Jordan Gray for Sparkle Awards

RETURNING 'THE VOICE' STAR JORDAN GRAY TO PERFORM AT INAUGURAL NATIONAL TRANSGENDER AWARDS 

Talented singer/songwriter and judge Paloma Faith's "wild card" choice to be joined by Shane Richie Jr and his band SRJ 

Organisers of the UK's first National Transgender Awards and the Sparkle board of trustees are excited to announce that 'The Voice' contestant and openly Trans singer/songwriter Jordan Gray will be performing on stage. 

Jordan returned to the BBC's flagship Saturday night primetime talent show after it was revealed that she was celebrity judge Paloma Faith's "wild card" choice to take through to the battle rounds, where artists compete against each other in a vocal showdown. 

Jordan, who performs under the name Tall Dark Friend, will be joined on the bill by Shane Richie Jr's band SRJ. 

The star-studded awards ceremony, co-hosted by actress Annie Wallace (Sally St. Clair in 'Hollyoaks') and 'Celebrity Big Brother' contestant Kellie Maloney, has already received widespread mainstream media attention, and is the Trans community's opportunity to recognise and reward Trans pioneers and their allies. 

Jordan said "As Laverne Cox said, being visible as a Trans person is an heroic act, and any organisation or ally that provides us with a platform to be visible are also heroes and deserve all our respect, love and support. I cannot wait to show my love, support and respect at The National Transgender Awards." 

Event Director and Sparkle Trustee Tony Cooper added "We're so proud of Jordan, and delighted she is joining us for the UK's first National Transgender Awards, alongside other Trans individuals, organisations and companies who are making a real difference in society." 

Sparkle Chair Rebecca Fox said "Jordan's story is truly inspiring. She is a fantastic role model, and an example of a visible Trans artist achieving success on their own terms. The support she's received from Paloma and her colleagues on 'The Voice' is extremely heartening." 

The first National Transgender Awards take place on Thursday 24th March 2016. Tickets are available below.

FURTHER ENQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT PRESS OFFICER LEE CLATWORTHY ON 07951 305147 OR EMAIL press@sparkle.org.uk 

Published: 3-Mar-2016: (3592)