Visibility has undoubtedly increased for the LGBTQ+ community in recent years, as has progress and solidarity in many areas, but it now comes in tandem with misinformation and polarisation.Just over a year on from the UK’s Supreme Court ruling that decided, for the purposes of the Equality Act 2010, the legal definition of “woman” and “sex” is based on biological sex at birth, the ripple effect on the trans and wider LGBTQ+ community has become clear. It was further solidified in May 2025 when the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) published its updated code of practice that confirmed single-sex services must be on the basis of biological sex. It has become clear that Pride, with its roots in protest, has never been needed more. But it’s at a time when financial support for both LGBTQ+ events and spaces are struggling, such as Liverpool’s 2025 Pride event, which was nearly cancelled before Sahir House, the city’s oldest LGBTQ+ charity, stepped in to fund it. Meanwhile, London’s Soho G-A-Y club closed its doors in October, as owner Jeremy Joseph blamed not only rising rent costs but also the changing cultural identity of the area. This is notes in Stonewall’s annual report, published on 6 January, stating a stark warning that the UK is no longer a global leader in LGBTQ+ rights as it once was. It highlights that trans and non-binary people in particular are facing growing barriers, and 70 per cent of trans people report being impacted by transphobia when accessing general health services. Even Stonewall is at risk, as the charity said it has received fewer government grants and corporate donations, reducing the work it’s able to do. And worryingly, there’s still an ongoing delay in delivering a trans-inclusive ban on conversion practices, to which Labour had committed. Yet, key strides have been made. In October, King Charles unveiled the first memorial dedicated to LGBTQ+ members of the British Armed Forces, named “An Open Letter”, inspired by letters that were used to disgrace closeted service members and which has been described by some of those affected by it as a “significant piece of history”. The end of the 16-year reign of Viktor Orban in Hungary was welcomed by many after he attempted to ban the country’s Pride celebrations last year. This list marks the fourth year of the Pride List since its relaunch, celebrating the work and achievements of British individuals within the LGBTQ+ community made in the past 12 months, as well as some lifelong contributions, and was decided by a panel of staff at The Independent. Previous iterations have included the likes of activist and campaigner Munroe Bergdorf, Olympian bronze medal-winning boxer Cindy Ngamba, and the most senior LGBTQ+ cabinet minister, Wes Streeting, who is now vying to challenge the prime minister to become the leader of the Labour Party.Reflecting The Independent’s philosophy of making change happen, the Pride List is not just a roll-call of big names but celebrates the impact of the work and influence of those making a difference to LGBTQ+ lives in Britain and beyond. Publishing the list today celebrates Pride Month, which culminates in the annual Pride in London march on Saturday, 4 July.1. Alan Carr Alan Carr has been a dominant fixture across our TV screens for more than two decades (Getty)The comedian and broadcaster Alan Carr has been a dominant fixture across our TV screens for more than two decades, but in the past year has cemented himself as a genuine national treasure with his unforgettable victory on The Celebrity Traitors in November. Here, he combined sharp instinct, emotional intelligence and his trademark self-deprecating humour to win over viewers across generations.Carr’s first major breakthrough came after winning the BBC New Comedy Award in 2001, and he quickly became a regular face of British entertainment through The Friday Night Project and later Alan Carr: Chatty Man. At a time when openly gay men were still often boxed into caricature on mainstream television, Carr built a hugely successful career while remaining unapologetically camp. His humour, warmth and willingness to laugh at himself increased queer visibility for millions of viewers, making LGBTQ+ identity feel central to British popular culture rather than on the margins.He has spoken candidly about growing up gay as the son of a football manager, helping open conversations around acceptance. His semi-autobiographical series Changing Ends has been widely praised for bringing queer working-class stories to mainstream audiences with nuance. He also set the tone for equality years ago, in an interview in 2008, in which he said: “My sexuality isn’t important, I’m just a comedian. I don’t talk about being gay, and I think what better equality for gays than that?”More than simply a comedian, Carr has become a lasting symbol of queer joy.2. Meg Jones Meg Jones praises seeing gay players in rugby from a young age, saying it helped with her process of coming out (Getty)For the eighth consecutive time, the Red Roses England Women’s rugby team won the Women’s Six Nations. The captain leading the team to the most recent win was Meg Jones, who has proven to be a real powerhouse on the pitch with an incredible standout season. In recognition, Jones has been nominated for World Player of the Year for her crucial role in England winning the World Cup in September, and was also awarded an MBE in the 2026 New Year Honours List.Jones has also managed to do this while navigating tremendous grief, having lost both of her parents within just months of each other in 2024, while still performing at the highest level and becoming an inspiration for both players and fans.Off the pitch, Jones has been in a relationship with fellow rugby player Celia Quansah for seven years, and often speaks out about the acceptance in her sport, not only in sexuality, but in body shape and personality, too. She praises seeing gay players in rugby from a young age, saying it helped with her process of coming out. 3. Stephanie