Streets ahead: Brooke Vincent is cosmopolitan and svelte as she attends Stonewall Awards

PUBLISHED: 10:32, 8 November 2013 | UPDATED: 13:10, 8 November 2013

She plays a proud lesbian in ITV soap Coronation Street, but Brooke Vincent's dedication to the cause was evident last night as she attended the Stonewall Awards in London's V&A Museum.

Nearly 500 people, including sports stars, politicians and writers, gathered at the ceremony to honour those who’ve made a positive contribution to the lives of Britain’s 3.7 million gay people.

Wearing a bold burgundy dress with an intricate choker neckline, the 21 year-old looked classically stylish and cosmopolitan.

Looking good: Brooke wowed onlookers at the Stonewall Awards 2013

Back to front: Brooke flashed the backless detail on her dress while partygoers celebrated

Her brown hair was swept back into a long ponytail, while she teamed her look with leopard-print shoes and a black, studded clutch bag.

Aside from being an active supporter of LGBT equality, Brooke also attended the ceremony in support of fellow Coronation Street actor Anthony Cotton, who was bestowed with the Entertainer of the Year award.

Other winners in the ceremony included pushchair company Mamas & Papas, who were celebrated for their inclusive advertising material.

Perfect style: Co-stars Jennie McAlpine and Brooke Vincent pose for photographs at the annual LGBT equality ceremony

US TV evangelist Pat Robertson was named Bigot of the Year – the award reserved for an individual who has gratuitously caused hurt and offence to gay people around the world. Robertson hit headlines in August by saying that gay men viciously spread HIV when shaking hands by using ‘special rings’.

CBBC’s Marrying Mum & Dad became the first children’s show to be named Broadcast of the Year in recognition of the shows sensitive and moving portrayal of children planning the civil partnership of their proud parents.

Baroness Stowell was named as Stonewall’s Politician of the Year for her work to secure marriage for same-sex couples, while Scottish writer Damian Barr took home the prize for Writer of the Year for his biography Maggie and Me.

He's a winner! Anthony Cotton was named Entertainer of the Year at the Stonewall Awards

Other attendees included Mary Portas, Sarah Lancashire and Holly Johnson.

Labour supporter Diane Abbott was also in attendance, but she faced criticism by men's rights activists for damning comments she made about men and boys, earlier this year.

In a sweeping statement she said: ‘At its worst, masculinity is a celebration of heartlessness; a lack of respect for women's autonomy; and the normalisation of homophobia. I fear it's often crude individualism dressed up as modern manhood.'

Ironically, her critics last night were gay men who were offended by her opinions, not least because they seemed to deviate from equality and respect.

Unsurprisingly, she didn't win an accolade.

But those that did gave heartfelt speeches and re-affirmed their interest in tackling issues of homophobia and bigotry.

Summing up the evening, Stonewall Chief Executive Ben Summerskill said: ‘In a landmark year for equality the Stonewall Award winners really do exemplify the very best of British.

'Each and every one of our winners has made the world a better place for gay people and will continue to inspire millions of people through their work’.