The likes of Rylan Clark, Tulisa, and Oti Mabuse looked dazzling as they took to the red carpet ready for Metro’s first-ever Metro Pride Awards.
The stars have come together for the grand ceremony at Grand Connaught Rooms in London tonight, hosted by beloved TV personality Rylan, 36.
The Celebrity Big Brother winner was one of the first to pose for the camera rocking a stylish all black suit.
He spoke of his ‘honour’ at being the first presenter of the inaugural awards, saying: ‘I’m very honoured to be the first host.
‘It’s amazing that we’ve got events like this, but I long for the day that there isn’t Pride events because we don’t need it.
‘But, sadly, we do still live in a world where this community does get marginalised a lot and it’s a reminder to us that we are actually part of this community, and we deserve to be part of it as well.’
N-Dubz singer and former X Factor judge Tulisa, 36, also got the all black memo as she looked sensational in a fishnet dress.
The 36-year-old, who revealed she identified as demisexual late last year on I’m A Celebrity, took to the red carpet after largely staying out of the spotlight since quitting the ITV jungle programme.
She was joined at the event by former Strictly Come Dancing pro Oti Mabuse, who said: ‘I wanted to be here as I’m a big, big, big ally, and I really appreciate that people are being celebrated for who they are.
‘We should be doing more of that to make people feel confident in who they are and who they love.’
The event tonight sees the likes of GK Barry, Jill Scott, Jonathan Bailey and Ncuti Gatwa nominated for awards, while Mel B and James Corden are recognised for their allyship to the community.
The awards ceremony is bringing together the most influential and inspiring LGBTQ+ individuals and organisations to honour the extraordinary talent, resilience and passion that define the community, and recognising individuals in the public eye who have achieved greatness in fields ranging from entertainment and activism to entrepreneurial success.
Sparking to Metro, GK (whose real name is Grace Keeling) said: ‘I just think it’s absolutely amazing to be in a room full of people that are part of the community or so are supporting each other.’
The social media star, who has been nominated for the rising star award, continued: ‘I feel like this industry can be quite a toxic place, especially if you are someone who is part of that community. So it’s nice to celebrate.’
Meanwhile, comedian John Bishop, who is presenting the inspirational ally award to Sharleen Spiteri, said: ‘It’s just a nice opportunity to have a nice night out as a family and celebrate what I perceive as Pride… recognition of a special group of people within our society who perform amazing things and are all bonded together through this expression of pride.’
Ella Morgan, who made history on Married At First Sight UK as the show’s first trans bride, also spoke about what Pride means to her on the red carpet, and the importance of the event.
She said: ‘I think most publications and mainstream media don’t do celebrations like this or award shows specifically for the queer community.’
She went on: ‘It’s obviously a big event, and the fact it’s the first one, and a big publication is doing it specifically is an honour to us as a community, because a lot of the time the press is negative when it comes trans, non-binary, gay, you know, anything like that.’
‘I hope that other publications follow suit and specifically do award shows that celebrate us, because that’s what I think at the minute we need with what’s going on in America,’ she continued.
‘People are saying you shouldn’t be worried because you don’t live in America, it doesn’t affect you. Usually, what happens in other countries, like America, which is so big and influential, does follow suit.
‘And I worry that can happen to us, and obviously it’s a representation for the trans community in this country.
‘I want to do what I can to celebrate, hence why I want to be here.’
‘I’m celebrating my amazing community, because we’re all f**king fabulous,’ she said.
US singer Anastacia, who is being awarded with Metro’s global recognition award, also said she is ‘glad’ to see ceremonies like this one celebrate LGBT+ people as there are ‘a lot of people’ attacking the community at the moment.
She said: ‘I’m super glad to see something like this happening in the culture we’re in today, which is, “Oh, well, why are we going to do a Pride?” No. We’re going to do it because we need it.
‘We need to remind people that just because people are trying to break us down, that doesn’t mean that all of a sudden, Metro Pride, you know, shrinks in and decides not to have their award show.’
She added: ‘I think the attack on the gay community, and when I say gay, I mean every single LGBTQIA+… I think it’s a completely cowardly move on whoever is doing it.
‘There’s a lot of people doing it and I think it’s a cowardly move. We’re not here to be shunned and that’s not the community I know.’
Elsewhere on the red carpet, Drag Race UK star Cheryl Hole, 31, looked a vision with her 60s inspired updo, with a bodycon dress and pink collar ruffles.
I’m A Celebrity star Dean McCullough, 32, was all smiles in a colourful two piece, while Pussycat Doll Ashley Roberts, 43, looked animated in a metallic gold number.
Nicola Roberts and Kimberley Walsh also brought the Girls Aloud magic as they posed side by side.
Providing heartfelt entertainment on the night of the awards will be some of the UK’s most iconic drag performers, who will unite for a powerful tribute to honour the life and legacy of James Lee Williams, known as The Vivienne due to their love of the fashion designer.
The media personality and reality star died last month at the age of 32, sending shockwaves through the drag community as fellow queens and fans mourned their loss.
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK favourites Tia Kofi, Baga Chipz, Danny Beard, Cheryl the Queen, and Michael Marouli will take to the stage at the Metro Pride Awards in a huge moment to mark The Vivienne’s extraordinary impact on LGBTQ+ culture.
The event, held during LGBTQ+ History Month, will also see The Vivienne given a posthumous award recognising their groundbreaking contribution to drag, queer visibility, and advocacy.
Simon Jones, a close friend and manager of The Vivienne, said: ‘The Vivienne was a trailblazer, a powerhouse, and a friend to so many.
‘This iconic performance will be a beautiful tribute by her best Drag Race sisters, filled with love and will reflect the dazzling energy that The Vivienne brought to every stage.’
Speaking ahead of the event, Metro’s Executive Editor, Richard Hartley-Parkinson, also shared: ‘This year’s ceremony will be an emotional yet uplifting occasion as fellow queens and fans come together to pay their respects and honour The Vivienne’s enduring legacy.’
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