A TAMESIDE theatre company founder has been shortlisted for a prestigious honour.
Adam Zane, of Broadbottom, is one of eight people in contention for the LGBT section of the Positive Role Model category at this year’s National Diversity Awards.
It comes after more than two decades of work in using theatre to give LGBTQ+ voices a platform, through the Hive North company he founded.
And the 53-year-old believes people from the borough helped contribute to his standing.
He said: “I’m truly honoured to be shortlisted and I was incredibly moved to read the nominations from young people and teachers from schools across Tameside.
“I hope this recognition highlights the vital work Hive North does in schools to challenge discrimination and celebrate diversity.
“Having led workshops and worked with LGBTQ+ young people for over 20 years, I am hugely proud to be considered a positive role model and so thankful to everyone who voted for me.
“I’m looking forward to the award ceremony but even being a shortlisted finalist is an absolute privilege.”
Adam’s citation detailed his work, including being cast in seminal Channel 4 show Queer As Folk.
He has helped educate more than 50,000 young people after writing the UK’s longest-running anti-homophobia schools play, Outloud.
It also told how he wrote a play inspirited by Hyde’s Martyn Hett, a victim of the Manchester Arena attack.
It states: “Adam Zane is a theatre maker, educator, and activist whose work is rooted in his lived experience as a gay man of Mixed Heritage and a Muslim upbringing.
“With compassion, creativity, and courage, he uses theatre to amplify underrepresented voices, challenge prejudice, and create inclusive spaces for all.
“After training at Manchester’s School of Theatre, Adam was cast in Russell T Davies’ Queer as Folk.
“As one of the few openly gay actors in the series, he saw the power of visibility and storytelling to reflect and transform LGBT lives.
“Frustrated by being typecast in stereotypical roles, Adam turned to writing/directing.
“After reading The Laramie Project, a verbatim play about the murder of Matthew Shepard, Adam was inspired to tell important, real LGBT stories.
“In 2004, he launched Hive North, directing The Laramie Project with graduates from the University of Salford.
“The show toured regionally and led to Adam producing the UK premiere of The Laramie Project: Ten Years Later, as part of a global event hosted by Glenn Close.
“As Artistic Director of Hive North, Adam co-produces the OutStageUs festival, showcasing new work by emerging LGBT artists.
“His acclaimed #BeMoreMartyn, based on the life of Manchester Arena victim Martyn Hett, toured the UK, and his play Jock Night explores mental health, and queer identity with heart and humour.
“Adam leads Hive Youth Theatre in Manchester, mentors creatives and lectures in higher education.
“After over a decade volunteering as the Creative Director of George House Trust’s Candlelit Vigil for Manchester Pride, he now serves as Ambassador for the charity.
“Adam’s work is visible, authentic, and vocal—lifting others and proving that inclusive theatre can inspire change across generations.”
Adam will learn if he has won the award on Friday, September 19, at a ceremony in Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral hosted by broadcaster Clare Balding CBE.
“I’m thrilled and deeply honoured to return as host for the National Diversity Awards,” she said.
“Recognising the individuals, organisations and charities that go above and beyond to improve their communities is truly vital.
“These inspiring and uplifting awards shine a spotlight on the incredible strength and positivity of an inclusive society, celebrating community heroes whose dedication and achievements might otherwise go unrecognised.”