LynnetteStephanie Lynnette is a healthcare worker, content creator and events manager (AJ Stetson)Healthcare worker, content creator and events manager of London’s Trans+ Pride, Stephanie Lynnette helped organise one of the biggest and most impactful marches last year, bringing together 100,000 people against the demonisation of trans people in July 2025.It garnered 40,000 more people than the previous year, in a reflection of the increasing public support for the trans community, of which Lynnette is also a part. As Lynnette said in her opinion piece for The Independent after the event, it “extended the capital’s reign as the largest trans rights protest in the world”. This was her second year working on the event, alongside 30 other volunteers, which Lynnette says is about creating “a safe space” and is a “day of protest and of joy, liberation and celebration”. She is also the founder of Ask Awareness, a trans-led campaign initiative creating safe spaces for people to ask questions about and raise awareness on trans experiences, and runs her eponymous YouTube channel, which helps dismantle barriers on key trans issues, such as how to know if you’re transgender, puberty blockers and post-operation life. 4. BiminiBimini was a runner-up on the UK edition of ‘ RuPaul’s Drag Race’ in 2021 (Getty)In March this year, Bimini, the queer and gender-fluid musician and drag artist, took part in the House Against Hate protest in London’s Trafalgar Square, also attended by the likes of Zack Polanski and Paloma Faith, which was dubbed the biggest demonstration ever against the far right. They also performed at World Aids Day fundraisers and often call out brands that they believe are “pinkwashing”.Since being a runner-up on the UK edition of RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2021, Bimini has been one of the UK’s most prominent artists and activists speaking out for trans rights and has helped redefine what mainstream LGBTQ+ visibility can look like.Away from their usual TV appearances, Bimini stepped out of their comfort zone and took part in the latest series of Channel 4’s Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins and spoke about how they wanted to push back against gender stereotypes and traditional notions of strength.This year, Bimini has also supported legendary electroclash artist Peaches during her tour, and has released their own new music too, including the track “Let’s Talk About Gender Baby”, a celebration of non-binary identity and advocating for open conversations about self-discovery. 5. Zack PolanskiSupport for Zack Polanski has soared recently, especially among young people during the May local elections (Getty)Achieving one of the fastest ascents in politics, Zack Polanski has gained soaring support, especially among young people who have grown disillusioned with other parties. He was elected as Green Party leader in September 2025, following three years as deputy, with a landslide 84 per cent of the vote. The Greens made huge gains in the May local elections, particularly in London, where the party saw its first two borough mayors elected in Hackney and Lewisham.He’s the first openly gay man to lead a Westminster political party, and has been a vocal supporter of LGBTQ+ rights, particularly focusing on trans inclusion. He’s been in a relationship with physiotherapist Richie Bryan for more than seven years.At the start of this year, he took over the famous LGBTQ+ nightclub Heaven to connect younger voters with one another through club culture, and he has appeared at many other pivotal events, such as House Against Hate. He’s able to speak directly to people, engaging them in politics through events such as the non-profit TransActual’s event, where he knew what it was like to be othered.His success has brought greater scrutiny, including over his personal tax payments and public comments. He has also struggled to shake off his 2013 claim (from before his political career) that he could use hypnotherapy to enlarge breasts, for which he apologised.6. Leah WilliamsonLeah Williamson took the Lionesses to their back-to-back Euros win in 2025 (Getty)As captain of England’s ever-successful Lionesses football squad, Leah Williamson took the team to their back-to-back Euros win in 2025 in July. Here, she donned the rainbow armband, which was banned by Fifa during the World Cup, proudly showing her support for the LGBTQ+ community.The bisexual 29-year-old recently played in the Lionesses’ historic 500th official international match in April 2026, and the player has also signed a new contract with Arsenal, where she has played since the age of eight.Williamson is one of the defining figures in British sport, and following in the footsteps of the likes of fellow England player Jill Scott (formerly in this list too), Williamson has been integral in championing women’s football and is a huge inspiration to young girls and women wanting to get into the sport. She has continued advocating for equality and welfare in sport on issues including sexism, player welfare and access to opportunities. Williamson has been in a relationship with Elle Smith, a model and former Miss USA winner, since the end of last year.7. Phyll Opoku-Gyimah (Lady Phyll)Lady Phyll is the co-founder and CEO of Black Pride, which recently celebrated its 20th anniversary (Getty)One of the biggest names and activists within the LGBTQ+ community is Phyll Opoku-Gyimah, best known as Lady Phyll, who is a prominent lesbian activist and has spent years building spaces, institutions and campaigns that have transformed queer life in the UK.August saw the celebration of the 20th anniversary of Black Pride. It is the world’s largest celebration for LGBTQ+ people of African, Asian, Caribbean, Latin American and Middle Eastern descent. She co-founded the organisation with the aim of seeing more people like her at Pride celebrations, who are often not visible or excluded. This year marks her third year as CEO of Black Pride after previously holding the role of executive director. She