“A kind word about queer people on telly tells your loved ones that when they’re ready to come out, your living room is a proud one.”
In recognition of Pride, ITV has teamed up with Alan Carr to produce a video encouraging the families of LGBTQ+ and questioning people to speak kind words about queer representation on TV.
The initiative has been co-created by Uncommon and ITV Creative in consultation with ITV Pride, and recognises that, “no matter how well intentioned, direct questions about sexuality or gender can be confronting for young queer and questioning people, who might not be ready for them”.
In the short film, Carr is seen on a TV screen, saying: “If you think someone you know is questioning who they are or who they love, it’s not always good to ask them outright. They might not be ready and it’s not easy being put on the spot.
“Instead, talk about me. That you think it’s great I’m up here being a gobby gay man for all to see. Because a kind word about queer people on telly tells your loved ones that when they’re ready to come out, your living room is a proud one.”
You can watch the film here:
At the end of the film, it drives viewers to a website, ShowThemYourPride.itv, which features tips curated by child psychologist and mental health expert Dr Lucy Maddox, as well as links to support services for LGBTQ+ people and their families.
Tom Houser, ECD of ITV Creative said: “Growing up gay, I know how hard it can be to be asked direct questions about your sexuality, no matter how well intentioned they are. The beauty of this idea is how simple and true it is – using TV in this way is a powerful tool any parent or family member can use.”
Read more:
- T’Nia Miller “humbled” to join RadioTimes.com as Pride Month Guest Editor
- Dead Boy Detectives boss “particularly proud” of LGBTQ+ representation in show
Carr’s ITV sitcom, Changing Ends, was recently renewed for a second season, with Oliver Savell, Shaun Dooley, Nancy Sullivan and Taylor Fay set to reprise their roles.
The series is semi-autobiographical, as it charts Carr’s own childhood growing up in Northampton as the son of a professional football manager in the 1980s.
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