Asda has emerged as the most LGBT-friendly employer of the year, fending off tough competition from a series of other businesses to earn the prestigious accolade at an event dubbed the 'Gay Oscars'.
The supermarket was praised for "going a lot further than other organisations" by training its staff, including customer-facing ones, on LGBT issues at this year's LGBT Awards.
It pipped corporate heavyweights Barclays, Goldman Sachs and Citi to the award, which was judged by a panel that included one of the first openly lesbian MPs and shadow business secretary Angela Eagle.
Asda said the award demonstrated the "commitment and passion" of its dedicated staff.
Nick Green, the supermarket's senior director for talent and capability said: “It was an honour to be shortlisted at the British LGBT Awards but to win Employer of the Year is a huge achievement for Asda, and one that we are extremely proud of.
"The reason we have won this award isn’t because of our corporate policy, it is because of our people. This award demonstrates the commitment and passion our people have to diversity and inclusion, and this hard work will continue."
Lloyds Banking Group, meanwhile, was gifted with the LGBT Network Group of the Year award for its network of over 3,000 queer employees.
It saw off rivals Tesco and PwC for the prize.
Winners of the British LGBT awards included:
LGBT Employer of the Year
Asda
LGBT Network Group of the Year
Lloyds Banking Group
LGBT Corporate Rising Star
Mark McBride-Wright
LGBT Broadcaster of the Year
Evan Davis
Global Icon Award
Sir Ian McKellen
TV Celebrity Straight Ally Award
Danny Dyer
LGBT Diversity Champion
Jacqui Gavin
Corporate Straight Ally of the Year
Lt Gen James Everard
LGBT Inspirational Role Model
Flight Lt Ayla Holdom
Huffington Post Loud and Proud Award
Boy George
Lifetime Achievement
Sarah Waters
