In alphabetical order
This award recognises an act of significance for the LGBT+ community which has taken place in the media, from factual events witnessed on the news or in print, to fictional events which have taken place on stage, film, TV or radio.
Alex Scott wears One Love Armband at Qatar 2022
Former player Scott received huge praise from football fans after wearing a One Love armband during the BBC’s World Cup coverage, hours after Fifa announced they would impose sanctions against players who do the same. It was a powerful statement from the presenter and former England captain. One Love armbands exist “to promote inclusion and send a message against discrimination of any kind,” a visual opposition to the fact homosexuality is illegal and punishable with prison sentences and death in Qatar.
Cheddar Gorgeous’ Pink Triangle Tribute
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK’s runner-up Cheddar Gorgeous made headlines in October after bringing their activism to the runway as contestants were asked to prepare an outfit for a category entitled ‘tickled pink’. The brilliant drag queen, who is an ambassador for The George Trust, opted to wear an all-black outfit covered in pink triangles and featuring the iconic slogan ‘Silence = Death’. It was an homage to AIDS activism and, in the same episode, Cheddar led a powerful conversation about HIV, PrEP and stigmas surrounding the issue. Cheddar would later go on to raffle the legendary outfit for both The Terrence Higgins Trust and The George Trust.
Gentleman Jack’s Second Series
Based on the real-life exploits of Anne Lister, lesbian extraordinaire of the 1800s, Gentleman Jack, penned by the remarkable Sally Wainwright (Happy Valley, Last Tango in Halifax), follows a journey in love and life as she records it all in secretly coded diaries. The drama has only run for two seasons but is unapologetic in its look at a historically queer figure who displayed a revolutionary and unashamed queerness in an age that certainly did not accept LGBT+ members of society.
Heartstopper on Netflix
Few shows captured the world’s attention like Heartstopper in 2022. The show is having a moment and, while that is only just beginning, it has made a real mark with exciting displays of young love coming to life and truly changing lives. It is a Netflix adaptation of Alice Oseman’s web comic about a gay high school romance and while it is predominantly a teen drama, it also provided a lot for older queer audiences to love. We’re counting down the days to season 2!
Jack Rooke’s Big Boys on Channel 4
One of the best British sitcoms of last year, Big Boys tells the story of Jack (Dylan Llewellyn from Derry Girls), who leaves home to head off to university where he meets a gang of misfit friends including Danny (Jack Pointing), who helps Jack come to turns with his sexuality while facing his own mental health struggles. Based on comedian Jack Rooke’s stand-up shows, the semi-autobiographical series had something for everyone.
Joe Lycett’s £10,000 donation
The Brummie legend captured the world’s attention last year as he threatened to shred £10,000 in cash unless David Beckham cancelled his highly lucrative sponsorship deal with Qatar. Beckham failed to respond to the threat and Lycett subsequently posted a video of himself shredding the money. It garnered unbelievable attention, only for Lycett to reveal that the money coming out of the shredder was fake and he had donated the cash to Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign and Sport Allies, before urging fans to gift money if they could too.
Miss Argentina and Miss Puerto Rico Get Married
In late 2022, former pageant queens Miss Argentina and Miss Puerto Rico revealed that not only had they been in a two-year relationship with each other but had tied the knot! Fabiola Valentín of Puerto Rico and Mariana Varela of Argentina posted an Instagram reel celebrating their romance, showing highlights from their time together and the proposal. They got married in October in what was a legendary moment. Congrats!
Ncuti Gatwa and Yasmin Finney on Doctor Who
Fans were sent into overdrive last year as Gatwa was announced as the next Doctor, Russell T. Davies revealed his return to Doctor Who as a showrunner and in yet more exciting news it was revealed that Heartstopper actor Yasmin Finney would be joining the show. It is an incredible showing of representation from the staple BBC show and is capturing new fans ready to see the characters thrive in the Whoniverse.
Stupid Wife, the LGBT+ webseries
Cult LGBT+ webseries Stupid Wife is based on the literary work of Nathália Sodré and centres around same-sex couple Luiza and Valentina’s life together with their young son Leo. It has gained a real notoriety online with the portrayal of some crucial themes, including the challenge Valentina faces to make Luiza fall in love with her again. Viewers have said they are truly emotionally invested in their story, with its powerful and emotive performances cited as one of the many reasons the show takes fans on a journey and teaches them a number of important life lessons along the way.
WNBA Star Brittney Griner
American basketball star Brittney Griner was released from prison last year after nearly 10 months in Russian custody, as part of a long-rumoured prisoner exchange. Griner is arguably the greatest female basketball player of all time as a two-time Olympic gold medallist and the marquee player for the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) in the US. The 32-year-old came out as gay at the age of 22, at the start of her promising career, becoming one of the most prominent LGBT+ athletes in the world. Her story and vocal support for the LGBT+ community has always transcended sport. We are happy and relieved that she is home safely.
