Students join forces to combat homophobia

Coleg Sir Gâr students joined forces with Welsh soldier, Lance Corporal James Wharton to spread the message of “respect” and to tackle homophobia.

Lance Corporal Wharton, a serving soldier in the Household Cavalry and an Iraq veteran, visited the Graig Campus in Llanelli as part of a nationwide tour organised by Stonewall, the leading charity campaigning for gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender people. The event was used to launch the college’s Equality and Diversity Week and to promote the college’s anti-discrimination message.

James Wharton spoke about his professional life as a soldier and his private life as a gay man recently celebrating a civil partnership. Over 100 students attended and were encouraged to ask questions. Performing arts students provided a moving performance which they’d written themselves about the effects of homophobic behaviour.

Steve Kelshaw, director of learner support at the college, said: “James Wharton is an inspiration and we were honoured to have a serving soldier talk so openly about his life. This was the perfect start to our campaign to promote respect and to tackle all types of discrimination.”