“There is no better time to shout about inclusivity and individuality than at the biggest night in the UK’s LGBTQ+ social calendar”
BY FAY BARRETT, IMAGE BY VIRGIN ATLANTIC
Wednesday night’s (12 October) Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards championed inclusivity at a star-studded event hosted by Drag Race super judge Michelle Visage and attended by DIVA publisher Linda Riley.
DIVA fave Cat Burns won the music award, topping off an amazing year supporting Ed Sheeran and headlining at Koko.
Clit Rock icon Skin (Skunk Anansie) took home the icon award which was incredibly well deserved given the focus on race, sexuality and “owning your own uniqueness” of her work.
It will come as no surprise to DIVA readers that the feel-good hit Heartstopper won the TV award. Making the moment even more wonderful Yasmin Finney brought her Mum to the awards posing for pictures together on the red carpet. Could anything make us love this show more?
The Community Award went to influential queer club night Sink The Pink and Spice Girl Mel C was named Attitude’s Honorary Gay. UK Drag Race winner The Vivienne took home the inspiration award.
The event proved a huge step forward for inclusivity. It marked a show of solidarity for sponsor Virgin Atlantic’s crew following the airline’s ground-breaking gender identity policy. In a welcome move airline staff can now choose the uniform they best identify with whatever their gender, gender identity or gender expression.
Host and LGBTQIA ally Michelle Visage showed her support by posing with crew members who were wearing non-gendered uniforms designed by Vivienne Westwood.
Michelle said: “There is no better time to shout about inclusivity and individuality than at the biggest night in the UK’s LGBTQ+ social calendar. As the mother of a non-binary child, and as an ally to the LGBTQ+ community, I know how important it is to allow people to embrace their full
selves and express themselves through clothing.”
Virgin Atlantic have also introduced optional pronoun badges for staff and passengers as well as ticketing systems allowing gender neutral markers.We can’t think of a more fitting sponsor for such an important night in theLGBTQIA calendar.
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