A GREENOCK gay rights activist is flying the rainbow flag for Inverclyde at the 2018 European Championships in Glasgow.

Jennifer Meechan is among a select group chosen to represent the LGBT+ community at the sporting showpiece which has taken over Scotland's biggest city this month.

The 25-year-old came out when she was 18 and has always been supported by her family and fiancee Beth.

While Jennifer has never suffered any homophobic hostility locally, she is passionate about standing up for others who are less fortunate.

Jennifer, from Gibshill, got involved with the lottery-funded 'Mojo On The Green' project through the LGBT+ group at Glasgow Caledonian University, where she recently graduated with a social sciences degree.

The keen footballer is now doing her bit at the championships to fight prejudice and encourage fans, spectators and the general public to enjoy sport at all levels without fear of discrimination because of their sexual orientation.

Jennifer told the Tele: "There's a lot of homophobia involved in sports so we're trying to combat that a bit.

"To be gay is still illegal in seventy-four countries that compete in the Olympics.

"In thirteen countries it's punishable by death.

"We're very progressive in this country so it's our job to be the voice for others."

Mojo on the Green, which also ties in with the Year of Young People 2018 celebrations, saw Jennifer and five other young LGBT+ ambassadors aged between 18 and 25 receive training in mobile journalism skills from Glasgow-based Media Co-op to help spread the word about their campaign online and on social media.

Based at Pride House in the city, they have also been interviewing athletes, officials and volunteers and been supporting LEAP Sports Scotland's 'Football v Homophobia' campaign, which involves a giant inflatable human table football game in the Activation Zone on Glasgow Green.

Jennifer said: "Sport for me has been fun and I've not had any issues but I want to help others.

"It's the Year of the Young People as well and we're trying to make sport more inclusive for the next generation."

To keep up-to-date with Jennifer and the team, search for #LGBTchampions18 on social media and visit @FvHScot on Twitter.