LGBTQ+ rights charity Stonewall celebrated its annual Equality Dinner on Wednesday, October 30, with Sir Ian McKellen CBE accepting a Lifetime Achievement Award for his decades of committed campaigning towards advancing LGBTQ+ equality.
The night, which was overseen by Gok Wan MBE and comedian Suzi Ruffell, helped raise funds for Stonewall’s work and celebrated some of the progress made toward a more equal world for LGBTQ+ people while highlighting work that still needs to be done.
Famous faces from sport, entertainment and politics, including Boy George, Sir Derek Jacobi, broadcaster Charlene White, and comedian Sarah Kendall, gathered at the star-studded evening to unite for LGBTQ+ equality.
Despite the glitz and the glamour; and enthusiastic conversations between old friends and new, the highlight of the evening was when Sir Ian stepped on stage to receive his award; 35 years after he co-founded Stonewall in 1989.
“I’ve had a few awards in the past and I don’t quite know what to do with them! This one is special – I am going to keep it in the kitchen where I can see it every day and think of you. Thank you.” – Sir Ian McKellen
Over the decades, Sir Ian has played a crucial role in helping to secure important gains for LGBTQ+ equality in the UK. From abolishing Section 28 to equalising the age of consent and achieving same-sex marriage, he has spent his life working towards equality for the LGBTQ+ community of which is a proud member.
During his acceptance speech, Sir Ian reminisced with the audience about the journey he went on while founding Stonewall and how working with fellow LGBTQ+ campaigners helped him better understand who he was.
On receiving the award, Sir Ian reflected on what Stonewall has meant to him over the years, saying: “Helping to found Stonewall changed my life so it’s with special gratitude that I thank them for this award. I hope the evening helps Stonewall have a good and productive future, as it’s in great need.
“He is not only a talented actor but also a beacon of artistry, resilience and advocacy.” – Cat Dixon, Stonewall Chair
“I’ve had a few awards in the past and I don’t quite know what to do with them! This one is special – I am going to keep it in the kitchen where I can see it every day and think of you. Thank you.”
Stonewall Chair, Cat Dixon, presented Sir Ian with his award, saying that: “Sir Ian’s contributions to the world of film and theatre have left an indelible mark on our culture. He is not only a talented actor but also a beacon of artistry, resilience and advocacy.”
The Equality Dinner was also the first for Stonewall’s new CEO Simon Blake OBE, who took to the stage and spoke passionately about his own professional and personal journey; reflecting on the connection he felt to Stonewall as a 15-year-old gay boy growing up in the countryside. He spoke about the achievements that the community can be proud of but highlighted the progress that is still needed for LGBTQ+ people to achieve true equality.
Speaking to a crowd of supporters and allies he said: “There’s still so much more to do. The world has changed since Stonewall was founded, and we need to use what we have learned to solve the problems facing us.
“That will mean working effectively with others. We must foster dialogue to achieve change in a messy and unjust world. I firmly believe that by focusing on the values that unite us, rather than our differences, we can create lasting change for all LGBTQ+ people.”