Name change for London Lesbian and Gay Switchboard
By Nick Bond
LGBT helpline the London Lesbian & Gay Switchboard has undergone a a name change.
The charity, which was forty years old last year, provides confidential phone, e-mail and instant messaging services to support people who want to talk about sexuality and/or gender identity. From today, it will now be known simply as ‘Switchboard’.
“So much is changing for our LGBT+ communities and so is our name to make it clear that we’re here for everyone, wherever they live, and in whichever way they choose to define their sexuality or gender identity,” says Dave Maher, Switchboard’s Co-Chair.
“Even in our increasingly interconnected age, it’s not always easy to find the support we need at crucial times in our lives and Switchboard’s volunteers will continue to be here with calm words when those are needed most.”
Olympic diver Tom Daley, Radio 1 presenter Scott Mills and pop star Carly Rae Jepsen have joined hundreds of people online to post a #SwitchboardSelfie to raise awareness of the charity and the work it does. Supporters from across the world have uploaded photos of themselves on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram using the international phone hand-sign.
YouTuber Calum McSwiggan has also supported the campaign by uploading a new video every day throughout June featuring members of the LGBT+ communities.
“This is an incredibly exciting time for Switchboard. We have so much to celebrate and a new chapter to look forward to. Our new name will help us to spread the message that we continue to provide a safe and confidential space where people’s concerns can be listened to and talked through,” said Nuala O’Sullivan, Co-Chair of Switchboard.
More than fifteen thousand people use Switchboard’s services every year to talk about a variety of subjects including coming out, discrimination, and sexual health. Volunteers are trained to listen, signpost people to specialist services and to support them to make informed decisions for themselves.
We’ve got a four-page feature on Switchboard, and why this leading LGBT support line is needed today as much as ever, in the new Pride Awards special issue of Attitude, out now.
You can buy the magazine in stores or from newsstand.co.uk/attitude, or download a digital version from Pocketmags.com/Attitude.
