Yasmin Benoit’s advocacy work acknowledged with award nomination

Pioneering asexual activist is the creator of #ThisIsWhatAsexualLooksLike,

NOMINATED: Yasmin Benoit

YASMIN BENOIT has told the Voice it is ‘an honour’ to have made the short list for the inaugural Burberry sponsored British Diversity Awards which was announced earlier this week

The ceremony will recognise individuals with a track record of working to advance equality and opportunity for traditionally marginalised sections of society.

Benoit, creator of #ThisIsWhatAsexualLooksLike, is nominated for Campaigner of the Year for her work surrounding asexuality advocacy, it’s the same category as well known Trans activist and model Munroe Bergdorf who is being recognised for her tireless efforts towards furthering trans rights.

Others shortlisted include Little Mix star Leigh-Anne Pinnock, nominated for her powerful BBC documentary, Leigh-Anne Pinnock: Race, Pop and Power, which followed the pop singer as she confronted her experience as the only Black member of Little Mix, and as a Black woman in the music industry.

Manchester United star Marcus Rashford, for his tireless and well-documented campaigning, plus Strictly Come Dancing winner Rose-Ayling Ellis are also listed for awards.

“It’s an honour to be nominated for Campaigner of the Year,” Benoit enthused.

“It was a complete surprise and it’s very humbling to be in the same category as such accomplished people.

“I’ve never seen an asexual activist recognised at the British Diversity Awards so it’s quite a historical moment.

“Whether I win or not, just being visible in that space is a really great step for asexual representation.”

Speaking on the importance of people being given this type of platform and being recognised in this way Benoit added: “Having your work recognised is a really great confidence builder, it reassures you that you’re doing a good job and you’re on the right path.

“We all do this work in the hopes of making a positive impact for our wider community. Some of it is obvious, some of it flies under the radar but the energy you put into it is the same. Sometimes, ironically, you can feel quite invisible.

“It’s a lovely surprise to see the British Diversity Awards say, ‘hey, we see you, you’re doing great!’ when you’re on a rather unconventional path.”

Looking forward Benoit already has an eye on future achievements.“I’ve managed to get my message into a lot of spaces that it hasn’t been in before, across such a wide range of areas.

“Whether it’s speaking at the University of Oxford, on MTV, with charities or online platforms, I’m proud of myself for being able to raise awareness to new audiences.

“In 2022, I’m working on the UK’s first asexual rights project and I’m looking to take my work in a more legislative direction.”

Brands and community groups advocating for greater diversity including National Grid and The Prince’s Trust respectively are among those in the running, while social mobility initiatives like Off The Agenda Podcast are also shortlisted.

Organisations including Stonewall Housing Association, Galop, and Black Minds Matter have been nominated for the Charity of the Year accolade, supported by Burberry.

British Diversity Awards founder, Linda Riley, said: “We are incredibly excited to be announcing the shortlist of the inaugural Burberry sponsored British Diversity Awards.

“These awards will shine a light on the individuals, organisations, charities and unsung heroes who help to make the world and workplaces a better place for others across all strands of diversity.

“’We believe that by continuing to celebrate Equality, Diversity and Inclusion that we can help make the UK a better place to live and work for everyone.”

TV presenter June Sarpong will host the 2022 British Diversity Awards at London’s Grand Connaught Rooms on March 10.

Black people need to believe we belong everywhere, even skiing on the alps

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