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Author: QI News

The UKs biggest queer names attend the British LGBT+ awards, where Tom Daley, Steps, Alicia Keys and Strictly stars win big

Olympic diver Tom Daley and Strictly Come Dancing‘s first male pairing, John Whaite and Johannes Radebe, were named among the winners at the 2022 British LGBT Awards.

 

Virgin Radio Pride was backstage to get all the LGBTea from one of the biggest nights on the UK queer calendar.

 

The stars were out in force at the British LBGT+ Awards in London (June 24), for a lavish bash hosted by TV favourite Sue Perkins.

 

Strictly Come Dancing runners-up Johannes Radebe and John Whaite served full fierceness on the red carpet and were honoured with the Media Moment of the Year prize, awarded by judge Shirley Ballas, for winning the nation’s heart as the first male same-sex couple in Strictly UK history.

Speaking to Virgin Radio Pride from the red carpet, John shared about the importance of queer-focused awards shows:

“It recognises the fight that we continue to have, not just the people who are up for the awards, but everyone here tonight, our community in general,” he said.

“The homeless kids on the street who are kicked out because they’re queer. It represents that fight that we have to continue fighting for. We have to keep saying our rights can’t be taken away from us.”

 

Olympian and knitting icon Tom Daley picked up the Sports Personality of the Year award, in recognition of his sporting achievements, activism and advocacy within the community.

 

Speaking to Virgin Radio Pride backstage, Tom said: “It’s always an honour to win an LGBT award and Sports Personality, it’s super exciting.”

“After the year that I had last year with the sport, and I think it’s just now more than ever, it’s just so important that people are visible and proud to be who they are.”

“I’d like to see other footballers and other athletes coming out and being proud of who they are and doing well in that as well, I think is it’s really powerful for younger kids.”

 

Sporting legend Dame Kelly Holmes, who opened up about her sexuality for the first time this month, was a surprise presenter on the night for the Celebrity Award, won by Mother Monster Lady Gaga.

 

(not a) Tragedy! Camp pop legends Steps received Music Artist of the Year gong at the ceremony, as they celebrate 25 joyful years in the music business, and the importance of their dedicated queer fanbase is not something they take for granted.

READ:  Tom Daley praised for powerful documentary on anti-LGBTQ+ Commonwealth countries, while (unsurprisingly) *some people* are unhappy

 

“From day one to up till now, it’s absolutely everything. I think if we hadn’t been embraced the way we had, that we wouldn’t still be here today,” Steps’ Claire Richards said of their win.

Comedian and all-round fabulous icon Julian Clary handed TV personality and host Rylan Clark the Broadcaster of the Year prize.

 

Rylan said of his win: “I’m very, very, very honoured. For me personally, it’s been quite a tough year. So on a personal level, and from a professional level, to go home with something like this tonight is a real hoot.”

British Vogue’s Editor-in-Chief Edward Enninful, who just helped break the internet with Beyoncé, thanks to the release of British Vogue’s current issue, picked up the Global Media Trailblazer Award, presented by Munroe Bergdorf.


 

Enninful said: “I am so honoured to be part of the 2022 LGBT Awards, especially as the UK celebrates 50 years of pride.”

“Growing up as a young, black gay man in West London, I could only have imagined the day when events like this would celebrate people like me, and the other incredible trailblazers recognised tonight. My hope is that we all continue to push for positive change for the next generation.”

Alicia Keys – who recently performed at the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Concert – won the Celebrity Ally award, presented by British singing legend Lulu via video link, where Keys said: “On a personal level, I’m honoured to accept this award tonight.”

“I’ve been blessed to know all kinds of people since I was a little girl and fortunately exposed to the beauty and richness of diversity. That’s all colours, all religions, all styles, all beliefs, all loves, all people.”

 

“You’ll never be alone and we have to show each other we’re all here for each other, let’s scream at the top of our lungs everyone deserves love, kindness, equanimity and most of all respect! Period, end of story.”

 

Radio presenter Adele Roberts picked up Role Model of the Year, a HUGELY deserving winner, after the DJ has spent recent months sharing her progress following a bowel cancer diagnosis.

 

Elsewhere, we were delighted to see LGBTQ+ rights charity Stonewall awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award, which was presented by TV personality Paul O’Grady.

 

For the full list of winners from the night plus more action from backstage, click here. 

Listen to Virgin Radio Pride UK online, via the Virgin Radio app, in the Apple or Google store, or via DAB Digital radio in London and Scotland. You can also catch the Virgin Radio Pridecast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever else you get your podcasts.

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