The build up to Britain’s biggest annual gay awards extravaganza started today with the announcement of the Royal Bank of Scotland British LGBT Awards shortlist.

Dubbed Britain’s 'gay Oscars', the glitziest event of the LGBT calendar takes place at London’s Grand Connaught Rooms on May 13th. 

A string of global gay icons, top music talent and celebrity ‘straight allies’ are leading the shortlist ahead of the ceremony that celebrates the individuals and organisations who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to and rewards achievement in the LGBT community. 

A string of global gay icons, top music talent and celebrity ‘straight allies’ are leading the shortlist ahead of the ceremony that celebrates the individuals and organisations who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to the LGBT community. 

Absolutely Fabulous star Jennifer Saunders, singing-sensation Bette Midler and former Sex in the City actress Kim Cattrall are among the straight allies shortlisted. 

TV chef Nigella Lawson, EastEnders actor Danny Dyer, Eddie Redmayne and This Morning presenter, Holly Willoughby, are also in the running for awards. 

Channel 4 funnyman Alan Carr is shortlisted alongside Paul O’Grady, Nick Grimshaw, Boy George, and Great British Bake Off star, Sue Perkins.

Meanwhile, Caitlyn Jenner and US presidential candidate Hillary Clinton are recognised for their recent work to promote LGBT acceptance. 

An array of top British music talent are all set to face each other for the Music Artist of the Year award as Little Mix, Jess Glynne, Zayn Malik, Sam Smith and Years & Years are shortlisted. Years & Years front man, Olly Alexander is also shortlisted in the Celebrity Rising Star category.

EastEnders, Hollyoaks and BBC transgender comedy series ‘Boy Meets Girl’ are amongst those shortlisted for the Media Moment of the Year award.

Sarah Garrett, British LGBT Awards founder, said:

“The 2016 shortlist showcases a huge range of LGBT celebrities and famous straight allies who are doing wonderful things for and on behalf of the LGBT community.”

Commenting on their sponsorship of the awards, Marjorie Strachan, RBS Global head of Inclusion, said:

 “We’re proud to be the headline sponsor of the British LGBT Awards for the fourth year running in 2016.

“Fundamentally, they acknowledge and reward those who deserve recognition for their outstanding commitment to the LGBT community. 

“However, these awards are not just about celebrating the nominees and winners; they’re about creating a cultural shift towards acknowledging the benefit of inclusion and RBS want to be a part of that. Congratulations to all of the nominees and good luck.”

From today until 22nd March, the British public can cast their votes at the new-look British LGBT Awards website.

A full list of all nominees is available at www.BritishLGBTAwards.co.uk

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For more information, contact Daniel Hughes on 07891 311 555