‘Coronation Street’ and ‘The Traitors UK’ stars join forces for LGBTQ+ modern slavery campaign

Famous faces from Coronation Street, The Traitors UK and Married at First Sight UK are coming together for a new LGBTQ+ modern slavery campaign. These seven LGBTQ+ celebrities and allies are partnering with the 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. This can include sexual exploitation, labour exploitation, criminal exploitation and domestic servitude.

Modern slavery charity Causeway are one of the largest providers of modern slavery support in the UK. They have now joined up with a host of TV stars to shine a light on the LGBTQ+ community’s increased risk of modern slavery.

Backing the campaign are Coronation Street actor Shelley King, The Traitors UK contestants Diane Carson, Miles Asteri and Theo Mayne, and Married at First Sight UK stars Zoe Clifton, Jenna Robinson and Matt Jameson. The campaign will involve the seven celebrities coming together to march at Liverpool Pride on Saturday 27th July.

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