Tyler Oakley was awarded Attitude magazine’s Young Hero Award for 2016.
UK-based magazine Attitude gave Tyler Oakley the honour for his continual support for the LGBTQ+ community at their annual Attitude Awards ceremony on 10 October. The award was presented by Clara Amfo.
The night was hosted by actor Alan Cumming, with other winners including Team GB’s LGBTQ+ Olympic athletes, The Xtra Factor presenter Rylan Clark, and musician Frank Ocean.
During his acceptance speech, Tyler stated that “a hero stands up for what’s right, even if it’s not popular, and defends those who need it. This community is incredibly diverse and often lacks representation for the marginalised groups within it. It’s one thing to say you support the LGBTQ+ community, but we must actively choose to acknowledge, include, and honour all the people that those letters represent.
“We must support bisexual boys, transgender women, genderfluid teens, elderly lesbians, queer people of colour, asexuals, and everyone in between. The LGBTQ+ community isn’t just cisgender white gays, and if that’s how you identify, I urge you to recognise your privilege and amplify the disenfranchised voices of those around you.”
"wait, why is yours bigger?!" listen tom i don't know, but don't get a complex about it. #AttitudeAwards pic.twitter.com/IUPzdt8OT6
— Tyler Oakley (@tyleroakley) October 11, 2016
In an article posted on Attitude‘s website, the magazine said that Tyler “is showing up and speaking out for those who don’t feel represented. That, plus the $1M he’s raised for LGBT suicide prevention charity The Trevor Project, makes him a fitting Young Hero Award recipient.”
Tyler spoke to Attitude about his YouTube channel, and how he has become a role model for the LGBTQ+ community. “That’s why I’m honoured to have the platform I have on YouTube,” he said. “It’s an opportunity to be a real, complex example of a gay man living his dream, and able to use his platform to amplify members of the community that are often underrepresented or disenfranchised”.
A list of all winners from Attitude‘s 2016 Awards is available on the magazine’s website.
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