On 2 March, some of the UK’s biggest music acts flocked to London’s O2 Arena for the coveted award show – which was hosted by Clara Amfo, Maya Jama and Roman Kemp.
As expected, the star-studded event was full of incredible moments, ranging from Raye winning a record six awards to pop music icon Kylie Minogue receiving the Global Icon Award and performing a medley of her greatest hits.
However, one aspect of the show that stood out to LGBTQIA+ fans was Drag Race UK alum Bimini – who uses she/her pronouns in drag and they/them out of drag – and her inspirational speech to the trans and non-binary community.
While presenting the award for Best International Song, the talented author highlighted the rise of anti-trans rhetoric within the UK.
“Before we get into it, I do want to take a moment and just say… right now in the UK, it’s a really difficult time for some people, for trans people and non-binary people even more so it’s very difficult,” she exclaimed, which resulted in applause from the audience.
“I just want you to know that everyone in this room loves you, and you are valid, and trans rights are human rights.”
Bimini’s message was an instant hit with fans, with many taking to the video’s comments section to shower the drag talent with support.
One TikTok user wrote: “This is so needed thank you Bimini.”
@brits an important message from @BIMINI #BRITs ♬ original sound – BRITs
Another fan on X, formerly known as Twitter, echoed similar sentiments writing: “So grateful for bimini. Trans rights are human rights.”
Bimini’s BRIT Awards speech isn’t the first time she has used her platform to support the trans and non-binary community.
In 2021, the GAY TIMES Honours winner called out the BBC for publishing a widely-panned story about lesbian women allegedly “being pressured into sex by some trans women.”
“Drag Race UK gets renewed for a fourth season (amazing!) by the BBC and in the same breath they are pushing an anti-trans agenda. This is unacceptable,” Bimini wrote at the time.
“I hope that the BBC can understand how alarming this article is and the damage it can and will do to further regress the steps made to live in a more open society. These are the same tactics that they used against homosexuals. History is repeating itself.”
Two years later, while accepting an honorary fellowship from Goldsmith, the University of London, Bimini called attention to the case of Brianna Ghey, a trans teenager who was tragically killed in February 2023.
“Justice for Brianna Ghey, a 16-year-old transgender girl who was stabbed to death in the UK, her entire life taken away from her through hate.
“At a time where people believe our existence to be a threat to live your life authentically no matter the consequences, is the most courageous act you can do.”