RESIDENTS are being encouraged to nominate local people who have made a difference to the LGBT community for a new awards scheme.

As part of LGBT History Month, taking place throughout February, Bradford Council is holding its first ever Bradford Pride Awards.

The scheme will celebrate the contributions made by individuals and groups to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community in Bradford.

Prize categories include LGBT Volunteer, Community Group, Community Champion and Young Active Citizen.

There will also be the LGBT Scene award, which will be given in recognition of the continued support provided by an individual, group or organisation to the LGBT scene in Bradford.

The deadline for nominations is 5pm on Friday, February 10.

Winners will be chosen by a panel made up of representatives from the LGBT community, Bradford Council and West Yorkshire Police.

Councillor Abdul Jabar, portfolio holder for neighbourhoods and community safety, is encouraging people to nominate.

“We know there are lots of amazing people who make a huge difference to Bradford District’s LGBT community.

“These individuals and groups play a significant role in making the community vibrant and supportive,” he said.

“We’re calling on people to come forward and nominate groups or individuals for these very important awards.”

Councillor Richard Dunbar, who is also a co-ordinator of LGBT History Month, said the Pride Awards would be the festival’s “showpiece”.

“The awards are about celebrating the contribution of the LGBT community and its allies in the cultural fabric of the district,” he added.

The Lord Mayor of Bradford Councillor Geoff Reid will open the awards ceremony and prominent LGBT campaigner Nicola Field will be the keynote speaker.

Entertainment at the awards will include a short performance from Bradford LGBT theatre company Pride Arts, a local poet, and musical performers.

To make a nomination, download a nomination form from lgbtbradford.co.uk and either email it to anna.frater@bradford.gov.uk or post it to Bradford Pride Awards, 3rd Floor, Margaret McMillan Tower, Princes Way, Bradford, BD1 1NN.

The awards ceremony will take place on Wednesday, February 22, from 6.30pm at the Banqueting Suite in City Hall.

For further information about the awards, visit lgbtbradford.co.uk or call Anna Frater on 01274 431498.

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