Steps singer and queer icon Ian ‘H’ Watkins just added another trophy to his glittering shelf — and this one’s for more than catchy choreography. At the British LGBT Awards this week, Watkins was honored not for his pop prowess but for his ongoing work in LGBTQ+ advocacy, especially his efforts with Cowbridge Pride and his tireless visibility for same-sex parents.
Watkins, best known as the blond bombshell from the ‘90s pop group Steps, turned heads on the red carpet in a powder blue suit adorned with an oversized lace bow. But beneath the glam, there was real grit. “Tonight is a really important night,” he told the press. “All nights like this are, because it’s a celebration and there’s lots of heart. There are real people, there are real stories.”
And Watkins’ story matters. As the founder of Cowbridge Pride in Wales, he’s been doing the grassroots work many celebs only post about. Funds raised from the annual Pride go directly to local LGBTQ+ causes, giving a platform to queer youth, marginalized voices, and community development. He didn’t just show up in eyeliner — he showed up for the community.
Billy Porter’s Remote Roar of Pride
While Watkins worked the carpet, Broadway legend and red carpet dominator Billy Porter made a virtual appearance to accept his own award. The Pose star — forever remembered as Pray Tell — was honored for his stage, screen, and HIV awareness work. “I’m humbled,” Porter said in his video message, reminding the crowd to “remember love always wins.”
Why This Matters for LGBTQ People
Porter, who revealed in 2021 that he has been living with HIV for over a decade, has since become a force in removing stigma from the diagnosis. “Speaking about it helped me stop feeling ashamed,” he once said — and that boldness was clearly what the award recognized.
The Party With a Purpose
The British LGBT Awards aren’t just a who’s-who of fabulous queerdom (though yes, they are that). They’re also one of the most important events for showcasing the tangible, everyday work being done to support the LGBTQ+ community. Hundreds of celebrities, activists, allies, and corporate trailblazers gathered to celebrate efforts ranging from inclusion in the workplace to trans advocacy.
Comedian Kemah Bob co-hosted the event alongside BBC presenter Scott Mills, who reminded attendees, “It’s not all about which celebrity is here, it’s about everyday places making change for the better.” No shade, just truth.
From trans visibility awards to the tireless allies that fight alongside us, the event covered every color of the rainbow. Past honorees include Adele Roberts, Tom Daley, and David Tennant — and the legacy of the event keeps growing.
Representation matters. Whether it’s a flamboyant pop star making Pride local or a Broadway icon erasing HIV shame one speech at a time, visibility is power. For same-sex parents, for young queers in rural Wales, for trans folks watching from home — this isn’t just glitter. It’s gold.
By celebrating real work, not just red carpet walks, the British LGBT Awards continue to show that our community is rich in heart, history, and heroism. Watkins said it best: “When the glam rags come off, that’s when the real work starts.” Honey, we’re here for it.