June 21st 2023.
Joe Lycett has joined the growing list of LGBTQ+ icons who have withdrawn from the British LGBT Awards. The comedian, who was nominated for the award, has requested to have his nomination withdrawn.
Climate campaigners have been vocal about their disapproval of the awards show, citing its sponsorship deals with BP and Shell as a major reason. Activists from the Fossil Free and Tipping Point UK groups have started contacting nominees to highlight the negative impacts of these deals.
In response, Joe released a statement saying he would no longer take part in the ceremony. He is joined by Cheddar Gorgeous, Shon Faye and Josh Rivers in pulling out of the event.
The RuPaul’s Drag Race star Cheddar Gorgeous also took to social media to confirm their withdrawal, saying: “The event unfortunately has a number of sponsors with questionable track records on climate change, racism and inequality, including BP and Shell... Given the nomination was offered for an act of creative advocacy, it wouldn’t feel right to be part of the event knowing the damage these companies are still doing to the environment and communities most affected by climate change.”
Shon Faye, a journalist, echoed this sentiment in their own post, saying: “I don’t accept my nomination nor would I want anyone to vote for me as long the awards are sponsored by BP and Shell. One of the greatest political anxieties I have is that I have spent a lot of my working life trying to fight for future generations of queer and trans people to see liberation. That’s all undermined and threatened by the extreme and imminent threat of climate change and the social impact of climate injustice.”
The Agency has reached out to Joe’s reps and the British LGBT Awards for comment, but so far they have not responded.
The news is a reminder to all of us of the need to take action to protect the environment, and to hold organisations accountable for their actions. It's time to reduce our carbon footprints and make sure that we are supporting sustainable practices.
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