Even as America's Republican leaders remain akin to Neanderthals when it comes to the acceptance and treatment of LGBT individuals, "across the pond" in the United Kingdom, attitudes are changing much more rapidly for the better. Indeed, Prince William, second in line to the British throne, is on the cover of the latest issue of Attitude, a gay magazine. The BBC looks at this milestone. Here are excerpts (note William's pro-LGBT and anti-bullying statements):
The Duke of Cambridge has become the first member of the Royal Family to appear on the cover of a gay magazine.He spoke to Attitude about the issue of homophobic bullying, saying: "No-one should be bullied for their sexuality or any other reason."
The duke invited the magazine to bring members of the LGBT community to Kensington Palace to discuss bullying and its mental health repercussions.
Kensington Palace said William had been "moved" by the stories he heard. William said that "no-one should have to put up with the kind of hate that these young people have endured in their lives".
The duke told the magazine: "The young gay, lesbian and transgender individuals I met through Attitude are truly brave to speak out and to give hope to people who are going through terrible bullying right now.
"Their sense of strength and optimism should give us all encouragement to stand up to bullying wherever we see it.
"What I would say to any young person reading this who's being bullied for their sexuality: don't put up with it - speak to a trusted adult, a friend, a teacher, Childline, Diana Award or some other service and get the help you need. "You should be proud of the person you are and you have nothing to be ashamed of."
The photograph of a smiling prince on the cover of a gay magazine is a sign of William's willingness to embrace the diverse nature of British society. It's also a reminder that the monarchy is an institution that can evolve.
In the late 1980s, Diana, Princess of Wales would visit people who had Aids or leprosy. Her former bodyguard, Ken Wharfe, told the Diana inquest that the Queen had asked why the princess didn't get involved "with something more pleasant".
Three decades on, her son is highlighting the work being done against bullying and in support of removing the stigma surrounding mental health.
Kudos to William!Another striking aspect of this interview is that William is a future king. As things stand, one day he'll be head of state of the UK and 15 other countries - some of which discriminate against gay people.
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