Paris Lees appointed as first openly trans Stonewall Awards panel judge
Prominent journalist and broadcaster Paris Lees has been appointed as the first openly trans member of the Stonewall Awards judging panel.
The announcement was made by Lees last week on Twitter. It was hailed as significant by some, as the leading gay rights charity in England and Wales, has not historically lobbied on trans issues.
Ms Lees told PInkNews: “I’m really honoured to have been asked, obviously, as I’ve always said what great work Stonewall does engaging with the wider community and getting the message of equality and acceptance into schools.”
“As a trans woman it’s great to be asked, but I’m also pleased to be offering a bisexual perspective as I think that’s something that often gets overlooked in the LGBT community”.
“And I can’t wait for the party!”
Stonewall’s media manager Richard Lane, told PinkNews: “We’re massively excited to have Paris on the judging panel for this year’s Stonewall Awards, an evening that celebrates those who’ve made the world a better place for LGBT people.
“We know that Paris is not just one of the most engaging and exciting writers around at the moment but is also a powerful advocate for LGBT equality. She’s the perfect person to join the judging panel.”
Stonewall is holding meetings this month with members of the trans community to discuss if and how it may begin to lobby on trans issues.
Stonewall in England and Wales does not currently campaign or lobby on transgender issues.
However, Stonewall Scotland campaigns on transgender issues and its research is trans-inclusive.
The Stonewall Awards will take place later this year at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
