An LBGT+ charity spoke of a "bittersweet" victory after winning at the National Diversity Awards held in Liverpool last night.
Several Liverpool trailblazers were nominated for the annual awards which celebrate the achievements of organisations and community heroes paving the way for equality, diversity and inclusion.
Charity GYRO based at the Young Person's Advisory Service in Liverpool city centre won for their work with the city's LGBT+ community.
The charity, which works with children and young people in Liverpool who are exploring sexuality and/or gender identity, had been nominated several times before and this year scooped the community organisation award for LGBT+ at the glittering ceremony which was held yesterday evening, Friday September 17 at Liverpool's Anglican Cathedral.
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The Merseyside team beat seven other nominees to claim the trophy with Welsh rugby legend and LGBT+ trailblazer Gareth Thomas handing GYRO their trophy.
Upon accepting the award GYRO gave a special shout-out to transgender youth, calling on all attendees to protect the young transgender population which was met with massive applause in the cathedral
Speaking to the ECHO shortly after accepting the award, GYRO communication manager Chris Porter said: "I think shocked is the immediate word but also really proud of all the work of the team and everything that we've achieved the last couple of years.
"For everyone it's been a nightmare, I suppose this is the icing on the cake for us, a morale booster to say the least.
"Considering the backdrop of all the hate crimes that have been going on recently, it means even more.
"It was great to actually have a stage to give a shout out to trans youth who have kind of been forgotten amidst it all but have been in the headlines in some ways and it will inspire us to do a lot more for the city as well."
Posting on Twitter a spokesperson for GYRO said: "Over the moon! Our staff work so hard and the LGBT+ young people of Liverpool mean everything to us.
"This is for the LGBT+ community of Liverpool, hopefully a glimmer of light in challenging times for us all."
The posted prompted congratulations by supporters including other LGBT+ groups across the city.
OUTreach Youth said: "Big congratulations from us all" while Open Table Liverpool added: "Well deserved, congratulations!"
Director of LCR Pride Foundation Lewis Collins said: "Major congrats to @gyroliverpool in @ndawards.
"I’ve had the privilege of attending GYRO as a young person. I can happily say, the service offered by GYRO is valuable, amazing and so needed #WINNERS."
Other Liverpool nominations including Vanessa Boateng, Christian Owens and Sonia Bassey MBE.
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