must fall within the criteria set out on a really old piece of paper.

For those who I hope have taken the time to read this article and cannot comprehend the importance of LGBT equality please take a moment to consider being shunned by your closest friends, bullied in school, attacked in public, not being able to find a job, unable to show public affection, not being able to marry him or her, being beaten, just because you loved them!

- Ashley Rudge