The shortlist of nominees for the upcoming 2018 British LGBT Awards has been revealed and it recognizes the efforts made by individuals from various sectors. 

The awards celebrate the contribution of celebrities, social activists, and businesses who have championed the rights of the LGBT community. This year's ceremony, which will take place on May 11 in London, is said to be the biggest British LGBT Awards yet. 

The Nominees 

Among the nominees included in the Music Artist category are Dua Lipa, P!nk, Pvris, Rita Ora, Troye Sivan, Tegan & Sara, Hayley Kiyoko, Jess Glynne, Kehlani, and Frank Ocean. Meanwhile, Demi Lovato will battle Cara Delevingne, Colton Haynes, Laverne Cox, Matt Lucas, Paul O'Grady, Rylan Clark, Sarah Paulson, Sean Hayes, and Susan Calman in the LGBT+ Celebrity category.  

The organization also recognizes straight allies such as Anna Friel, Annie Lennox, Ariana Grande, David Beckham, Dawn French, Harry Styles, James Corden, John Bishop, Nick Jonas, and Victoria Derbyshire. 

The LGBT Awards also honors important moments for the LGBT community in mass media. Among the nominated are Bill Potts, the first gay companion in Doctor Who played by Pearl Mackie, and Moonlight winning an Oscar for Best Picture in 2017. Other nominees include Cyrus' coming out, Will & Grace's television comeback, the same-sex couple in Star Trek Discovery, legalization of same-sex marriage in Australia, In A Heartbeat, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau apology to the LGBT+ community, BBC's Growing Up Gay, and Laverne Cox of Orange is the New Black on the cover of Cosmopolitan magazine. 

Other categories are Online Influencer, Broadcaster/Journalist, Best Destination, Charity/Community Initiative, Brand or Marketing Campaign, Corporate Straight Ally, Diversity Champion, LGBT+ Inspirational Leader, LGBT+ Corporate Rising Star, and LGBT+ Network Group.

Ricky Martin, who came out in 2010, will be honored with an international icon award. 

"It is a fantastic event that does so much to celebrate people in the LGBT community who are making a real difference, as well highlighting the straight allies who give their much-needed support," stated Alan Carr, the host of last year's awards. "It is always a glitzy and fabulous affair with some very special moments."

Last year's winners include Netflix, Lauren Jauregui, Prince William, Caitlyn Jenner, Years & Years, and Russell T. Davies. 

Voting is now open on the British LGBT Awards' official website. 

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