Voting open for LGBTI awards

THE LOCAL lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender group as well as arts venue Mareel have been shortlisted for the inaugural Scottish LGBTI awards.

Public voting is open until 27 August via this link: http://www.equality-network.org/vote/

Shetland LGBT is up for the Community Group of the Year award, while Mareel, which houses the local group’s meetings, has been nominated in the Venue of the Year category.

The winners will be announced during a glittering red carpet event hosted by the Equality Network on 10 September at the Grand Central Hotel, in Glasgow.

A spokesman for the Shetland LGBT said that they were “surprised and delighted” to be shortlisted for the award.

The group, which gives individuals a chance to meet up with like-minded people, launched around 18 months ago.

“At the moment, it is quite informal. We tend to just have social meetings,” a spokesperson said.

“It’s the first time a group like this has been set up in Shetland. It’s definitely growing as time goes on and there’s steadily more and more people getting involved.”

Mareel meanwhile have held LGBTI themed screenings and they celebrate LGBT History Month, which takes place every year in February.

“Shetland Arts is committed to promoting equality, and the nomination recognises the effort which staff have made to make Mareel a welcoming environment for everyone,” said marketing manager Lauren Doughton.