Adam shortlisted in finals of LGBTQI+ Proud Awards
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A NORTH-east MSP is one of six finalists to make the final cut for LGBTQI+ Political Leadership at this year's LGBTQI+ Proud Awards.
Karen Adam MSP, who represents Banffshire and Buchan Coast, is the only female nominee on the six strong shortlist.
Ms Adam has previously opened up about her experience of growing up in a same sex household and has been quick to make a name for herself as an ally to the LGBTQI+ community.
The first parliamentary motion she backed was one expressing support for LGBTQI+ organisation Stonewall and trans inclusivity.
Ms Adam quickly rose to prominence when she made history as the first MSP to take their parliamentary affirmation in British Sign Language (BSL) and now sits on the Scottish Parliament’s Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee which oversees much of the Parliament’s work on LGBTQI+ rights and inclusion.
She has previously been vocal in her support to reform the Gender Recognition Act to make it more inclusive of trans people and has publicly supported making the practice of LGBTQI+ Conversation Therapy illegal in Scotland.
Ms Adam said: “My commitment to supporting members of the LGBTQI+ community has never been stronger.
"It really is a privilege to be recognised for the work being undertaken to support the LGBTQI+ community.
“I am unwavering in my support when I say LGBTQI+ rights are human rights, and trans rights are human rights. It is my hope that my work in parliament over the next five years will be evidence of that. Through actions, not just words. Enacting real change in my role as an MSP to do my part in making sure Scotland is the kind and inclusive country we all want it to be.
“Thank you to the organisers of the Proud Scotland Awards, there are so many inspiring people who have also been shortlisted, Joe Fitzpatrick in my own category for example, actor David Paisley who’s shortlisted in the Community Champion category, and others. Good luck to everyone!”
Joining Ms Adam and Mr Fitzpatrick in the LGBTQI+ Political Leadership category are: Patrick Harvey MSP; Rt Hon David Mundell MP; Councillor Kenneth Duffy; Russell T Davies.
