DEMI Lovato and Anne-Marie led the celeb winners at tonight’s 2021 British LGBT Awards.
US pop icon Demi scooped the Celebrity of the Year gong while Ciao Adios singer Anne-Marie took home the MTV-sponsored Music Artist of the Year prize presented by Alesha Dixon.
DEMI Lovato and Anne-Marie led the celeb winners at tonight’s 2021 British LGBT Awards.
US pop icon Demi scooped the Celebrity of the Year gong while Ciao Adios singer Anne-Marie took home the MTV-sponsored Music Artist of the Year prize presented by Alesha Dixon.
The event, held in association with founding partner NatWest and headline sponsor Tesco, was hosted by TV presenter Gok Wan and Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK winner Lawrence Chaney.
This Morning host Phillip Schofield received a special recognition award a year after he bravely came out as gay on ITV’s daytime show.
The 59-year-old, who is currently abroad on his summer holiday, said: “Wow. This is a biggie. What a proud moment for me personally.”
Phillip was supported by friend and co-star Holly Willoughby when he told the nation he was gay.
While behind the scenes he was backed by his wife of 27 years Stephanie and daughters Molly and Ruby.
He continued: “I’ve never won any award individually. Any award you win as a team that’s there propping you up and definitely that’s the case with this one.
“I had the most extraordinary people that helped me pack the parachute before the jump. Friends and family, loved ones and then there were an enormous amount of rainbow arms outstretched to catch me when I reached the bottom of my jump.”
Former US presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton, who has been a long standing ally of the LGBT+ community, was awarded the Global Ally award after joining the ceremony via video.
Mrs Clinton said she could “not be prouder to stand with the LGBT+ community” and said there is more “work to be done to change laws and change hearts and minds” until LGBT+ people secure full equality.
Years & Years star Olly Alexander was recognised for the hard-hitting Channel 4 AIDS drama It’s a Sin which won the Media Moment award and female boxing champion Nicola Adams, who was part of Strictly Come Dancing’s first same-sex couple, won the LGBT+ Role Model accolade.
Spice Girl Melanie C scooped the Ally award. Having worked closely with drag collective Sink the Pink, the singer has been vocal about what a privilege it is to spend time in queer, trans and non-binary spaces and beat off competition from people like Michelle Visage and popular host Dermot O’Leary to take home the prize.
Comedian Tom Allen, who is currently presenting Cooking With The Stars with Emma Willis, was named Broadcaster of the Year.
Commenting on the winners, Gok Wan, said: “So many brilliant and deserving LGBT+ people and allies have been recognised tonight. It is wonderful to be part of this event.”
Awards founder, Sarah Garrett MBE, added: “We were so delighted to be able to host a celebration of the people working hard to advocate for and advance LGBT+ rights after what has been a difficult 18 months. All of the winners and nominees are incredibly deserving.”
British LGBT Awards 2021 winners
CELEBRITY AWARD
WINNER
DEMI LOVATO
ROLE MODEL
WINNER
NICOLA ADAMS
MTV MUSIC ARTIST
WINNER
ANNE-MARIE
CELEBRITY ALLY
WINNER
MEL C
SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD
WINNER
PHILLIP SCHOFIELD
JOHNSON & JOHNSON – CHARITY OR COMMUNITY INITIATIVE
WINNER
UK BLACK PRIDE
ONLINE INFLUENCER
WINNER
JESSICA KELLGREN-FOZARD
MEDIA MOMENT
WINNER
IT’S A SIN
JUST EAT – OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO LGBT+ LIFE
WINNER
PAUL MARTIN OBE
BROADCASTER, JOURNALIST OR HOST
WINNER
TOM ALLEN
NETWORK RAIL – BRAND OR MARKETING CAMPAIGN
WINNER
STARBUCKS
GLOBAL ALLY
WINNER
HILLARY CLINTON
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
WINNER
LADY PHYLL
SWINTON INSURANCE – FOOTBALL ALLY
WINNER
CONOR COADY
MACQUARIE – FUTURE LEADER
WINNER
JUSTIN FARRANCE, ALLEN & OVERY
HSBC UK – BUSINESS ALLIES
WINNER
SHARON HAGUE, PEARSON
INSPIRATIONAL LEADER
WINNER
STEPHEN JACQUES, KEY ASSETS GROUP
DIVERSITY HERO
WINNER
DEON PILLAY, LGIM
OVO – NETWORK GROUP
WINNER
LGBTQ+@TESCO
TESCO – INCLUSIVE EMPLOYER OR COMPANY
WINNER
SAINSBURY’S
EXCEPTIONAL INCLUSION
WINNER
GURCHATEN SANDHI, UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANIZATION