British LGBT Awards
The awards season is upon us. The Golden Globes, the Oscars, the… well, you name it and there is probably an award for it but the only one that matters. So, opening the gold envelope: “And the only winner is… The LGBT Media Awards, which are designed to showcase individuals and organisations who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to the LGBT community.”
We believe that those who go the extra mile to ensure equality of opportunity and fair treatment for all, regardless of sexuality or gender, deserve to be recognised.
Who will you nominate as your British hero of 2015? More importantly, who will you vote for? Organisers of the Awards are urging all you gayers out there to make your choice before nominations close on 1st February.
Last year, at a glitzy ceremony in London Gay celebrities and their ‘straight allies’ were recognised for their commitment to equality after a vote by readers of the popular gay magazines Out In The City & g3 Magazine and where Queens Park Rangers footballer Joey Barton won the coveted Celebrity ‘Straight Ally of the Year’ gong. He beat off tough competition from rugby legend and Strictly Come Dancing star Ben Cohen, breakfast TV presenter Lorraine Kelly and Ab Fab star Jennifer Saunders for the honour. Barton attended the awards with his openly gay uncle, Tom Barton.
Other awards went to Tom Daley, Paul O’Grady, Graham Norton and a host of other celebrities and organisations but who will win this year’s event?
Dubbed the ‘Gay Oscars’, the red carpet extravaganza takes place on 24 April, at London’s sumptuous Landmark Hotel. Coronation Street star Charlie Condou and actress Sophie Ward will both host the event. A total of fifteen awards will be presented, including Celebrity of the Year, Straight Ally of the Year, Inspirational Role Model, Rising Star and Lifetime Achievement. There will also be awards for people the community have great affection for. Organizers Square Peg Media, Britain’s biggest diversity and inclusion Events Company will produce a shortlist based on the nominations. They have already seen a record number of people take part.
Photo: Chris Jepson