Homo Heroes shortlist

Charity Announces Finalists for Community Awards

6 August 2013 - Leading charity The Lesbian & Gay Foundation have announced the finalists of their annual Homo Heroes Awards, supported by Barclays, highlighting inspirational stories and triumphs over adversity.

The Lesbian & Gay Foundation's annual Homo Heroes Awards, now in its third year, gives people the chance to recognise individuals, groups and organisations that have made a difference to the lives of lesbian, gay and bisexual people, in the past year.
 
The charity has announced the top 3 finalists in each of the 7 award categories, and are encouraging people to vote for who they want to be their Homo Heroes.

Paul Martin OBE, Chief Executive of The Lesbian & Gay Foundation, comments "This year has seen the most nominations ever, and we have been overwhelmed with some of the humbling stories of people and organisations who are dedicated to improving the lives of lesbian, gay and bisexual people".
 
"The nominations have been diverse; from Revered Hayley Matthews, a gay woman in the Church of England who speaks out against prejudice; Simon James Clark who set up a local support group after been diagnosed with HIV and suffering from depression to Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, who have demonstrated a commitment to providing services to the LGB&T community."
 
Julian Bucknall, Co-Chair of Spectrum, Barclays LGBT employee network commented "The community have identified an eclectic mix of finalists through their nominations; every one of them are working in our communities to enrich and embrace greater inclusion and equality.  It’s great to see diversity in the list of finalists too, which helps to deconstruct LGB&T stereotypes and inform greater awareness in the wider society".
 
The top 3 finalists in each of the 7 categories are;
 
Homo Hero - Community Champion of the year
Reverend Hayley Matthews
Tony Cooper
Simon James Clark
 
Homo Hero - Business of the year
Cooperative Respect Network
Serenity Security Solutions
The Quest
 
Homo Hero - Lesbian, gay or bisexual role model of the year
Andie Worrall
Jen Yockney
Lee Wicks
 
Homo Hero - Public Sector Partner of the year
Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service
Greater Manchester Police
 
Homo Hero – Volunteer of the year
Andrew Edwards
Sam Aldridge
Johnathan Bland
 
Homo Hero - Community group or organisation of the year
Outdoorlads
Friends of Sackville Gardens
Manchester Canalsiders
 
Homo Hero - LGB&T venue of the Year Award
Contact Theatre
Richmond Tea Rooms
Taurus

The voting period is open now and will close on 21 September 2013. The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in October 2013 in Manchester. There will be a prize draw on the night supported by Barclays with all proceeds going to The Lesbian & Gay Foundation. The recipient of The Alan Turing Memorial Award will be decided by a panel.
 
For biographies on each of the finalists and to vote visit: www.lgf.org.uk/hero. Interviews may be available with the finalists, contact for details.

Published: 7-Aug-2013: (2018)