Steps star Ian 'H' Watkins has been honoured at the British LGBT Awards. Best known for being in the pop band, the singer was recognised for his work organising pride events and his advocacy for same-sex parents. Watkins is the founder of Cowbridge Pride in Vale of Glamorgan, Wales, and puts on the annual event to raise funds for local causes related to the LGBTQ+ community. He told the BBC receiving the honour was an "emotional" moment. He said: "Tonight is a really important night, all nights like this, because it's a celebration and there's lots of heart. There's real people, there are real stories. "I think people have to remember that when everybody goes home and they take their glam rags off, that's when the real work starts." Actor Billy Porter, best known for his role as Pray Tell in Pose, also received a special award on the night, in recognition of his work on stage and screen and for raising awareness of HIV prevention. Speaking in 2021, when Porter confirmed he wasliving with HIV, he said he had kept it a secret for 14 years but that speaking about it helped him stop feeling ashamed of his diagnosis. He made his name on Broadway, winning a Tony Award for his role in the musical Kinky Boots in 2013. The British LGBT awards are considered one of the most significant events for the LGBTQ+ community and have been held annually since 2014. Hundreds of celebrities, campaigners and LGBTQ+ allies attended this year's event. BBC presenter Scott Mills, who won the LGBT+ advocacy award at last year's ceremony, was a co-host of the night. He told BBC News it was important the event also reflected the work of business leaders and companies promoting inclusion. He said: "It's about creating a more inclusive society where people are respected and they feel empowered at work and valued. "It's not all about which celebrity is here, it's about everyday places making change for the better." Sarah Garrett MBE, founder of the awards, said they were about "celebrating our community and those who uplift it". Previous winners include: Adele Roberts, for her work promoting awareness of bowel cancer; Tom Daley, who won the sports personality of the year category, and Doctor Who actor David Tennant.
Steps star Ian 'H' Watkins honoured at LGBT awards
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"Ian 'H' Watkins Receives Honor at British LGBT Awards for Advocacy Work"
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TruthLens AI Summary
Ian 'H' Watkins, a member of the popular pop group Steps, was celebrated at the British LGBT Awards for his significant contributions to the LGBTQ+ community. Recognized for his efforts in organizing pride events, Watkins is the founder of Cowbridge Pride in Vale of Glamorgan, Wales, where he has dedicated his time to raising funds for local LGBTQ+ causes. He expressed his gratitude and emotional response to receiving the honor, highlighting the importance of such events as celebrations of the community's real stories and struggles. Watkins emphasized the need for continued advocacy beyond the glitz of award ceremonies, stating that the real work begins after the celebrations end. His remarks underscored the ongoing challenges faced by the community and the importance of grassroots efforts in making meaningful changes.
The British LGBT Awards, an annual event since 2014, brings together celebrities, advocates, and allies to recognize individuals making a difference within the LGBTQ+ community. This year, actor Billy Porter was also honored for his impactful work in raising awareness about HIV prevention, particularly after publicly disclosing his own diagnosis. The event was co-hosted by BBC presenter Scott Mills, who emphasized the significance of inclusivity in all areas of society, including the corporate world. Sarah Garrett MBE, the founder of the awards, reiterated that the purpose of the event is to celebrate the community and those who uplift it, showcasing previous winners like Adele Roberts and Tom Daley. The awards serve not only to honor notable figures but also to inspire ongoing efforts toward a more inclusive society.
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