LGBTQ+ online directory launched in honour of late gay Strictly star Robin Windsor
The Ask Bobby directory launched in June and honours the late Robin Windsor. (Shane Anthony Sinclair/Getty Images)
The Ask Bobby directory launched in June and honours the late Robin Windsor. (Shane Anthony Sinclair/Getty Images)
An LGBTQ+ online directory aimed at supporting those in the community with their mental health has been launched in honour of the late gay Strictly Come Dancing star Robin Windsor.
Warning: Mentions of mental health issues, drug abuse and suicide.
The Latin and ballroom dancer was best known for his time as a professional dancer on the BBC series between 2010 and 2013, for seasons eight through to 12. Windsor died at the age of 44 in February this year, with an inquest into his cause of death set to take place next January.
During his time on the show, he was partnered with stars including EastEnders actress Anita Dobson, Dragons’ Den panellist Deborah Meaden, and Emmerdale actresses Lisa Riley and Patsy Kensit. After briefly stepping down due to a slipped disk, he returned to the show to perform as part of the show’s first-ever same-sex dance with fellow dancer Aljaž Škorjanec.
Robin’s best friend and former partner, Davide Cini, helped to set up the Ask Bobby directory in June via the organisation You Are Loved. Cini hopes that the platform can provide a “one-stop shop” for mental health charities, community groups and sporting organisations which those in the LGBTQ+ community could turn to in times of need.
“Helping others, including children and those with disabilities, to dance helped [Robin] during some of his darkest days,” Cini told the BBC in a recent interview .
“I think it’s the legacy that myself, Robin’s family and friends would like for him, so he can keep shining a light and help people within our community who are struggling,” Cini said. “Robin would be really proud that we are doing this in his name.”
You Are Loved founder Marc Svensson said the platform came to fruition after learning about how many people in the LGBTQ+ community die “prematurely”, noting that queer people are more likely to die from suicide and drug-related deaths.
“Signposting people to their community or group of people that might share the same interests or hobbies might be a really good way to combat loneliness and isolation, which is rampant in the LGBTQ+ community,” Svensson said.
You can register for the Ask Bobby directory here. If this story has affected you, call the Samaritans any time, day or night for free on 116 123.
