Ed Firth / Gay Times

Diversity Role Models has won the Gay Times Honour for Education supported by Training Strategies.

The organisation was presented the Honour during a lavish ceremony at the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool this evening, acknowledging their commitment to tackling any form of bullying or discrimination against an individual based upon their gender identity or sexual orientation.

“For DRM, this is a huge honour,” said Diversity Role Models. “We have set ourselves a daunting task – to create a school system that builds a generation with empathy and inclusion, and by doing so, to end the shame and bullying that so many LGBTQ people grow up with.

“For people to recognise us (a team of eight paid staff) and the work we are doing is amazing, particularly for the 400 volunteers who make our work possible and who leave such a positive imprint on the young people, teachers and parents they engage within our programmes.”

Shon Faye and Pop’n’Olly were both nominated for the Gay Times Honour for Education alongside Diversity Role Models.

The Gay Times Honours recognise those who have had a tremendous impact on what it means for us to live openly and freely as LGBTQ people in modern Britain.

The 13 Honourees will each receive a specially commissioned piece of artwork created by Ed Firth, which will form a 14-day exhibition at the Walker Art Gallery.

Ed Firth / Gay Times

Gay Times Honours 2018 was hosted by Mary Mac to an invited LGBTQ audience.

Arup – the engineering and design company – is one of our major sponsors, reaffirming their commitment to the LGBTQ community.

They are joined by banking and asset management group Investec, apprenticeship and pre-employment course providers Training Strategies, and furniture and home decoration company dwell as key supporters of Gay Times Honours 2018.

Virgin Trains is our official travel partner, who rolled out the red carpet at London Euston for a very special Gay Times Honours Express service to Liverpool.

Barclays are our banking partner, following their support for Liverpool Pride earlier this year.

Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson backed the Gay Times Honours, reaffirming their city’s support for the LGBTQ community. What’s more, the event has also been supported by Knowsley Council.

Leading hotelier Signature Living Group is our hospitality partner and hosted the official Gay Times Honours afterparty at a Grade II listed building located at the Pier Head at world-famous Albert Dock UNESCO World Heritage site.