Jenner is loud and proud

vocal critic of Trump and penned an open letter in January encouraging people to “take action” against the president’s travel ban.

Screenwriter Russell T Davies, known for his ground-breaking 1999 series Queer as Folk, also used the evening to draw attention to political debates around LGBT issues. “Theresa May’s record on voting for gay rights is very, very poor, and I’m concerned about a swing to the right.”

Davies also said Conservative cuts to arts funding had dramatically affected working-class participation in creative industries.

“When I was growing up, I belonged to a youth theatre group, which made me the person I am today and provided a safe space for a young gay schoolboy. Unfortunately, after 40 years, my local theatre group has now been shut down.”

Olympian Tom Daley and his husband, Dustin Lance Black, jointly received the “Influencer of the Year” prize, while Rylan ClarkNeal also shared an award with his husband.

The former X Factor contestant and his husband Dan Clark- Neal were recognised for “Media Moment of the Year” after they made history last year becoming the first gay couple to host ITV’s flagship talk show This Morning.

A special recognition award was given to the Duke of Cambridge, Prince William, who was named straight ally of the year. Judges highlighted the prince’s campaigning work on homophobic bullying.

The awards, of which The Independent is the official media partner, were presented by Alan Carr and Melanie Sykes at the Grand Connaught Rooms in London.

The stand-up comedian used his introductory speech to urge the audience to register to vote in the coming general election, while also making a more light- hearted political reference to the Liberal Democrats leader’s famously ambiguous views on homosexuality.

“Tim Farron thinks homosexuality’s a sin”, said Carr. “Clearly, he has not been doing it right.”

Speaking after the awards, Carr said: “It has been a fantastic night that has rightly celebrated people in the LGBT community who are making a real difference, as well highlighting the straight allies who give their much-needed support.”

Sarah Garrett, who co-founded the awards, said: “The new challenges facing the LGBT community all over the world mean that these awards are more important than ever. It has been wonderful to celebrate such inspirational role models who send out a positive message to people everywhere that being LGBT is not and should never be a barrier to success. That is what the British LGBT Awards is all about.” – The Independent

Transgender star Caitlyn Jenner picked up the ‘Loud and Proud’ gong at the LGBT Awards.

PICTURES: REUTERS Olympian Tom Daley and his husband, Dustin Lance Black, jointly received the ‘Influencer of the Year’ prize at the LGBT Awards this week.