Attitude’s Paris Lees named Young Campaigning Journalist of the Year
By Will Stroude
Attitude’s Editor-at-Large, Paris Lees, has been named Young Campaigning Journalist of the Year.
The writer, presenter and transgender activist was honoured with the special Gold Award at MHPC’s 30 To Watch Awards last night (May 19), for her work to improve life for trans people.
Held at BAFTA and now in their fourth year, the 30 To Watch Awards are MHP Communications’ annual spotlight on top young media talent – picking out those already setting the news agenda through editorial, print, broadcast or digital reporting early on in their career.
Paris said of her win: “This award is lovely on a personal level, but, more importantly, it validates a cause I’m so passionate about – human rights for trans people.
“When I first transitioned, like many trans people, I was depressed and isolated. I looked to the media for inspiration and all I saw were people like me being ridiculed. Five years on and things are looking very different.
“I’m very proud to have shared a special moment at the awards with so many promising young journalists who don’t hate but in fact celebrate diversity.”
Gold Awards were presented to five rising stars judged to have gone “above and beyond the industry standard” – with Paris receiving the night’s special award.
The winners were chosen by a select panel of senior journalists and former 30 To Watch winners.
The win comes after Paris was named Ultimate Trailblazer at the Cosmopolitan Ultimate Women of the Year Awards 2014 – click here to find out more.
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