Ian McKellen helps raise money for homeless gay youth

Ian McKellen has been an amazing voice for LGBT issues and now the activist actor is working to help homeless queer youths. McKellen is working with the Albert Kennedy Trust to raise money through the purchase of a gift voucher priced at £18, the cost to offer safe shelter for one night. The vouchers are presented inside a Christmas card designed by McKellen.

The Albert Kennedy Trust is a group dedicated to supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans homeless young people. They don't just offer safe shelter to homeless LGBT youth, but also those who find that they live in a hostile environment after coming out. The AKT tailors their shelters to the needs of gay youths, partnering young people with volunteers who help them come to terms with their sexuality and to prepare them to be able to take care of themselves on their own.

According to the Trust's Chief Executive, LGBT people account for a quarter of the homeless population, a disproportionate number compared to the general population. I suspect most of us can remember what it's like to struggle to come to terms with one's sexual orientation as a young person, especially when there are few people to talk to openly. Thanks to the Trust, LGBT youth have somewhere else they can turn for support.