British LGBT Awards 2023 winners: Paloma Faith scoops gong

Paloma Faith and Becky Hill were named among the winners at the 2023 British LGBT Awards in London on Friday night.

In what was the most emotional and poignant moment of the night, comedian Julian Clary presented the late Paul O’Grady‘s husband Andre Portasio with a special award.

The much-loved TV star was a multiple British LGBT Award winner before his sudden death in March and was set to attend this year’s ceremony to collect the Broadcaster of the Year honour.

Clary paid a touching tribute to his friend who created Lily Savage before a glittering TV career.

Comedian Katherine Ryan, 39, and singer songwriter Andy Bell, 59, also took home gongs, with the 80s music legend and Erasure frontman picking up the Lifetime Achievement accolade.

Touching: In what was the most emotional and poignant moment of the night, comedian Julian Clary presented the late Paul O’Grady’s husband Andre Portasio (picured) with a special award

Much loved: Paul was a multiple British LGBT Award winner before his sudden death in March

Paloma, who has given vocal support to the campaign for equality for transgender people, said she was ‘proud’ to accept her award for LGBTQ+ Advocacy.

Speaking at the event the music star said: ‘It is essential we support the LGBTQ+ community and stand up for those being targeted because of their sexuality.

‘I am deeply honoured to win a British LGBT Award. It really is a highlight of my career. I just hope I can make a little bit of difference using my platform.’

Held in association with Tesco and Macquarie Group, comedian and much-loved TV presenter Sue Perkins was back for a second year in a row to host the event, dubbed the ‘Gay Oscars’.

The British LGBT Awards celebrates the UK’s most loved LGBT personalities, innovators and companies, as well as the allies and organisations who support them.

Becky was awarded the Celebrity of the Year award, beating BRIT-Award winning artist Mika, pansexual singer-songwriter Yungblud and British artist Cat Burns.

Footballer Jake Daniels, who came out as gay in 2021, collected the Sports Personality of Year award, with organisers paying tribute to his leadership and bravery.

Netflix smash hit Heartstopper – which is gearing up for its second season – was handed the Media Moments award, while Mark Ferris, 32, was named as the winner of the Online Influencers category.

Making memories: Paloma said she was ‘proud’ and ‘deeply honoured’ to accept her award for LGBTQ+ Advocacy

Touching moment: Comedian Julian Clary, 64, presented the late Paul O’Grady’s husband Andre Portasio (pictured right) with a special award for the funny man

Lady in red: Canadian star, Katherine Ryan , 39, turned heads in a red satin dress with rouge peep-toe heels as she collected the award for Celebrity Allies

Gong: Michael Gunning (L) poses with Jake Daniels’ agent who accepts the award which Jake has won for Sports Personality

Congrats: Andy Bell poses with the award for Lifetime Achievement 

Elsewhere, Mariana Ceccotti from KPMG was presented with an Inspirational Leader prize while Virgin Atlantic were honoured with a Best Brand or Marketing Campaign award.

Radio 1 DJ and LGBT+ rights campaigner, Dean McCullough, said of the winners: ‘It was absolutely fantastic to be a part of the British LGBT Awards and present all of these incredible winners. It was a brilliant night which celebrated the very best of our community.’

British LGBT Awards founder, Sarah Garrett MBE, added: ‘Tonight was a fantastic celebration of the very best of our community and I congratulate all of the winners.

‘The British LGBT Awards has grown to become the most recognisable awards event for LGBT+ people in Britain since we launched eight years ago.

‘We were delighted to be able to honour the people who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to advancing LGBT+ rights. All of the winners and nominees are incredibly deserving.’