Last night a number of community leaders were honoured at the
Lesbian & Gay Foundation's inaugural Homo Hero Awards Ceremony
at Manchester's Mint Hotel - for their work for and on behalf of
lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and
communities.
The ceremony was hosted by Paul Martin OBE, Chief Executive of the
Lesbian and Gay Foundation, and eight awards were given out in
total.
Star of screen and stage Sir Ian McKellen was awarded lesbian, gay
or bisexual Role Model of the Year.
While Waterloo Road and Lip Service star Heather Peace was on hand
to collect Manchester Pride Festival Director Jackie Crozier's
Community Champion of the Year Award.
Homo Hero Volunteer of the Year went to Daniel Burford of
OutdoorLads, despite stiff competition from Jim Vann (Chair of
George House Trust) and bi-campaigner Natalya Dell.
The Co-operative Respect Network was named Business of the Year,
Greater Manchester Police won Public Sector Partner of the Year and
collected their award from Tony Lloyd MP, and Taurus were crowned
LGBT Venue of the Year.
LGBT homeless youth charity Albert Kennedy Trust won Community
Group or organisation of the Year. Manchester City Councillor Mary
Murphy was also awarded the lifetime achievement award.
The Lesbian & Gay Foundation's Chief Executive, Paul Martin
OBE said, "Congratulations to the winners and nominees. The awards
are really important because they are nominated and voted for by
the people, and they recognise the valuable contribution to society
made by or on behalf of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans
people. They are about celebrating people in our everyday lives who
have made a significant contribution to supporting either you or
people you care about."
