As the countdown for the Natwest British LGBT awards begins, we take a look at the shortlist of community activists, public figures and straight allies who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to the LGBT community.
Among this year’s nominees includes Prince William for the Straight Ally award after becoming the first member of the royal family to be photographed for the cover of a gay magazine.
Prince William joins the Straight Ally nominees alongside celebrities including Emma Watson, James Corden and Ariana Grande.
Other celebrities include Laverne Cox, a transgender activist and actress from the popular Netflix series Orange Is The New Black, comedian Kate McKinnon who hit the spotlight on Saturday Night Live after her portrayal of Hillary Clinton during the 2016 US presidential race, and the introduction of a Lesbian Kiss To The BBC’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream by Russel T. Davies.
The nominations for the top ten media moments include Black Mirror‘s San Junipero Episode, Cyndi Lauper’s rewrite of Kinky Boots In Support Of Trans Rights, and India Willoughby’s feature on the Loose Women Panel.
The Natwest British LGBT awards don’t just celebrate people. Other categories include ‘Top 10 Brands or Marketing Campaigns’, ‘GMB Top 10 Charities or Community Initiatives’ and the ‘Barclays Top 10 Employers or Companies’.
The British LGBT Awards founder Sarah Garrett MBE said: “The 2017 NatWest British LGBT Awards shortlist features inspirational people who have and continue to use their platform to promote and enhance LGBT rights all over the world.
“All nominees are absolutely deserving of their place on the shortlist but it is now down to the public to choose their winners ahead of the ceremony which is set to be the biggest yet when it takes place in London on 12 May.”
The Natwest British LGBT awards ceremony will be held on Friday 12th May.