Sunday, October 13, 2013 7:16am ET by  
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Will Young urges schools to tackle homophobic language

Will Young has hit out at the prevalence of homophobic language in UK schools.

The Pop Idol winner – who came out after winning the TV talent show in 2002 – has even taken his worries to Education Secretary, Michael Gove.

Writing in The Independent on Sunday, as part of the publication’s annual ‘Pink List’ of powerful gay and lesbian figures – Young explained:

“A few months ago I attended a teachers/education conference at the Barbican organised by Stonewall. Through the various seminars I attended I picked up one recurring theme, teachers and heads of schools were more than often not backed up by local authorities when it came to homophobic language.”

On his hopes that positive action will be taken, the 'Leave Right Now' singer wrote:

“Michael Gove attended the conference and I put it to him that this use of the word gay as a derogatory form of description HAD to be addressed. His reaction, I was pleased to say, was attentive and encouraging. Let's see words turn into actions Michael.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Watch Will Young performing at the Olivier Awards earlier this year below: