QPR footballer Joey Barton won the coveted Straight Ally of the Year gong at the Out In The City & G3 Magazine Awards last night (25 April 2014).
The glitzy ceremony, dubbed Britain’s ‘gay Oscars’ took place at London’s Landmark Hotel.
Gay celebrities and their ‘straight allies’ were recognised for their commitment to equality after a vote by readers of the popular gay magazines.
Barton, who has campaigned to eradicate homophobia from football, was a surprise winner on the night. He beat off tough competition from rugby legend and Strictly Come Dancing star Ben Cohen, breakfast TV presenter Lorraine Kelly and Ab Fab star Jennifer Saunders for the honour. Barton attended the awards with his openly gay uncle, Tom Barton.
Other winners included Olympic diver Tom Daley who won the Sports Personality of the Year award, TV presenter Paul O’Grady was named Celebrity of the Year and Graham Norton secured the Broadcaster of the Year accolade.
Holly Johnson who shot to fame as the frontman of 80’s pop group Frankie Goes to Hollywood won the Lifetime Achievement honour while Hollyoaks’ actor, Kieron Richardson won the Rising Star
award.
Celebrities including Cilla Black, Denise Welsh, Sinitta, Gareth Thomas and TOWIE favourites Sam Fairs and Charlie King were among the 300 VIP guests at the glitzy red carpet event.
