OUR LATEST ISSUE
Gay news: 'I have always hated anybody who is not tolerant of gay men or lesbians or bisexual
Daniel Radcliffe
Daniel Radcliffe to star in anti-homophobia ad
Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe will appear in an American public service broadcast to condemn homophobia and help a charity to further its work with LGBT youth.
To be aired later this spring, the film has been produced by the Trevor Project, a US charity established in 1988 which operates a nationwide, around-the-clock crisis and suicide-prevention helpline for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth.
In New York today, Radcliffe, 20, told reporters: "I grew up knowing a lot of gay men and it was never something that I even thought twice about - that some men were gay and some weren't.
"And then I went to school and [for] the first time...I came across homophobia. I had never encountered it before. It shocked me.
"I have always hated anybody who is not tolerant of gay men or lesbians or bisexuals. Now I am in the very fortunate position where I can actually help or do something about it."
Last August, the actor made a "large" donation to the Trevor Project and joined its Circle of Hope, a community of major donors which helps provide the finance for the organization's helpline, school workshops, educational materials, online resources and advocacy.
He first learned of the organisation when he was starring in Equus on Broadway, saying at the time: "It's extremely distressing to consider that in 2009 suicide is a top-three killer of young people, and it's truly devastating to learn that LGBTQ youth are up to four times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers.
"I deeply hope my support can raise the organization's visibility so even more despondent youth become aware of the Trevor Helpline's highly-trained counsellors and Trevor's many other resources. It's vitally important that young people understand they are not alone and, perhaps even more important, that their young lives have real value."
Charles Robbins, the Trevor Project's executive director, has said that the organisation is "incredibly grateful" for Radcliffe's "truly inspiring and historic generosity and support".
