West End star, Jonathan David Dudley, is supporting this year’s International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia campaign in Dudley by recording a special version of ‘A Million Dreams’ from the Greatest Showman.

Jonathan, who has starred in West End productions of Wicked and Book of Mormon, has recorded the track which will back a video compilation of photos from borough residents making heart shapes with their hands.

A global event for International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia will be held to raise awareness of the persecution suffered by LGBT+ people around the world on May 17. Dudley’s video will be shared during the same weekend and the rainbow flag will be raised at the council house from May 15 at noon. Jonathan David Dudley, said:

"I think the work that Dudley Council is doing to help raise awareness and understanding of LGBTQ issues is so very important and basically fantastic. It's not easy growing up in a world where you feel you are different and not the 'norm'.

"We live in such a beautiful vibrant world and everyone deserves to be accepted and respected for who they truly are. I am very proud of being from the West Midlands and even more proud now with the excellent work that Dudley Council is undertaking."

IDAHOBIT in Dudley this year has had to take into account the restrictions on social distancing as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. The flag raising and video will be shared on the council’s social media channels with the hashtag #LovefromDudley. Councillor David Stanley, The Mayor of Dudley, said:

"We are absolutely delighted that Jonathan has taken the time to record this special version of the song. I would encourage people from all over the borough to contribute photos to the video which will be shared over the weekend of 15-17 May.

"All we need is a photo of yourself making a heart-shape with your hands. This can be emailed to us or send through to our social media channels." 

Photographs can be sent by email, or directly through the council's social media platforms.