SNP MSP Karen Adam has thanked the LGBT community for an “incredible honour” after winning an award for political leadership.
The Banffshire and Buchan Coast representative made history as the first MSP to take the oath in Holyrood in British Sign Language, and now has been honoured for her work at the Proud Scotland Awards.
Adam won the award over Tory MP David Mundell, SNP MSP Joe Fitzpatrick, Green MSP Patrick Harvie, North Lanarkshire Labour Councillor Kenneth Duffy and It’s a Sin writer Russell T Davies.
The award is to recognise, “an individual from any political party who has used their office to actively support and advance the cause of LGBTQ+ people or are a member of the community who have demonstrated Political Leadership in a campaign”.
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The 45-year-old previously held a role as a councillor in Aberdeenshire, before winning the MSP seat in May’s Holyrood election.
Adams was brought up in a same-sex home, with her mum and her partner, and thanked the LGBT community for “embracing” her.
Adam said: “Winning the award for LGBT+ Political Leadership of the Year means so much to me. I want to thank the Proud Scotland Awards for choosing me for such an incredible honour.
“As a child that was brought up in the late 70s and 80s in a same sex household, I know the LGBTQI+ community to be the most compassionate and loving community I’ve ever been a part of.
Adam made history after taking the oath at Holyrood in British Sign Language
“After winning this award, I want to again reaffirm my commitment to advancing LGBTQI+ rights and inclusion.
“As a woman, I need to say, there is no conflict between the rights of trans people and the rights of women - because trans women are women and women’s rights are their rights too.
“I’ll do everything I can to ensure Scotland can be a safe and equal society for all of us to enjoy and live in.”
Adam later tweeted a photograph of her grinning holding her trophy and said: “I only went and won!
“A huge thank you to the whole LGBT community who have embraced me! I love you!”
I only went and won!
— Karen Adam MSP (@KarenAdamMSP) October 2, 2021
A huge thank you to the whole LGBT community who have embraced me! I love you! 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ pic.twitter.com/25ODJvRjcA
Scores of social media users took to the comments to congratulate Adam on her win.
Fellow nominee Joe Fitzpatrick said: “Congratulations Karen! Very well deserved.”
Pauline McNeill MSP said: “Congratulations. You look fantastic as well.
Sarah Fanet, who stood as an SNP candidate for the Highland’s and Islands in May said: “Wow. Absolutely brilliant. Congratulations.
“I am so proud I nominated you, my fellow 2021 candidate. I felt on the day I took part in a debate with that you have something very special and this had to be rewarded. Excellent. So happy.”
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