Bette Bourne Nominated by Stonewall

Stonewall have just announced their shortlists for Hero (and Bigot) of the Year. This year, the nominated individuals for Hero, who have encouraged, inspired or achieved the most for lesbian, gay and bisexual people are Joan Armatrading, Bette Bourne, Roger Crouch, Lady Gaga, and Paul Martin OBE.

All are strong contenders, but it is particularly exciting to see Bette Bourne nominated. Bourne, for those that don’t know is an actor, drag queen and activist who has been performing since he was 16. In the 1970s he joined the Gay Liberation Front and has campaigned ever since for gay equality.

Born Peter Bourne in Hackney, east London, Bourne made his stage debut at the age of four as one of the members of Madame Behenna and her Dancing Children. Encouraged to take part in amateur dramatics by his mother, he chose a career in the theatre, working backstage at the Garrick Theatre, London.

It’s a little known fact, but Bette has appeared in The Saint, The Avengers, The Prisoner and Dixon of Dock Green — all British institutions in themselves.

The other seven awards – including Writer and Entertainer of the Year – will be chosen by a panel of judges including England women’s national football team coach, Hope Powell, John Partridge, Gok Wan, TV producer Maureen Chadwick and Eddie Mair.

The Stonewall Awards ceremony, will take place on 3 November 2011 at the V&A museum. The event, always the most glamorous and star-studded in Stonewall’s fundraising calendar, will be hosted by Stephen K Amos. For more information visit www.stonewall.org.uk/awards