2024 Shortlisted Nominee
Positive Role Model Award: LGBT
Aida H Dee, known as "The Storytime Drag Queen," is a pioneering LGBT+ author and founder of Drag Queen Story Hour UK. Their groundbreaking career includes being the first drag artist in Europe to read stories in a nursery and the UK's first in a library, aiming to foster inclusive spaces where diversity and acceptance thrive. Through Drag Queen Story Hour UK, Aida transforms storytelling into a powerful tool for societal change, advocating for LGBT+ rights and promoting empathy from an early age. Their activism extends to significant cultural and educational institutions, including collaborations with the National Education Union and appearances at The Tate Britain and The British Museum. Despite facing protests, threats, and online harassment, Aida remains resilient, dedicated to spreading messages of love and understanding. Their impact resonates widely, recognised with awards like PinkNews's Leader Of The Year and The LGBT Brit Awards' Top Contributor to LGBT Life.