Jemma's pride in top award

A store manager has been recognised for her outstanding contribution to the city's Pride event.

Jemma Kameen, who works at Sainsbury’s Leeds Headingley, won the Leeds Pride Ally of the Year award at The Annual Leeds LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) Awards.

As the co-chair of Proud@Sainsbury’s, the retailer’s inclusive LGBT ally colleague network, Jemma has led the company’s involvement in Leeds Pride for the last two years. She recruited 400 volunteers from Sainsbury’s stores across Yorkshire to help organise and take part in Leeds Pride in 2016.

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And Jemma arranged a ceremony to honour the victims of the Orlando nightclub shooting in which 49 people were killed. Colleagues released 49 bouquets of biodegradable balloons in memory of the victims.

Liaqat Ali, director of Leeds Pride, said: “Having worked with Jemma for the last two years, she stands out as one of the most dedicated people I have worked with over my 10 years as director of Leeds Pride. “It’s always a pleasure to speak to her, as she has amazing ideas and the balloon launch last year to remember the Orlando victims was one of them. She works all year round promoting Pride and I really look forward to working with her again this year and many years to come.”

The awards, known as the ‘Owlies’, celebrate and congratulate those who have made outstanding contributions to the Leeds LGBT community.

Jemma said: “Last year’s Pride event was one of the highlights for me – parading through the city centre with our decorated wagon and online delivery van, playing music for all of our colleagues to dance to.”

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