The PinkNews Awards 2022, celebrating LGBT+ role models, took place at Church House Westminster on 19 October. Each year, the community comes together to highlight the work of businesses, organisations, and individuals across the globe. The award ceremony recognises achievements and support for LGBT+ rights across a wide range of sectors and activities.
The last in-person PinkNews Awards in 2019 saw awards presented by Labour Party leader Keir Starmer, foreign secretary James Cleverly, former prime minister Theresa May and speaker of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi.
Since then, the ceremony has remained a virtual event due to COVID-19 restrictions and safety precautions. In 2020, the PinkNews Awards saw Labour leader Keir Starmer call for greater unity against homophobia and transphobia, while mayor of London Sadiq Khan kicked off the ceremony by thanking activists and frontline heroes for going “above and beyond” in support of LGBTQ+ minorities.
This year the team at Church House was delighted to be able to host an in-person event for 300 guests.
Nominees included members from all walks of life, who came together to spread the solidarity of community and acceptance. From refugees to authors, bankers to influencers. Prizes at the PinkNews Awards 2022 included a copy of the 2010 Equality Act signed by every living former prime minister and a bottle of champagne signed by Liz Truss.
Awards were handed out to:
Emily Bridges – Sports Personality of the Year
Joanne Harris – Ally of the Year
John Nicholson – Politician of the Year
Nemat Sadat – Campaigner of the Year
Matt Bernstein – Influencer of the Year
Big Boys and This is Going to Hurt – Drama Award
Moments That Shaped: Queer Black Britain – Broadcast and Documentary
Netflix: Drag Queens take a Bridgerton Etiquette Class – Advertising Campaign
Jonathan Cooper OBE, the late human rights lawyer, was honoured with the Lifetime of Achievement Award at the PinkNews Awards 2022.
Labour leader Keir Starmer presented the award, which was accepted by Jonathan Cooper’s husband Kevin Childs, at the ceremony on Wednesday. Throughout his career, Jonathan Cooper fought relentlessly to defend the human rights of LGBTQ+ people around the world.
“Johnny was the most passionate force of nature many of us have ever known, with a very deep sense of justice and injustice that couldn’t be confined to the law,” Keir Starmer said.
Members of the press arrived to the Bishop Partridge Hall, which was a designated red-carpet press room for interviews throughout the evening.
The 300 guests enjoyed a drinks reception in the Hoare Memorial Hall before taking their seats for the awards ceremony in the Assembly Hall just before 7pm.
Throughout the event the walls of Church House were filled with lots of beautiful pink light and the whole setup was unique.