The winners from the 2022 Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards, powered by Jaguar
Meet all the winners of the 2022 Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards, powered by Jaguar.
Man of the Year, supported by Virgin Atlantic – Josh Cavallo
“I’m a footballer and I’m gay” — in just six words Australian midfielder Josh Cavallo became the world’s only openly gay male player in the game’s top flight, but he could never have guessed the butterfly effect his announcement would have on other LGBTQ+s around the globe, both within the sport and beyond.
The Culture Award, supported by Jaguar – Layton Williams
As he returns for the new series of Jack Whitehall’s BBC comedy Bad Education — with his character, fabulously flamboyant pupil, Stephen, now an irresponsible, look-turning teacher — The Culture Award-winner Layton Williams schools Attitude on inner confidence and overcoming adversity.
The Music Award, supported by Jaguar – Cat Burns
From busking on the South Bank to supporting Ed Sheeran on tour and creating the nakedly emotional ‘Go’ — the second biggest-selling song of the summer, — rising star Cat Burns was the obvious choice for this year’s Music Award.
The Broadcast Award – Rob Rinder MBE
He’s presided over daytime TV with his reality courtroom series Judge Rinder since 2014. Right-minded magistrate Robert Rinder became a multimedia broadcasting powerhouse.
The Breakthrough Award – Jack Rooke
Comedian Jack Rooke is the writer of the semi-autobiographical Channel 4 queer comedy, Big Boys, which, following a rapturous reception, has just been commissioned for a second series.
The TV Award – Heartstopper
A realistic and joyful depiction of two teenage boys falling in love for the first time, Heartstopper is a runaway TV hit that represents sexuality and gender in all their technicolour glory.
The Icon Award, supported by Virgin Atlantic – Skin
Songwriter, ferocious frontwoman of Skunk Anansie, and “clit rock” icon Skin opens up about carving out her own sonic aesthetic and her disinterest in playing by music industry rules. She also touches on race and sexuality and the importance of owning your uniqueness.
The Community Award – Sink The Pink
This spring, we bid a tearful farewell to influential queer club night Sink The Pink after an indomitable 14 years of fun and frolics. Attitude speaks to its founders Glyn Fussell and Amy Zing to reflect on its glittering legacy and most prominent party-goers —including Bryan Adams and health guru Gillian McKeith (yes, really)
The Inspiration Award – The Vivienne
Since The Vivienne was crowned the first winner of Drag Race UK three years ago, she’s barely looked back. In our audience with her, The Viv talks overcoming addiction, and why she’s never returning to the show that made her a star.
The Gamechanger Award – John Whaite and Johannes Radebe
John Whaite and Johannes Radebe waltzed into Strictly history when they became the first male partnership on the BBC’s hit show
The Book Award – Fat Tony
Decades of abusing drugs and drink tore Fat Tony’s life apart. After getting sober, he began the long journey of rebuilding his life and career. In his Sunday Times bestselling autobiography, I Don’t Take Requests, the DJ speaks candidly about his battle with addiction, childhood sexual abuse and his HIV status. He tells Attitude how writing it forced him to finally face his demons.
Attitude’s Honorary Gay – Melanie C
After a Sink The Pink-empowered gear change and on the eve of the release of her tea-spilling new memoir, Who I Am, Attitude sits down with pop icon Melanie C to talk LGBTQ allyship and Spice Girls deep cuts.
The Attitude Awards issue is out now