The LGBT community turned out in force this week to celebrate the city’s ‘homo heroes’.
More than 250 people packed into the Radisson Blue Hotel for the third annual Homo Hero Awards, with the number of nominations also rocketing compared to previous years.
Among the winners were Greater Manchester Police who picked up the accolade for Public Sector Partner of the Year, while other awards up for grabs were for Community Champion, Volunteer and Role Model of the Year.
Sarah McNally, of the Lesbian and Gay Foundation, believes the award’s success this year is a positive sign of things to come.
She saidd: “There is a big capacity to make this grow, to make this larger.
“I think it’s more established now and it’s something that people really look forward to.”
Returning winner, the Cooperative Respect Group, picked up the reward for Business of the Year for the third year running.
The Co-op has sponsored Manchester Pride for five years and recently became the first large organisation to sponsor the Sparkle Festival.
The Co-chair of the Respect Group, Thomas Anderson, was delighted with the outcome of the ceremony and the impact it has every year.
He said: “The more opportunities that there are for people to be applauded, the more something is talked about and the more organisations like the LGF can grow.
“It gives the LGF a chance to get lots of positive coverage and for people to see the brilliant work they do.”
One individual who tasted victory was footballer Andie Worrall who plays for Manchester City Ladies F.C. and is accepted as the first ‘out’ player in the game at her level.
Miss Worrall, 36, won Role Model of the Year and said she is prepared to adhere to the responsibility of what that entitles.
She said: ‘I feel very humbled and honoured.
“I would like to share my experience from over 20 years of football and try to give advice, be approachable, and set a good example with how I live my life outside football.”
The Homo Hero Awards ‘also encouraged others to come out if they are 100 per cent sure of their sexuality.
“The response I have had has been very positive and other people have been very supportive.
“I would always say to be yourself and not to be dictated by others.”
Other winners included the Reverend Hayley Matthews as Community Champion of the Year, Outdoorlads as the Community Group of the Year and Richmond Tea Rooms as Venue of the Year.
Picture courtesy of Anthro_aya, with thanks.
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