Stonewall Awards winners announced
November 10th 2009
The third Stonewall Awards, hosted by actor Richard Wilson, were held at London's V&A and attended by 400 people including celebrities, politicians, sportspeople and writers. The event, sponsored by Barclays, celebrated those who have made a positive impact on the lives of lesbian and gay people in 2008.
2008 winners:
- Hero of the Year chosen by Stonewall supporters - Rt Revd Gene Robinson. Openly gay Bishop of New Hampshire. Has bravely endured sustained personal attacks in recent months, as church debate on homosexuality has intensified. Recently barred from Lambeth conference.
- Broadcaster of the Year - Sandi Toksvig (The News Quiz and Excess Baggage). The judges congratulated her for her wit and masterful sense of comedy timing.?
Entertainer of the Year - Sue Perkins. Winner of TV's Maestro competition and rare openly lesbian role model in the public eye.
- Journalist of the Year - Miriam Stoppard, The Daily Mirror. Hailed by the judging panel as a great public voice for equality. Her advice column in the Daily Mirror often touches on lesbian and gay issues with sensitivity and common sense.
- Politician of the Year - Waheed Alli. The judges praised Lord Alli's tireless courage and relentless passion for lesbian and gay equality.
- Publication of the Year - Time Out. For its weekly essential information on lesbian and gay London, including features and cultural events beyond the capital's commercial scene.
- Stonewall Sports Award - Stonewall Lions FC. Winners of this year's Gay Football World Championship. Our judges called them a beacon of light in the darkness of homophobia that exists in football.
- Writer of the Year - Stella Duffy. For her eleventh novel, The Room of Lost Things, published to hugely positive reviews this year.
- Bigot of the Year - chosen by Stonewall supporters - Iris Robinson MP. Just weeks after suggesting that gay people could be cured, describing homosexuality as ?disgusting, loathsome and an abomination, in June the Unionist MP went on to say: There can be no viler act, apart from homosexuality, than sexually abusing innocent children.
The Hero, Bigot and Community Group of the Year Awards were voted for by 7,000 Stonewall supporters. All other categories were chosen by a judging panel including artist Maggi Hambling, MP Diane Abbott, Channel Five Chair Dawn Airey and Coronation Street's Antony Cotton.
On being voted Stonewall's Hero of the Year, Bishop Gene Robinson said: What an honour to receive this award! I'm delighted that LGBT people are joining hands across the pond to accomplish the goal of equality for all. To be recognised in this way warms my heart and emboldens me for the future.
Sandi Toksvig, winner of Stonewall's Broadcaster of the Year award, said: Thank you for noticing my work on the wireless. It means a lot to me. I raise a glass to all those living their lives out and proud in the passionate belief that secrets are a cancer of the soul and closets are for mothballs.
Ben Summerskill, Stonewall Chief Executive, said: It's hugely humbling to honour those both gay and straight - who have inspired or encouraged Britain's 3.6 million gay people. Every year, the Stonewall Awards highlight just how much we have to celebrate in an increasingly gay-friendly modern Britain.
Of course, hostility towards gay people still exists. It's telling that this year's winners of Hero and Bigot of the Year are two Robinsons who use their Christian beliefs in such very different ways. This is supported by recent Stonewall research which found that many religious people hold significantly more moderate views of homosexuality than is often claimed on their behalf.
Attendees at the ceremony included singer Beverley Knight, Mark Feehily of Westlife, TV personality Sue Perkins, Daily Mirror advice columnist Dr Miriam Stoppard and the Revd Martin Dudley.
Article provided by Stonewall
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