George Takei's career struggle

12 October 2018

George Takei doesn't think he would have a career if he had come out earlier.

George Takei

The 'Star Trek: The Original Series' actor - who officially came out in 2005 - doesn't believe he would have been as successful in the film industry if he had announced he was gay earlier in his career.

Speaking as he collected the Icon Award at the Attitude Awards at London's Camden Roundhouse on Thursday evening (11.10.18), he said: "I must confess I was in the closet for most of my life ... If I were out I would not have a career. It is painful to be closeted especially when the plague hit, when friends became sick and were gone ... We decided it was time to be vocal on the most important issue of our time. Today I have come before you as a happily married man. We are partners in life and we celebrated our tenth wedding anniversary."

Elsewhere at the ceremony, Little Mix picked up the Honourary Gay Award and Jade Thirwall and Leigh-Anne Pinnock spoke of their continued support for the LGBT community.

Jade told the crowd: "My gay friends took me under the wing, I just bloody love it. I want to thank Stonewall for educating us. If you stick by us, we will stick by you."

Courtney Act picked up Attitude's Hero Award, and championed the importance of "communication".

She shared: "I believe communication is humanity's greatest tool."

Meanwhile, Boy George - who also closed the award show with a performance of his and Culture Club's hit 'Karma Chameleon' - joked everyone should "all be a bit more gay" as he collected the Music Icons Award, presented by Robbie Williams.

He shared to the hundreds that had packed into the Roundhouse: "I think we should all be a bit more gay."

Jess Glynne - who performed her hit 'I'd Be There For You' - picked up the Music Award whilst Ricky Martin was honoured with the Legend Award.

The full list of Attitude Awards winners are as follows:

Attitude's Legend Award - Ricky Martin

Attitude's Music Award - Jess Glynne

Attitude's Culture Award - Tituss Burgess

Attitude's Honourary Gay Award - Little Mix

Attitude's Hero Award - Courtney Act

Attitude's Style Award - Dan and Dean Caten

Attitude's Icon Award - George Takei

Attitude's Music Icons Award - Boy George and Culture Club

Attitude's Inspiration Award - Judy and Dennis Shepard, founders of the Matt Shepard Foundation