MP for Nottingham East Nadia Whittome has received this year’s PinkNews Politician of the Year Award, alongside Liberal Democrat MP Layla Moran. The award, which was won last year by Conservative MP Penny Mordaunt, recognises politicians from across the political spectrum who have shown tireless support for LGBT+ rights.

Since she was elected to parliament and became the UK’s youngest MP last year, Nadia Whittome has been an outspoken advocate for the rights of transgender people. In July, she used an oral question in parliament to criticise the government’s delay in publishing their response to the consultation on reforming the Gender Recognition Act. Whittome also spoke in parliament about waiting times for transgender healthcare, and wrote an article in the Independent in which she said that “we need to listen to, honour and hold [trans peoples’] stories with dignity and sensitivity.” 

Nadia Whittome said:

It means so much to me to win this award, particularly at such a pivotal time for LGBT+ rights at home and abroad. We stand on the shoulders of giants who have fought for LGBT+ liberation for many decades – but that struggle isn’t over.

I will always stand as a proud advocate of the LGBT+ community and I know that in 2021 we will be even stronger and more united against attempts to peddle division, disinformation and prejudice.

On their website, PinkNews – the world’s most-read LGBT+ magazine – said: “Labour MP Nadia Whittome has repeatedly spoken out against transphobia and has thrown her weight behind LGBT+ equality.”

Describing the awards, PinkNews said: “The PinkNews Awards will honour our 2020 heroes, and celebrate moments of unprecedented LGBT+ representation as well as PinkNews’ 15th birthday.” They invited members of the public to “join your favourite celebrities, politicians, activists and influencers in celebration of the LGBT+ community”.