Student nominated for highlighting issues in gay community

A media student from Edge Hill University has been shortlisted for a prestigious award for bringing gay and lesbian community issues to the fore.

John Hyland, who is on the BA (Hons) Television Production Management programme, has been nominated for Seen Magazine's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Young Person of the Year Media Award.

The 20-year-old is in the running for the accolade for his video blogs highlighting issues affecting the gay scene in Liverpool and for his promotional work with the GBar in the city centre, which is a popular clubbing venue for the LGBT community.

He said: "When I found out that I had been shortlisted for this award I was over the moon because this is such a prestigious magazine within the gay community. I'm so glad that my work is being recognised for making a difference.

"I see myself as a LGBT advocate and feel very strongly about the issues and campaigns I highlight through my blogs and videos. I'm very passionate about so many challenges facing the LGBT community and I'm pleased that I'm being acknowledged for bringing these debates into the public domain. Even though we have come a long way over the years, there is still so much ignorance and misunderstanding around homosexuality and there is still fear and homophobia. I believe that education and raising awareness is so important in dispelling some of the myths around being gay, which is what I try to focus on."

John has been utilising the skills he has been learning on the course at Edge Hill University to ensure that his videos and other promotional material are produced to a professional standard.

He explained: "The course has been brilliant in helping me to carry out this work, allowing me to focus on everything from film shooting, editing, interviewing and using various forms of social media to communicate. My tutors have been so supportive and have really encouraged me to progress. They were delighted to find out I'd been shortlisted for this award and are keeping their fingers crossed that I win."

Supporters can vote for John by visiting the website www.seenawards.co.uk. He will find out whether he's the winner at a special awards ceremony on 13^th October.