The writer, TV personality and transgender activist was presented with her gold award by MHP Communications at a gala event at the home of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts in London.
Paris, who graduated from the university in 2009 with English Language and Literature BA(Hons), said: “This award is lovely on a personal level, but, more importantly, it validates a cause I’m so passionate about – human rights for trans people.
“When I first transitioned, like many trans people, I was depressed and isolated. I looked to the media for inspiration and all I saw were people like me being ridiculed. Five years on and things are looking very different. I’m very proud to have shared a special moment at the awards with so many promising young journalists who don’t hate but in fact celebrate diversity.”