The Gay & Lesbian Awards (G&LA’s) is a new concept aimed at celebrating the key achievements and successes of notable individuals from the gay & lesbian community in the UK and recognising their contribution to our society as a whole. Its objectives in 2007 are: identify and honour individuals in the community of whom we can be truly proud.

With a foundation of notable steering group members, relevant categories and a focus on ensuring this credible initiative will project a positive and inspiring image of success, it will provide a much needed vehicle for the community that will celebrate individual success and at the same time promote integration of the gay & lesbian community in society as a whole.

Launched in 2005, nominees were invited to a ‘G&LA’ Award Ceremony at The Savoy Hotel, London. This high profile event was open to Sponsors, Jury, Nominees and their guests, Press, notable members of the gay and lesbian community and the cream of British society. It attracted a huge number of personalities and the event was documented in a number of publications in addition to localised news coverage.

With 2005 being the first year of this initiative, the organisers have taken a decision to expand its geographical area from which Steering Group Members and Nominees are drawn. In its first year The G&LA’s was UK specific, however given its success and the reaction the initiative attracted from both press and guests, this area will be expanded to include Europe as a whole. All key members of the Jury and Nominees have/will be drawn from this area, therefore exposing the concept to a much wider audience and enabling the list of nominees to grow.