Merseyside’s LGBT community made history last week as the first ever Seen Awards were held at Liverpool’s Contemporary Urban Centre.

Guests were treated to a drinks reception with canapés before being escorted into the main awards room where the main event took place.

The evening, presented by fabulous Em Brulee saw eight winners of awards plus performances from the renowned Bears and Liverpool’s House Of Suarez.

Rebecca Keegan, editor and co owner of Seen Media said: “The evening was even more amazing than we expected it to be. The events team who put it together, Meet & Potato, were fantastic. “This event showed Merseyside just how serious Seen is about helping to take the community forward and the national recognition the event brought us showed the whole country that Liverpool is a force to be reckoned with – and our LGBT community are the most amazing in the world – and damn can we throw a party!”

Brian Quinn of Training Plus Merseyside presented the Young Person of the Year Award. He commented: "What can I say, congratulations on a splendid evening and event. I thought it ran excellently and was very proud of the fantastic opportunity to be a part of it. “Talking to our category winner John Hyland was exhilarating; his passion and confidence about who he is and what his life is about was striking and I found myself thinking… thirty years ago when I was 20, it was unheard of that a young LGBT man or woman would win such an award and that it would be so publicly celebrated. “Congratulations to Seen Magazine for the difference you make! Looking forward to next year already!"

David Hughes, general Manager of Hotel Indigo said: “Hotel Indigo Liverpool was delighted to sponsor a category at last weeks’ inaugural Seen Awards. The event was amazing and a real credit to you all, we all feel very proud that we were involved in the first event and I am sure we will be again next year!”

Visha Chander who was shortlisted in the Young Person of the Year category said: “I would like to say to each individual a big thank you for nominating & voting for me, it’s all because of you I had the opportunity to attend this unique event. The event was glamorous, chic with panache and I had certainly made all efforts to look the part for the awards. “I am so proud to be part of a warm welcoming community. Seen Magazine is a very good publication; it is informative and focuses on the community and the team really does a good job of it to.”

Following the main ceremony, which ended with quite bang, guest partied at the Seen Nightclub set up in the same venue.

Darren Suarez was honoured on the evening winnin the award of Best Event for the Vogue Ball. He said afterwards: “To win the award for best events such a fantastic feeling, it really shows recognition for the vogue ball will really help the kudos grow for the event. I enjoyed the whole evening and I believe the Seen Awards is a fantastic opportunity to platform people in Liverpool who believe in our LGBT community and work to make it even better!”

John Hyland another winner on the evening, added: “The night was amazing, a real credit to Rebecca and Tony for setting it all up, finally something to acknowledge the talents and contributions from the LGBT Community in Merseyside! “As for winning LGBT Young Person, I was over the moon! I honestly wasn't expecting it after being nominated amongst other well established and talented people on the scene. I was simply looking at excellent night out! “It feels nice that my Vlogs have been recognised as something beneficial to the LGBT Community, locally and further afield, and I thank everyone who voted for me, I will continue to do what I do, and have some big plans for the future!”

The winners

 LGBT friendly bar of the year – The Lisbon Described by voters at Liverpool’s gay jewel, the Lisbon is known as the oldest bar on the gay scene. Voters said it’s the perfect place for meeting friends before a night out, although many said they would rather stay there all evening. Also voted for for it’s friendly staff, great service and karaoke competitions.

LGBT friendly club of the year – Navy Bar One of the scene’s longest standing night clubs, The Navy was voted for for its fantastic music. Voters said it’s the perfect place to dance the night away in a safe, friendly and fun atmosphere

Drag Queen of the year – Marlene She has been around for years and was descried as a star of the scene. She was voted for for being a great entertainer. We were also told she is always friendly and welcoming to every body no matter what their sexuality.

LGBT friendly business person of the year – Chris Danks – Cyberhost Pro At just 26 years old Chris already leads an incredibly large web hosting company. Voters said they found this incredibly inspirational. One said; ‘His sheer perseverance and will of personality is a motivation to us all.’ As well as his hard work, people also say he is regularly on the front line supporting his customers, assisting with technical challenges and is always ready to provide additional assistance or advice.

LGBT Inspirational Person of the year – Zara Voters said Zara has shown the young LGBT community of Liverpool that being openly gay is something to be proud of. As well as this we were told she is an incredible musician who is not afraid to be herself. She is an honest, sincere, talented and genuine person and as such an inspiring role model to all.

LGBT young person of the year – John Hyland Voters said John’s Video Logs are an inspiration. He’s been involved in several projects including Liverpool Pride, Homotopia and the It Gets Better Campaign. People also said they feel the work that John does benefits other young members of the community and is an inspiration.

LGBT event of the year – The Vogue Ball Voters said the Vogue Ball is one of the only events in the city which brings the whole society together. IT was described as a one of a kind event giving people the opportunity to indulge in glamour, entertainment and diva-ism. Run by an extremely talented team the event is unique and it’s clear there is real passion behind it. The organiser, Darren Suarez, was described as one of the most genuine, down to earth, passionate and nicest people you'll ever meet and each year goes above and beyond to create this incredible event.

LGBT Charity of the year – Michael Causer Foundation Voters believe that Marie and her supporters are playing such an important part within the LGBT community. There is a real need to help young people in need of crisis accommodation and support which this charity is putting together. Voters also said this charity deserves the recognition for the amount of hard work & dedication following the tragic & needless death of Michael Causer at such a young age.