Yes, the honours system has its problems. But as a gay writer, here’s why I’m accepting an MBE | Matt Cain

For years I was dismissed as lightweight and camp. Now I have a platform to educate people about the mistakes of the past

I am thrilled that in the new year honours list I am being made an MBE. I know some people disapprove of the honours system and others will be outraged that I am accepting an award in the name of the British empire. But I welcome the opportunities I'm hoping the award will bring.

I am being honoured as a writer and broadcaster for services to LGBTQ+ culture, but when I was growing up in the 1980s there was hardly any queer culture, and what we had was pretty much underground and undiscussed. When gay men did feature in the media we were demonised as dangerous, Aids-carrying sexual predators who couldn't be trusted around children. At school I suffered terrible homophobic bullying, and when the Tory government introduced section 28, any teachers who may have wanted to defend me weren't legally allowed. So when a letter arrived from the Cabinet Office, telling me I was being recommended by the prime minister to the king for an MBE, I was so proud I burst into tears.

Matt Cain is the author of novel One Love, published by Headline. He was formerly editor-in-chief of Attitude and culture editor of Channel 4 News

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