Inside Munroe Bergdorf’s star-studded birthday with LGBTQ+ icons

Attendees including Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Olly Alexander, Big Brother winner Nadia, pop-starlet Mabel and queer songwriting veteran MNEK came out to celebrate Munroe Bergdorf’s birthday at Mayfair hotspot Apollo’s Muse.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARCO BAHLER

GAY TIMES CEO Tag Warner co-hosted a dinner for Munroe Bergdorf on 30 August in London. The evening was attended by LGBTQIA+ and ally superstars from across the entertainment industry.

Guests enjoyed a special menu at the exclusive Apollo’s Muse, the breathtaking hideaway bar in the heart of Mayfair, covertly tucked away at the back of the iconic Bacchanalia restaurant, concealed by an impressive iron-clad door – found only by those in-the-know.

Munroe spoke to guests about the urgent need to support LGBTQIA+ media platforms, including her long-standing support of GAY TIMES. Guests were implored to use their platforms to further support for trans and non-binary folks with an impassioned and emotional speech from Munroe, especially in a time where discrimination in the media against trans people is at a high.

Tag Warner gave a speech recognising Munroe’s achievements in LGBTQIA+ activism as well as her long-standing support for the namesake LGBTQIA+ media brand. He gave reference to Munroe’s three appearances on GAY TIMES Magazine covers over the previous six years, including her recent feature as part of GAY TIMES‘ 40th anniversary issue.

Beyond the poignant speeches, guests were sharing experiences of their queer identity within the entertainment industry, including examples of where they were using their positions to make room for other LGBTQIA+ creatives and talent.

The evening was co-presented by Don Julio, the premium tequila brand that focuses on creativity and passion in their product.

Munroe wore a Jenny Packham designed dress, styled by Thomas George Wulbern

The full attendee list included no less than 10 GAY TIMES Magazine and GAY TIMES Amplify cover-stars including;

Munroe Bergdorf (GAY TIMES Magazine cover-star)
Tag Warner
Leigh-Anne Pinnock
Tayce (GAY TIMES Amplify cover-star)
Leomie Anderson
Olly Alexander (GAY TIMES Magazine cover-star)
Riyadh Khalaf (GAY TIMES Magazine cover-star),
Reece King (GAY TIMES Magazine cover-star)
Bel Priestley (GAY TIMES Amplify cover-star)
MNEK (GAY TIMES Magazine cover-star)
Jodie Harsh (GAY TIMES Magazine cover-star)
Rachel Chinouriri
Kai-Isaiah Jamal (GAY TIMES Magazine cover-star)
Cara Melle
Harriet Rose (GAY TIMES Amplify cover-star)
Jaguar
Charles Jeffrey
Maxim Magnus
Nadia Almada
Omari Douglas
Otamere Guobadia
Poppy Ajudha (GAY TIMES Amplify cover-star)
Donnie Sunshine
Amber Rose Gill
Mabel

Left: Munroe and Tag Warner share an intimate moment after Munroe's emotional speech. Right: Nadia Almada, the iconic Big Brother winner, made a surprise appearance as guest of honour.

Munroe greets Riyadh Khalef, who graced the cover of GAY TIMES Magazine in 2019

Big Brother winner Nadia Almada was the guest of honour for the spectacular evening.

Nadia spoke with guests on her position as a trans woman in the spotlight, her historic Big Brother win in 2004 and how the world has changed since.

The iconic public figure also took an opportunity to highlight her ongoing philanthropic work with trans+ youth organisations that support trans and non-binary people and their families.