Watch: Viral video shows the impact of homophobia

A viral video by charity Albert Kennedy Trust (AKT) is raising awareness of the devastating impact homophobia can have.

The film shows gay celebrities as people facing abuse, harassment, drug addiction and homelessness because of their sexual orientation.

Stars including Sir Ian McKellen and Sue Perkins are shown sleeping rough and begging for change in the hard-hitting clip, which says that gay people who lack support can find their lives turned upside down.

Paul O’Grady, Hollyoaks actor Kieron Richardson and Byker Grove star Andrew Hayden-Smith also appear in the film.

The charity was founded in 1989 after the death of gay teenager Albert Kennedy, who jumped to his death while being chased by a homophobic gang.

Albert was in social care and the charity works to provide support and safe spaces for LGBT youths at risk of homelessness.

Sir Ian said: “I’ve been a supporter of the Albert Kennedy Trust since it was founded. It’s an inspiring story and it’s one of those charities that you can explain in one sentence and everybody gets it. It’s just depressing that 25 years on there is more need for the trust than ever.”

Perkins added: “We live in a really fortunate corner of the world – we’re affluent and we’re lucky, and for people to still suffer because of the prejudice of some is unforgivable so I thought it was something that was important to be involved in.”

This is the first campaign by the AKT and a spokesman for the charity said that all of those involved had given their time for free.

While the video is a viral campaign for now, AKT executives are looking into the possibility of broadcasting it.