Two famous faces from Staffordshire are launching a new LGBTQ+ modern slavery campaign. Married at First Sight UK stars Zoe Clifton and Jenna Robinson are partnering with the charity Causeway, to raise awareness of the LGBTQ+ community’s increased risk of modern slavery and human trafficking.
It is estimated that over 50 million people around the world are currently trapped in modern slavery, with more than 100,000 of those in the UK. This can include sexual exploitation, labour exploitation, criminal exploitation and domestic servitude.
The charity Causeway are one of the largest providers of modern slavery support in the UK. They have now joined up with two of Staffordshire’s most famous residents to shine a light on the LGBTQ+ community’s increased risk of modern slavery.
Backing the campaign is Stafford native Zoe Clifton, and her fiancée Jenna Robinson, who now also lives in Stafford. In 2022, they made TV history as the first ever female same-sex couple to feature on E4’s Married at First Sight UK. Since then, they have accumulated almost 270,000 Instagram followers between them, and are hosts of the popular Life with a Wife podcast.
The campaign kicks off with Zoe and Jenna marching with Causeway at Liverpool Pride on Saturday 27th July. Coronation Street’s Shelley King, The Traitors UK’s Diane Carson, Miles Asteri and Theo Mayne, and Married at First Sight UK‘s Matt Jameson will also be joining them.
The increased risk of modern slavery which LGBTQ+ people can face comes from higher levels of vulnerability due to homelessness, mental health issues, violence and abuse, which statistics show disproportionally affects the LGBTQ+ community.
There are 64 counties with laws that criminalise homosexuality. This marginalisation means that LGBTQ+ people around the world affected by sexual exploitation and human trafficking, can be at higher levels than for other people.
In countries where a person’s sexuality puts them in danger, traffickers can use this fear of exposure to coerce their victims into performing sexual acts or into forced labour. They will often then use the fear of arrest to silence them and prevent them from seeking help.
Trafficking gangs will often seek out people without support networks, who are poor, homeless, marginalised, or desperate. LGBTQ+ people who have had to flee difficult or unsafe situations can often fall into these categories.
As part of the campaign, Causeway are appealing for donations to help deliver their services for modern slavery survivors. Those in a position to donate can email fundraise@wearecauseway.org.uk or visit www.wearecauseway.org.uk
Zoe Clifton, Married at First Sight UK star, said: “When I was speaking with Causeway, and heard just how many people are currently trapped in modern slavery, I was heartbroken. The increased risk of modern slavery that LGBTQ+ people face has made me both angry, but determined to do something. I hope by shining a light on this, both the LGBTQ+ community and our allies will come together to help build a fairer and safer world for everyone.”
Jenna Robinson, Married at First Sight UK star, said: “Modern slavery doesn’t discriminate, anybody can be affected, and LGBTQ+ people can find themselves particularly at risk. Whether it’s in the UK or around the world, the marginalization and abuse which the LGBTQ+ community all too often experience can increase their vulnerability and this is something that can be preyed on by traffickers. I am proud to be supporting Causeway and the important work they do.”
Helen Ball, Causeway’s CEO, said: “We are thrilled to have Zoe and Jenna partnering with Causeway to raise awareness of the LGBTQ+ community’s increased risk of modern slavery. The voices and experiences of modern slavery survivors are often not heard. Having Zoe and Jenna using their platforms to help elevate and empower the voices of LGBTQ+ survivors in particular, is something we are very grateful for and which we hope will raise much-needed awareness.
The survivors of modern slavery that Causeway support are still in the early stages of their recovery journey. We need to raise critical funds each year to help deliver our work, so every penny raised really does make a huge difference. Whether you are able to donate yourself, or would like to fundraise for Causeway, we would love to hear from you.”
