Stonewall, the LGB equality organisation, has announced the nominees for this year’s Stonewall Awards, which will take place at the V&A, London on Thursday, November 7.
Now in its eighth year, the awards, which this year will be judged by Richard Madeley, Jeanette Winterson and Will Young, recognise the individuals who have made a real difference to the lives of gay people around the world – as well as highlighting those who have caused offence and distress.
This year’s Hero of the Year nominees include Lord Alli, for his 15 years of tireless campaigning in the House of Lords; Bishop Nicholas Holtam who has been an articulate advocate of equality within the Church of England; and the Russian LGBT Network, which continues to campaign despite persecution and oppression.
Bigot of the Year nominees include historian Niall Ferguson, whose comments about the economist John Maynard Keynes caused outrage; UKIP parliamentary candidate Winston McKenzie, who compared same-sex parenting to child abuse; and Scott Lively, an American evangelist who has aggressively exported homophobia around the globe.
Nominees for Politician of the Year recognise those whose tireless work helped secure equal marriage in England and Wales. They include Conservative Baroness Stowell, LibDem Baroness Barker, Plaid Cymru’s Lord Elis-Thomas, Nick Herbert MP, Labour’s Baroness Thornton and the Jenkin Family (Lord Jenkin, Baroness Jenkin and Bernard Jenkin MP).
Broadcast of the Year nominees include BBC2’s The Great British Bake Off, CBBC’s Marrying Mum and Dad and Channel 4’s long running teen drama Hollyoaks.
Laura Doughty, Stonewall Deputy Chief Executive, said:
“The Stonewall Awards are a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the achievements of so many individuals who’ve made a real difference in this historic year for lesbian, gay and bisexual equality.
“Sadly, the contrast between those who’ve made a positive difference and those who still simply seek to demean and degrade gay people and their families has never been more stark. That’s why all five of our Bigot of the Year nominees deserve their place on the list.”
For tickets and the full shortlist, CLICK HERE:
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