Meghan Markle, Prince Make It Clear That LGBTQ Issues Are A Priority
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry made a promise that they would tackle LGBTQ rights issues first once they are married during their visit to the Commonwealth Youth Forum on Wednesday.
Gay Rights
The soon-to-be-couple talked to delegates during their appearance at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in London. Prince Harry and Markle participated in a discussion with activists and youth leaders about common issues including climate change and human rights. Among those in attendance was LGBTQ activist Jacob Thomas from Australia.
Thomas was a recipient of the Queen's Young Leader Award in 2016 for his work with the LGBTQ community in Australia. He helped lessen the cases of suicide within the community. In an interview with reporters, Thomas said that Markle acknowledged the importance for members of the community to have their rights as human beings honored regardless of their gender preference.
"Miss Markle said, and these were her exact words, 'This is a basic human rights issue, not one about sexuality,' " Thomas revealed.
Thomas continued and revealed that Prince Harry shared his fiancée's sentiment. The British royal also expressed his amazement at the progress made surrounding gay rights and the acceptance of the LGBTQ community.
"Prince Harry said that what was so amazing was that 10 or so years ago, we wouldn't have been having this conversation and how incredible it was that we now were," Thomas added.
Another LGBTQ activist corroborated Thomas's story. Jonah Chinga from Kenya confirmed that the couple assured delegates that they would champion issues on LGBTQ rights once they are married.
"Both Prince Harry and Miss Markle said they would put LGBT issues at the front of their work," Chinga said.
Humanitarian Efforts
Markle and Harry's appearance at the Commonwealth Youth Forum marks an important moment for participating delegates from 53 member countries to discuss long-time solutions to issues of gay rights. This year's theme, "Powering Our Common Future," allows for "plenary discussions and action planning breakout sessions" to address solutions geared toward fairness, security, sustainability, and prosperity.
The former Suits star has long expressed her interest to help out different communities in the United Kingdom. She expressed her excitement to start working on the humanitarian and philanthropic causes close to her heart as soon as she is married.
Markle and Prince Harry share the same interest when it comes to humanitarian efforts. The prince once revealed that he shares the passion to make a change for good with his fiancée. Working on finding solutions to LGBTQ rights issues is just one of their goals.
