Hundreds of people gathered at a venue in Covent Garden, central London, this evening to recognise the incredible organisations, celebrities, businesses and allies that campaign for LGBTQ+ rights.
Hosted by television presenter Rylan Clark, a nominee himself, the event saw emotional tributes to LGBTQ+ icons and applause for leading equality campaigners.
Some of the biggest names in British culture took home awards for their contribution to the LGBTQ+ movement.
TV Judge and presenter Robert Rinder MBE won recognition as Broadcaster of the Year.
Pop Idol winner Will Young was chosen as Metro’s Music Hero of the Year.
Internet personality and I’m a Celeb jungle survivor GK Barry picked up the Rising Star Award as her career goes from strength to strength.
Legendary drag queen The Vivienne, who died at the age of 32 in January, was honoured with the Icon Award.
For a decades-long career spanning comedy, writing, narrating and acting, Stephen Fry was thrilled to receive the event’s Lifetime Achievement Award
The winners, as well as those who were highly commended, were decided by a mixture of a public vote by readers and a judging panel.
Heroes not usually in the spotlight also had their pioneering contributions to LGBTQ+ rights celebrated.
Elliot Barton, who has driven eyelash brand Tatti Lashes to international success, won the award for LGBT+ Business Leader.
While Lauryn Yuen, TikTok’s Global Client Solutions Manger and leading LGBTQ+ advocate within the firm, was celebrated for her work with the Business Ally award.
British corporations also won awards, with British Airways taking home Brand of the Year and Wickes receiving Business of the Year.
In total there were 22 winners, as well as 10 categories where there was a highly commended runner-up was chosen.
Richard Hartley-Parkinson, Executive Editor of Metro, said: ‘Congratulations to all the winners and those who were highly commended at the 2025 Metro Pride Awards.
‘We pride ourselves on being a diverse newsroom, offering a platform to those who wouldn’t normally have a voice and giving positive representation.
‘There will be people who want to detract from the awards with comments like. “how many awards ceremonies do these people need”.
‘But these awards are not for those people – they’re intended to inspire younger generations, people questioning who they are. We want everyone to see all the great things that all our nominees have accomplished, not just the winners.
‘The more people see us celebrating all that is good with being LGBTQ+, the more confident they will be in loving themselves, loving who they want to love, and becoming the hes, the shes, the theys and the thems they were born to be.’
To find out more about the Metro Pride Awards, click here.
Comments
Leave a Comment