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The Stonewall Awards 2008
London Gay News by Simon McD on November 7, 2008 at 4:07 pmTweet
Last night the third Stonewall Awards took place in London’s zigazigahh Victoria & Albert Museum. “I don’t believe it” actor Richard Wilson hosted the event which aims to celebrate those who have made a positive impact on the lives of lesbians and gayers during 2008.
Despite the huge protest outside from the London Transfeminist Group about the decision to nominate journalist Julie Bindel, some of Britain’s top celebrities, politicians, sportspeople and writers provided an impressive line-up to the night. Including these two very nubile young men (right: Mark Westlife with jocktastic partner):
Anyway, here’s this year’s winners:
Hero of the Year – chosen by Stonewall supporters – Rt Rev’d Gene Robinson.
Openly gay Bishop of New Hampshire. Has bravely endured sustained personal attacks in recent months, as church debate on homosexuality has intensified. Recently barred from Lambeth conference.
Broadcaster of the Year - Sandi Toksvig (The News Quiz and Excess Baggage). The judges congratulated her for her wit and ‘masterful sense of comedy timing.’
Entertainer of the Year – Sue Perkins.
Winner of TV’s Maestro competition and rare openly lesbian role model in the public eye.
Journalist of the Year – Miriam Stoppard, The Daily Mirror. Hailed by the judging panel as ‘a great public voice for equality’. Her advice column in the Daily Mirror often touches on lesbian and gay issues with sensitivity and common sense.
Politician of the Year – Waheed Alli. The judges praised Lord Alli’s ‘tireless courage’ and ‘relentless passion’ for lesbian and gay equality.
Publication of the Year - Time Out. For its weekly essential information on lesbian and gay London, including features and cultural events beyond the capital’s commercial scene.
Stonewall Sports Award – Stonewall Lions FC. Winners of this year’s Gay Football World Championship. Our judges called them ‘a beacon of light in the darkness of homophobia that exists in football.’
Writer of the Year – Stella Duffy. For her eleventh novel, The Room of Lost Things, published to hugely positive reviews this year.
Bigot of the Year – chosen by Stonewall supporters – Iris Robinson MP. Just weeks after suggesting that gay people could be ‘cured’, describing homosexuality as ‘disgusting’, ‘loathsome’ and ‘an abomination’, in June the Unionist MP went on to say: ‘There can be no viler act, apart from homosexuality, than sexually abusing innocent children.’
Stonewall & Barclays Community Group of the Year – UK Lesbian and Gay Immigration Group. Winner of a £5,000 cheque presented at the ceremony.
Tags: celebrity, Competition, Equality, Football, gay, gays, homophobia, lesbian, lesbians, london, model, People, reviews, Rights, Stonewall, times, tv
1 Comment
the protest was not by TransFeminist Group although it was supported advertised and provided with T-shirts and badges by them. It was actually mostly the work of Natacha Kennedy to whom we are all very grateful
re. Community Group of the year I am so happy that UGLGIG got this. Sebastian Rocca is a tireless and selfless campaigner and worker, and UKLGIG is also very TransFriendly and myself (Transwoman) and or Joe Swift (Transman) are usually to be seen at their meetings. More power to them, and justice for Trans Lesbian and Gay asylum seekers!
Michal (TransLondon and Transgender Outreach)