VOGUE DIRECTOR Edward Enninful and global music superstar Alicia Keys were among the big winners at the 2022 British LGBT Awards which took place in front of a star-studded crowd in London tonight (Friday 24 June). 

Enninful, a world-renowned fashion icon and champion of diversity, was handed the Global Media Trailblazer award at the annual LGBT+ extravaganza by model Munroe Bergdorf.

He said: “I am so honoured to be part of the 2022 LGBT Awards, especially as the UK celebrates 50 years of pride. Growing up as a young, black gay man in West London, I could only have imagined the day when events like this would celebrate people like me, and the other incredible trailblazers recognised tonight. My hope is that we all continue to push for positive change for the next generation.” 

Held in association with Tesco and Macquarie Group, and hosted by comedian and much-loved TV presenter Sue Perkins, the British LGBT Awards is the UK’s biggest LGBT+ awards event which celebrates the best British and international talent from the community, as well as the allies and organisations who support them.

Keys was awarded with a Celebrity Ally of the Year prize at the ceremony by British music icon Lulu, beating Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp and Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe to the accolade after a huge public vote, having used her platform to address her hope for better freedom of expression for future generations.

Joining via video link the multi-award winning music star said: “On a personal level, I’m honoured to accept this award tonight.

“I’ve been blessed to know all kinds of people since I was a little girl and fortunately exposed to the beauty and richness of diversity. That’s all colours, all religions, all styles, all beliefs, all loves, all people.

“Believe me, I know that hate is taught and judgement is taught, but we are the light and we are the love. I sometimes can’t believe how much hate there is to overcome, but where there is light and love, darkness and hate cannot exist.

“I know the powerful LGBTQI+ community has a lot to fight for, stand up to and care about – so just like all of you here tonight, I am here with you to keep showing up, representing and reminding each other we are not alone.

“You’ll never be alone and we have to show each other we’re all here for each other, let’s scream at the top of our lungs everyone deserves love, kindness, equanimity and most of all respect! Period, end of story.

“Of course we’ve come a long way but there’s so much more to do and there’s so much more that has to happen, but that’s why ceremonies like this are so important.”

British LGBT Awards founder, Sarah Garrett MBE, said: “We were delighted to be able to host a celebration of the people working hard to advocate for and advance LGBT+ rights. All of the winners and nominees are incredibly deserving.” 

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