The Derek Oyston Award is presented by CHE to “a person or organisation who has contributed significantly over the years to the advancement of LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans) issues in England and Wales”. This year’s award was in conjunction with the Consortium and was presented at their launch of the lgbtlondon.com website and LGBT Pledge for London’s statutory providers.

The judging panel, comprising representatives of both CHE and the Consortium, after carefully considering the nominations that had been received, decided unanimously to give this year’s award to Michael Brown.

Responding to the award, Michael Brown said “I’ve been campaigning for 57 years, and this is the first time anyone’s given me an award. I salute CHE for presenting this award, not just for me, but everyone who worked for gay rights in the early days, such as Antony Grey, who never received proper recognition in his lifetime. I intend to spend the money on frivolous things, and hold a tea party for the remaining veteran campaigners.”

Mark Delacour, Director of Operations at the Consortium, said “I’m delighted the Consortium has been able to work in conjunction with CHE, one of our many long standing member organisations, to present this well-deserved award to one of the unsung heroes of gay liberation and the struggle for gay rights.”