MEMBERS of Bradford’s LGBT+ community are gearing up for a special evening of celebration and recognition for local heroes.

The Bradford Pride Awards will take place at City Hall on Tuesday, May 29, after being postponed from February when heavy snow caused transport disruption.

The re-arranged evening event will celebrate groups and residents who have given their time to improve life for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in the district.

Lord Mayor of Bradford, Coun Zafar Ali, Bradford Council Leader, Susan Hinchcliffe and Coun Abdul Jabar, Executive Member for Neighbourhoods and Community Safety, will attend.

Superintendent Alisa Newman, Neighbourhood Policing & Partnerships, West Yorkshire Police, will give the keynote speech.

During the evening, tributes will be paid to the victims of the Orlando Pulse nightclub shootings in 2016 and the recent persecution of gay and bi-sexual men in Chechnya. Popular vocalist Nathan Anthony will also perform.

The Bradford Pride Awards will cover five categories including Volunteer, LGBT+ Community Champion, Best LGBT+ Group, Young Active Citizen and LGBT+ Friendly Organisation.

From nominations made earlier this year, award winners were chosen by a panel made up of representatives from the LGBT community, Bradford Council and West Yorkshire Police.

Coun Abdul Jabar, Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhoods and Community Safety, said: “People have always volunteered and supported Bradford’s LGBT+ community and this work should not go unnoticed.

“The Bradford Pride Awards give us the opportunity to celebrate people who make a real difference to the LGBT+ community.”

Kersten England, Bradford Council Chief Executive, said: “These awards celebrate the amazing work done by individuals and organisations to make Bradford a great place for our LGBT+ residents, their families and communities.

“Bradford’s reputation as a welcoming and progressive city is both well deserved and good for everyone.”

Coun Richard Dunbar, Bradford Council’s LGBT+ Champion, said: “The Bradford Pride Awards are the perfect showcase for the invaluable contribution the LGBT+ community makes to this great district.

“What the event shows is how inclusive and diverse Bradford is as a district. We are willing to challenge injustice not only in this city but across the world as well. Bradford’s support for the LGBT+ community enhances the district’s reputation in the eyes of everyone.”

Supt Newman said: “I am really looking forward to attending and speaking at this event to celebrate the contribution made by those who make such a positive difference to the LGBT+ community in this part of West Yorkshire.

“The diversity of our communities here in West Yorkshire is one of our greatest strengths so it’s very important to me that we support the LGBT community.”

The event will start with refreshments at 6.30pm and award winner announcements from 7pm.