Locked Down And Out by The Gate London

'Locked Down and Out' is a project from LGBT Foundation launching in Pride Month, in partnership with advertising agency The Gate, which will shed light on the challenges that many in the LGBT community have experienced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown measures.

The charity has seen significant spikes in calls to their crisis helpline since lockdown came into effect and need support to meet the increased demand. They have reported a rise in LGBT-phobia and hate crimes which have more than doubled in recent months, as well as a 350% increase in visits to their domestic violence webpage, and a 25% surge in calls regarding suicidal thoughts.

“Locked Down and Out” launches with a film inspired by a number of heart-breaking stories the charity has shared of young LGBT people struggling being stuck at home with intolerant parents. The film was directed by Lucrecia Taormina and produced by Friend, and tells the poignant story of a trans girl (played by Miya Ocego) who isn’t allowed to express her true gender identity due to her mother (played by Cate Debenham).