Famous faces from Manchester and Lancashire are coming together for a new LGBTQ+ modern slavery campaign. Coronation Street’s Shelley King, The Traitors UK’s Diane Carson and Married at First Sight UK’s Jenna Robinson and Zoe Clifton are partnering with charity Causeway, to raise awareness of the LGBTQ+ community’s increased risk of modern slavery and human trafficking.
It is estimated that over 50 million people around the world are currently trapped in modern slavery, with more than 100,000 of those in the UK.
In 2023, the number of individuals referred to the government for modern slavery support in the North West increased by 10%. This made it one of the regions in the UK with the highest number of referrals, only behind London and the South East.
Modern slavery charity Causeway support survivors across Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Cheshire, Merseyside and Cumbria. They are one of the largest providers of modern slavery support in the UK, and have now joined up with four famous North West residents to shine a light on the LGBTQ+ community’s increased risk of modern slavery.
Backing the campaign is Manchester-based Shelley King, who has played Yasmeen Nazir in Coronation Street since 2014. She is joined by The Traitors UK star and Lancashire resident Diane Carson. Also supporting is Married at First Sight UK couple Jenna Robinson, from Blackpool, and her fiancée Zoe Clifton.
The campaign kicks off with Shelley, Diane, Jenna and Zoe coming together to march with Causeway at Liverpool Pride on Saturday 27th July. The Traitors UK’s Miles Asteri and Theo Mayne, and Married at First Sight UK‘s Matt Jameson will also be joining them.
The increased risk of modern slavery which LGBTQ+ people can face comes from higher levels of vulnerability due to homelessness, mental health issues, violence and abuse, which statistics show disproportionally affects the LGBTQ+ community.
There are 64 counties with laws that criminalise homosexuality. This marginalisation means that LGBTQ+ people around the world affected by sexual exploitation and human trafficking, can be at higher levels than for other people.
In countries where a person’s sexuality puts them in danger, traffickers can use this fear of exposure to coerce their victims into performing sexual acts or into forced labour. They will often then use the fear of arrest to silence them and prevent them from seeking help.
Trafficking gangs will often seek out people without support networks, who are poor, homeless, marginalised, or desperate. LGBTQ+ people who have had to flee difficult or unsafe situations can often fall into these categories.
As part of the campaign, Causeway are appealing for donations to help deliver their services for modern slavery survivors. Those in a position to donate can email fundraise@wearecauseway.org.uk or visit www.wearecauseway.org.uk
Shelley King, Coronation Street actor, said: “Causeway are a fantastic charity, working tirelessly to support modern slavery survivors to rebuild their lives, and empowering them to live freely and without fear. However, the reality is that modern slavery is on the rise, and LGBTQ+ people around the world can find themselves at an increased risk. That’s why it’s so important that we come together, to build a world free of modern slavery, and one where LGBTQ+ people are not left vulnerable and exposed to exploitation.”
Diane Carson, The Traitors UK star, said: “As a proud LGBTQ+ ally, I am dedicated to doing all I can to raise awareness of the challenges and inequalities which the LGBTQ+ community can face. I was horrified to find out just how prevalent modern slavery currently is, both around the world, but also right here in the UK. LGBTQ+ people can have an increased risk of modern slavery, and I want to do all I can to help shine a light on this, to help drive real, tangible change.”
Jenna Robinson, Married at First Sight UK star, said: “Modern slavery doesn’t discriminate, anybody can be affected, and LGBTQ+ people can find themselves particularly at risk. Whether it’s in the UK or around the world, the marginalization and abuse which the LGBTQ+ community all too often experience can increase their vulnerability and this is something that can be preyed on by traffickers. I am proud to be supporting Causeway and the important work they do.”
Zoe Clifton, Married at First Sight UK star, said: “When I was speaking with Causeway, and heard just how many people are currently trapped in modern slavery, I was heartbroken. The increased risk of modern slavery that LGBTQ+ people face has made me both angry, but determined to do something. I hope by shining a light on this, both the LGBTQ+ community and our allies will come together to help build a fairer and safer world for everyone.”
Helen Ball, Causeway’s CEO, said: “We are thrilled to have Shelley, Diane, Jenna and Zoe partnering with Causeway to raise awareness of the LGBTQ+ community’s increased risk of modern slavery. The voices and experiences of modern slavery survivors are often not heard. Having these well-known LGBTQ+ celebrities and allies using their platforms to help elevate and empower the voices of LGBTQ+ survivors in particular, is something we are very grateful for and which we hope will raise much-needed awareness.
The survivors of modern slavery that Causeway support are still in the very early stages of their recovery journey. We need to raise critical funds each year to help deliver our work, so every penny raised really does make a huge difference. Whether you are able to donate yourself, or would like to fundraise for Causeway, we would love to hear from you.”
