A string of the UK's most prolific members of the LGBTQ+ community were out in force on Friday night for the 2022 British LGBT Awards – where British Vogue editor Edward Enninful, diving champion Tom Daley and chart icons Steps were among those honoured.
The glitzy bash, held in association with Tesco and Macquarie Group, was held in London and was presided over by host and comedian Sue Perkins.
Edward, 50, was honoured with the Global Media Trailblazer award and declared in his acceptance speech: "I am so honoured to be part of the 2022 LGBT Awards, especially as the UK celebrates 50 years of pride.
"Growing up as a young, black gay man in West London, I could only have imagined the day when events like this would celebrate people like me, and the other incredible trailblazers recognised tonight.
"My hope is that we all continue to push for positive change for the next generation."
Alicia Keys, 41, was awarded the Celebrity Ally of the Year prize following a public vote.
Accepting her award via video link, the American singer said: “On a personal level, I’m honoured to accept this award tonight.
“I’ve been blessed to know all kinds of people since I was a little girl and fortunately exposed to the beauty and richness of diversity. That’s all colours, all religions, all styles, all beliefs, all loves, all people.
“Believe me, I know that hate is taught and judgement is taught, but we are the light and we are the love. I sometimes can’t believe how much hate there is to overcome, but where there is light and love, darkness and hate cannot exist.
“I know the powerful LGBTQI+ community has a lot to fight for, stand up to and care about - so just like all of you here tonight, I am here with you to keep showing up, representing and reminding each other we are not alone.
“You’ll never be alone and we have to show each other we’re all here for each other, let’s scream at the top of our lungs everyone deserves love, kindness, equanimity and most of all respect! Period, end of story.
“Of course we’ve come a long way but there’s so much more to do and there’s so much more that has to happen, but that’s why ceremonies like this are so important.”
Diver Tom, 28, collected the Swinton Insurance Sports Personality of the Year award and dazzled at the event in a light yellow and black evening jacket.
While fellow Olympic legend Dame Kelly Holmes, 52, was a surprise presenter on the night, handing out the Celebrity Award to singer Lady Gaga – days after the sporting icon came out as lesbian.
Steps – the band made up of openly gay singer Ian "H" Watkins and bandmates Lee Latchford-Evans, Claire Richards, Lisa Scott-Lee and Faye Tozer – received the Music Artist award.
While Strictly stars Johannes Radebe, 35, and John Whaite, 33, won the Media Moment award after they danced all the way to the final of Strictly last year as the first ever men in a same-sex coupling.
Rylan Clark was awarded the Broadcaster, Journalist or Host award, Adele Roberts won Role Model of the Year, Kevin Humphreys won Diversity Hero and Rishi Madlani won the Inspirational Leader award.
Laura Yeates was awarded Business Ally, Juno Dawson and Abbey Kiwanuka won Outstanding Contribution to LGBT+ Life, Kim Warren won Future Leader and Jamie Raines won Online Influencer.
On a more corporate note, Legal & General won Network Group or ERG, Lego won Brand or Marketing Campaign, LGBT Foundation won Charity or Community Initiative, Barclays won Inclusive Employer, and Stonewall won the Lifetime Achievement award.
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