Coronation Street actress Julie Hesmondhalgh visited a Manchester school yesterday in support of the “Exceeding Expectations” campaign against homophobic and transphobic bullying.

The event was also intended to raise awareness of the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, which takes place today.

Hesmondhalgh, who plays trans character Hayley Cropper in Coronation Street, joined 150 pupils at Parrs Wood High School to watch OUTLOUD, a played based upon the experiences of young LGBT people living in Manchester.

“It’s vital that the project is in schools around IDAHO, Anti-Bullying Week and LGBT History Month,” said Adam Zane, Artistic Director of Hope Theatre Company.

“We speak openly to schools, young people and staff about the affect of homophobic bullying and the importance of challenging all forms of prejudice. We find that when young people see the play OUTLOUD – it really makes them think differently about using the word gay as an insult.”

A study conducted by Stonewall in 2007 indicated that around two-thirds of lesbian, gay and bisexual pupils experience homophobic bullying in schools. 80% of schools are aware of homophobic incidences but only 6% have policies to tackle the problem.

The threat of transphobic bullying usually causes trans pupils to hide their identity. Nevertheless, 71% of trans boys and 55% of trans girls reported being bullied in research published by the Equalities Review in 2007.

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