First Scottish LGBTI awards to be held in September 2015!

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The event has been organised by the Equality Network, Scotland's national LGBTI equality and human rights charity, to celebrate contributions towards securing greater equality.

The September 10 ceremony, hosted by comedian Karen Dunbar, will be held in Glasgow on the 35th anniversary of the decriminalisation of homosexuality and in the first year of equal marriage in Scotland.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, Conservative leader Ruth Davidson, Green MSP Patrick Harvie and Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie are among those nominated in the politician of the year category, alongside Labour MSP Margaret McCulloch and Social Justice Secretary Alex Neil, who led on Scotland's same-sex marriage legislation.

The shortlist for event of the year includes the Commonwealth Games, during which actor John Barrowman kissed a male dancer in the opening ceremony in what was widely seen as a message to the 41 Commonwealth countries that still criminalise homosexuality.

Scott Cuthbertson, from the Equality Network, said: "This has been an historic year for equality in Scotland and the Scottish LGBTI Awards will provide an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the important advances we have made, and the inspiring work of those that make a positive difference to the lives of LGBTI people.

"We know that there is still much more to do before LGBTI people will have full equality in their day-to-day lives, so we hope that the recognition these awards provide will encourage further progress in the future."

Other categories include media outlet of the year, the culture award, the sports award and outstanding campaigner.

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