Get the FREE Mirror Football newsletter by email with the day's key headlines and transfer news Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Queens Park Rangers midfielder Joey Barton has been nominated for a 'Gay Oscar' by readers of a national gay lifestyle magazine.

The QPR man has fought to try and eradicate homophobia throughout football, and is being recognised for his efforts by Out in the City magazine.

Barton is short-listed in the Straight Ally of the Year category at the Out in the City and G3 Magazine's Awards ceremony, and the bash will be held at London's Landmark Hotel on April 25.

Organiser Linda Riley praised the former Manchester City man for his dedication to the cause.

"Joey Barton's work to tackle homophobia in football is highly commendable so it is no surprise that he has been short-listed," she said.

"I hope other footballers follow his lead."

Last year, Barton spearheaded a campaign by bookmakers Paddy Power in an attempt to raise awareness about the issue.

He told The Metro in September: "The bureaucrats have been guilty of not taking a tough enough [of a] stance to make this issue go away. We live in quite a liberal democracy and it’s incredible we’re even having this conversation in 2013.

"The modern-day footballer is quite open-minded I think. People’s sexuality has become less and less of an issue.

"Hopefully a large number of players will get behind the campaign."

Former Leeds United winger Robbie Rogers came out as gay last year, but claimed that he had received no contact from fellow footballers about an anti-homophobia campaign last month. Olympic hero Tom Daley also came out last year.