Stars' tributes to LGBT fans at Attitude Awards

13 October 2017

News image — Jade from Little Mix was among stars on the red carpet

Getty Images Jade on the red carpet — Jade from Little Mix was among stars on the red carpet

Charli XCX and Little Mix have praised their LGBT fans for supporting them from the very start of their success.

"I owe a lot to my LGBT friends and that community in London, especially when I moved here," says Jade Thirlwall.

The singers spoke to Newsbeat at last night's Attitude Awards in London.

Kylie Minogue and Orange Is the New Black actress Laverne Cox were winners at the ceremony, which celebrates LGBT people in entertainment.

Getty Images Charli XCX at the Attitude Awards — Charli XCX says LGBT fans embraced her

Charli XCX won the Music Award, presented by Radio 1's Nick Grimshaw.

"The LGBT community are definitely the first community who supported and embraced me as an artist, so I feel super excited to be here," she said on the red carpet.

"There's still so much that the LGBT community have to fight against."

Getty Images Nick Grimshaw, who presented the Music Award — Nick Grimshaw presented the Music Award

Prince Harry was at the ceremony to pick up a posthumous Legacy Award for his mum, Diana, Princess of Wales.

Kylie took the Legend Award and Laverne won the Inspiration Award at the event, held at Camden Roundhouse.

Getty Images Amanda Holden, who took the Honorary Gay Award — Amanda Holden took the Honorary Gay Award

Little Mix weren't up for any awards, but Jade says she wanted to attend to honour LGBT fans.

At BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend in Hull this year, she dedicated their track Secret Love Song to the LGBT community, telling them "to be exactly who they were meant to be".

Jade (centre) at BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend in Hull

Speaking at the Attitude Awards, she said: "It's an amazing feeling to give back to those people and encourage a lot of our fans, whether that's to come out with their sexuality or just accept who they are.

"It's important for us as a group to make music that helps people do that."

Watch Sam Smith closing BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge month in September.

Sam Smith told Newsbeat it "means a lot" to have awards that recognise the contributions of LGBT people.

"I'm just excited to celebrate being gay with everyone. It's never not been tough for [LGBT people].

"It's always important to speak out, and enjoy yourself, and celebrate the most beautiful thing in the world, and that's love."

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