Finlay McFarlane is a rape survivor and campaigner based in Scotland, whose work centres around increasing the visibility of men and boys who have been victims of sexual and intimate abuse.
Waiving his right to anonymity, Finlay began telling his personal story in the media, culminating in working with the BBC to produce a programme that aired around the world. The accompanying online article was the most-read piece on BBC News following publication, sparking a discussion about the lack of service provision and the complex issues around masculinity and vulnerability faced by male survivors of sexual violence.
Working with politicians, Finlay campaigns for a national strategy on ending intimate and sexual violence for men and boys, securing the policy as a 2021 SNP manifesto commitment. He now works to establish the implementation of the strategy in the coming years of the Scottish Government.
Finlay’s campaigning has been recognised by Attitude Magazine’s Pride Awards for the way it has removed stigma and made conversations about intimate and sexual abuse easier within the LGBT+ community. He is the proud recipient of the Men and Boys Coalition 2021 Campaigner of the Year Award.
Twitter: @FinlayMcF
Email: Finlay_McFarlane@yahoo.com