Famous singer, Hazell Dean, has written a solidarity statement for our #SaferToBeMe Summit, coming up in October 2025. A lifelong supporter of the LGBTQ+ community, Hazell has always been there for us. This is what Hazell has to say:
The world right now is a very scary place for LGBTQ+ people, and especially for our Trans family.
As an artist I started performing on the “gay scene” in 1983, here in the UK, across Europe and America.
From the first time I stepped onto the stage at HEAVEN it was clear that I had found my tribe, and that feeling is as strong today as it was back then.
I was there to witness the horrors of the “Gay Plague” when the HIV virus decimated a whole generation of men.
I saw how they were vilified and how hate caused so much unnecessary fear and suffering.
I was there on 20th February 1988, a huge anti-Clause 28 protest was held in Manchester, when over 20,000 people taking to the streets to protest the Thatcher-led government.
It was one of the largest LGBT demonstrations ever held in the UK.
In the years between our rights have changed, and my daughter’s generation are growing up with a very different perspective, however there are still those who wish to hurt us.
To diminish our existence and take away our rights.
The world feels scarier now than it back in the 80s.
It’s not just newspaper and TV anymore.
The bombardment on social media is constant. 24/7 direct into your home.
Strangers attacking with impunity, emboldened by those in power, by those elected to defend.
Our Trans family is being villainised for being themselves.
Families are living in uncertainty and fear simply because they want to support their child.
I don’t know the answer, but I do know that we cannot be silent.
I was there then and I’m still here now, and my message to you is this:
We must stand against those emboldened by hate. We must rise empowered with love.
To stand silently is to be complicit with those who wish to eliminate us.
Once again, we need to stand against those who wish to harm up.
We must stand together as a tribe.
Hazell Dean
You can read more about, and get involved with, our global LGBTQ+ rights #SaferToBeMe Summit, here.