The trust works to combat LGBT youth homelessness and was chosen by the advisory board of TTG LGBT, which comprises headline partner Celebrity Cruises and annual co-partners The Travel Network Group; Emerald Waterways; Malta Tourism Authority; Thomas Cook Airlines; Israel Government Tourist Office and Hoseasons.
The Albert Kennedy Trust was launched in 1989 as the world’s first service for homeless LGBT people aged 16-25, with the aim of providing safe homes, support and mentoring.
Its mission statement is that “no young person should have to choose between a safe home and being who they are”.
In its most recent Impact Report, the trust said 24% of homeless youths identify as LGBT – this compares with just over 2% of the overall UK population that identify as lesbian, gay or bisexual, according to the Office of National Statistics.
And of that 24% of LGBT youths facing homelessness, 77% experienced rejection and abuse at home.
In 2017, The Albert Kennedy Trust said 82% of young people it supported were placed in safe homes, while 91% of those it worked with said the charity’s support had a “significantly positive impact on their wellbeing”.
Raffle tickets will be sold during the TTG LGBT Conference on July 4 and Travel Pride, which is held in partnership with Avis Budget, to raise funds for the charity, before a prize draw is made during the evening celebrations.
One of the conference’s keynote speakers, Jake Graf – who will be appearing alongside his wife Hannah Winterbourne – is also an ambassador of The Albert Kennedy Trust.
Tim Sigsworth, chief executive of The Albert Kennedy Trust, said: “We’re very pleased to have the support of Travel Pride and would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has shown their support and nominated AKT as your chosen charity.
“In the UK right now, 24% of young homeless people identify as LGBTQ+, and 77% of those young people believe that coming out to their parents was the main reason that led to their homelessness.
“This support of The Albert Kennedy Trust will directly benefit the young LGBTQ+ people that AKT help every single day. On their behalf I thank you for acknowledging the scale of this problem, and your commitment to joining AKT in ending LGBT youth homelessness.”
Sophie Griffiths, editor of TTG and founder of TTG LGBT, added: “TTG LGBT is focused on championing and encouraging diversity and openness in travel, while TTG is passionate about giving back to others.
"It seemed fitting to support a charity that works so hard to prevent homelessness among LGBT young people – we’re looking forward to raising as much money as we can to help this brilliant charity continue its vital work.”
- Visit ttgmedia.com/lgbt-events to buy your ticket for this year’s TTG LGBT Conference, in association with Valencia Tourism
