Fifth Harmony’s Lauren Jauregui, Olympic diver Tom Daley and Prince William were among the winners at this year’s British LGBT Awards.
The awards, which “acknowledge and reward those who deserve recognition for their outstanding commitment to the LGBT community”, took place last night (May 12) at the Grand Connaught Rooms in Covent Garden, London.
Lauren Jauregui, who came out as bisexual last year, won the award for ‘Celebrity of the Year’. She is known for being a huge activist for the LGBTQ community and women’s rights. Whilst she was unable to be at the ceremony, she recorded a video to show her gratitude to her Harmonizers and anyone else who voted.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozf8R9h-0Do
Prince William was awarded the ‘Celebrity Straight Ally of the Year’. He was also unable to attend the event, but shared a poignant message via video. William said: “In recent years I’ve become passionate about what we can do to protect people from bullying, particularly online. I have encountered a number of tragic stories about LGBT young people who have sadly felt unable to cope with the abuse and discrimination they face in their lives. It is 2017, and nobody should be bullied for their sexuality, or for any other reason.”
Our Celebrity Straight Ally winner, HRH Prince William! #BritishLGBTAwards pic.twitter.com/XHLrr3XBvc
— British LGBT Awards (@BritLGBTAwards) May 12, 2017
Newly married Tom Daley and Dustin Lance Black were jointly awarded ‘Influencer of the Year’. The couple gave an inspirational speech which shed light on how times are changing for the better. However, they also pleaded with the audience to use their power and influence to help LGBT people in countries where they are persecuted.
Thank you @BritLGBTAwards for honoring me & my wonderful husband @TomDaley1994 w/ the @Independent Influencer award!https://t.co/7rpT64EEu4
— Dustin Lance Black (@DLanceBlack) May 13, 2017
Other notable winners include Clare Balding (Broadcaster of the Year), Caitlin Jenner (Loud and Proud Award), Shannon Beveridge (LGBT celebrity rising star), Rylan and Dan Clark-Neal (Media Moment of the Year), Years and Years (Music Artist Award), and Russell T Davies (Lifetime Achievement). Check out the full list of winners here.