Matt, founder and Managing Director of Proud 2 b Parents:

As I sit on the train heading to London with my husband, I could hardly believe that Proud 2 b Parents had been shortlisted for Community Initiative of the Year at the British LGBT Awards! I am thrilled and proud to represent an amazing community that often goes unseen and unacknowledged. But I have to admit, the week leading up to the awards has been a whirlwind of nerves and anxiety. Standing up on stage and speaking to a room full of peers, celebrities, and influential people fills me with fear. Yet, I know how important it is to tell them about Proud 2 b Parents, what we do, and why we need their support.

The journey to London wasn't easy. Organising childcare for our son (thank goodness for his amazing found aunty and uncle), arranging and having approved short breaks for the foster children in our care, and ensuring someone is looking after our small backyard farm of animals was a lot to juggle. But the need for greater visibility and awareness of LGBT+ families made attending the British LGBT Awards a must.

As we arrive at the venue, the excitement and nerves are palpable. It's an incredible honor to be here, representing a community that too often feels invisible within many sectors. I am standing in a room filled with inspiring individuals and allies who understand the importance of our cause.

The night at the British LGBT Awards was nothing short of spectacular. It was an amazing celebration of the last 18 years of Proud 2 b Parents. It was incredible to see our community gain the visibility and acknowledgment it deserves. I was so proud to stand up on that stage and represent a community that is too often overlooked and unseen

Honored and thrilled, I was seated at the lucky table 22, and three of us were fortunate enough to win in our nominated areas. It was truly inspiring to meet and celebrate with Jamie Brown, Future Leader, and Laks Mann MBE LGBT+ Trailblazer.

Nerves were high at our table as we each anticipated making our acceptance speeches, but the celebration with Moët after the final win was well-deserved.

When my turn came to speak, I felt a mix of fear and pride. Here’s what I said:

"Hi, my name is Matt Taylor-Roberts, and I use the pronouns he/him. I am the founder and managing director of Proud 2 b Parents. Proud 2 b Parents is an organization for LGBT+ parents/carers and their children. Thank you so much for this incredible honor. Receiving the Charity or Community Initiative of the Year award is deeply meaningful, not just for me, but for everyone involved in Proud 2 b Parents.

Over 18 years ago, I founded Proud 2 b Parents because I saw a glaring lack of support and acknowledgment for LGBT+ parents, carers, and their children. Back then, the challenges seemed overwhelming, but today, standing in front of my peers, I am filled with pride and gratitude for how far we’ve come.

However, our journey for equity continues, and we still face various struggles. Just seven months ago, we faced the devastating reality of closing our doors due to a lack of funding. It was a heart-wrenching time, but thanks to the incredible support from our community and new funding opportunities, we’ve been able to keep our doors open for hundreds of families and future generations.

Yet, the work is far from over. LGBT+ families remain one of the most underrepresented and marginalized groups within the LGBTQIA+ community. We need your help to raise awareness of our needs and the isolation we often face. If you can help, please do. If you can echo our voices, please do. If you can get involved, please reach out. I never want to be in the same position we were in seven months ago, fighting to keep our vital services alive.

I am here today with my husband, who has stood by me and supported me since the start of the organization all those years ago. Thank you for everything you have done and continue to do. And to my son, thank you for inspiring me every day to do more and ensure greater representation and inclusion for families just like ours. Thank you."