Manchester scoops three prizes at inaugural Gaydio Pride Awards

Last Friday night, the Gaydio Pride Awards were held for the first time ever at The Hilton Manchester Deansgate celebrating the extraordinary efforts that bring Pride to every corner of the UK, honouring the LGBTQ+ community members & allies.

Awards were handed out at the glamorous ceremony with performances from top 10 selling artist Raye, a set from dance-legend Sigala, and a showstopping performance from Danny Beard, winner of Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK (Season 4).

The prestigious ceremony was hosted by Gaydio’s breakfast show presenters Paris & Dave.

Greater Manchester took home 3 awards from their 5 shortlisted categories, firstly with their joint win of Major Pride of the Year with Manchester Pride, Birmingham Pride, Brighton + Hove Pride and Pride in London.

All four Major Prides came together to condemn the world cup in Qatar and the human rights abuse against LGBTQ+ people.

Charity of the Year was awarded to Manchester-based George House Trust, to recognise all the work they’ve been doing around HIV and fighting the stigma. The charity has been providing HIV support, advice and advocacy services to improve health outcomes for those affected since 1985.

Screenwriter, Russell T Davies, was also in attendance as one of their ambassadors.

The winners outside of Manchester included Trans Pride, Brighton, for Grassroots Pride of The Year award, Joel Mordi, organiser of the first pride event in Nigeria, was the winner of the Volunteer of the Year award, Employee Pride Network of the Year was awarded to Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Trust LGBTQ+ Staff Network, Trans Radio UK Football Club were honoured with the LGBTQ+ Club or Sports team of the Year award and Great British Bake Off finalist Janusz Domagala, was awarded LGBTQ+ Champion award.

Gaydio is presented Music Artist of the Year to up-and-coming black, lesbian musician, Cat Burns who has since gone on to have success with back-to-back hits including ‘Go’ and ‘People Pleaser’ as well as performing at the 2023 Brit Awards.

Cat Burns upon winning the award said: “ I feel honoured to receive this award, being a queer woman and being a queer artist is massive to me. It’s super important to me to be visible and to be there showing the music industry that queer people have been here and we’ve been queer!”

The Lifetime Contribution award went to Peter Tatchell, a human rights campaigner who was arrested in Qatar for promoting the dangers for LGBTQ+ people throughout the World Cup.

Gaydio Director, Ian Wallace said, “Last night, the inaugural Gaydio Pride Awards 2023 took place, recognising the fantastic achievements of our community and LGBTQ+ people across the UK. We were thrilled to welcome Raye, Danny Beard and Sigala to the stage as well as the winners who have gone above and beyond for the LGBTQ+ community. It is important to offer an event, open to the public, that is able to showcase everything from the smallest of Pride festivals to trailblazing queer music artists. Bring on 2024!”