has been a longtime advocate for calling out racism in LGBTQ+ spaces while also calling for better protections for queer people of colour, greater mental health support and stronger responses to hate crime and discrimination.Her committed work on race, gender and LGBTQ+ rights has been unwavering for decades. It’s this that’s seen her included in the Pride List for the fourth consecutive year.8. Ted BrownTed Brown was one of the key figures involved in the launch of the first official UK Pride in 1972 (Redferns)Back in 1972, when the first official UK Pride was being organised, one of its key figures was Ted Brown. Originally born in America, Brown has lived in the UK since 1959. He was inspired by the civil rights movement in America and was already working with the UK's branch of the Gay Liberation Front (GLF), formed after the Stonewall Riots and Pride Parade in the US. It was in 1972 that he helped bring together 2,000 people marching towards London’s Trafalgar Square. When they reached it, Brown organised a mass “kiss-in” – a landmark moment in time when displays of affection for same-sex couples could face arrest. It was a call to arms to end the shame and stigma attached to being gay, and it is remembered as a real change-making moment. For decades, he’s been a leading voice in fighting against homophobia, including his work campaigning on the unequal age of consent laws of the time, which were age 21 for same-sex couples.He led the Black section of the Gay London Police Monitoring Group, set up in 1982 to address homophobic policing; founded Black Lesbians and Gays Against Media Homophobia; and, in August 2025, received an honorary doctorate from the University of Brighton. He has reportedly not attended Pride for years, believing it has lost its political edge due to high-profile sponsors such as Coca-Cola. But when the pandemic suspended the event in 2020, along with his GLF comrades, he organised a march coinciding with the Black Trans Lives Matter march, which he said felt like being back in 1972. 9. La VoixLa Voix was the first drag queen competitor on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ (Getty)September 2025 saw the first drag queen competitor on Strictly Come Dancing, one of the UK’s biggest and most loved TV shows, where La Voix put drag representation back into the heart of primetime Saturday night TV. Her inclusion, following drag queen Tayce competing in Strictly’s 2024 Christmas special, and La Voix competing, served as a reminder that drag is not new, as the likes of Lily Savage and Dame Edna Everage were long mainstays of British TV from the 1970s onwards. La Voix, real name Christopher Denis, won over fans for her quick quips and comedic exchanges with former presenter Tess Daly, and was paired with professional dancer Aljaž Škorjanec.Earlier this year, La Voix had an exhibition, “Becoming La Voix”, dedicated to her in her hometown of Stockton-on-Tees in the North East, where she loaned costumes, accessories and photos to the Preston Park Museum, which is on display until 28 June. More recently, La Voix took on the role of “spokesqueen” for the Eurovision song contest.10. Olivia Campbell-CavendishOlivia Campbell-Cavendish is the founder of the Trans Legal Clinic (Getty)Founder of the Trans Legal Clinic, Olivia Campbell-Cavendish is England and Wales’ first Black trans lawyer, who graduated in 2025 from King’s College – an achievement that carries enormous significance at a time when trans people, particularly Black trans women, remain dramatically underrepresented across the legal profession. She specialises in family and human rights law, and founded the clinic to provide advocacy and free legal support for people in her community who are increasingly facing difficult issues.Campbell-Cavendish is leading the UK’s first trans strategic litigation team and is working on a case to seek a rehearing following the UK Supreme Court’s ruling in April 2025, alongside the UK’s first trans judge, Victoria McCloud, who topped last year’s Pride List and is also in this year’s list.They plan to launch a landmark challenge against the European Court of Human Rights to ensure trans voices aren’t excluded from any future legal decisions that affect their lives, after no trans people were allowed to give evidence at the UK Supreme Court’s ruling that decided for the purposes of the Equality Act 2010, the legal definition of “woman” and “sex” is based on biological sex at birth, not on holding a Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC). 11. Lola YoungLola Young’s casual openness really spoke to younger queer audiences navigating their own identity (Getty)Rising to fame with her hit “Messy” in 2024, first through TikTok and then the charts, Lola Young has had a whirlwind two years. However, it is now continuing more at her own pace after Young collapsed on stage in New York last year, resulting in the cancellation of her tour. She later checked into rehab and has since talked about addiction. In February this year, she won a Grammy for Best Pop Solo Performance for “Messy” and was named Breakthrough Artist at the Brit Awards, while it was also the UK’s most-streamed track in 2025 by a British artist. Her third album, I’m Only F**king Myself, was given four stars by The Independent's chief album critic, Helen Brown, in September. The 25-year-old first addressed her sexuality in May 2025 in a TikTok, where she said, “I like p***y too”, and has gone on to become a queer pop voice unafraid to speak openly about identity, addiction, mental health and the complexities of modern relationships, while also advocating for trans rights. Rather than framing her sexuality as a formal “coming out”, Young’s casual openness really spoke to younger queer audiences navigating their own identity.12. Jake and Hannah GrafJake and Hannah Graf are one of the UK’s most visible and well-known trans couples (Getty)Long-time trans campaigners Jake and Hannah Graf are one of the UK’s most visible and well-known trans couples and are often referred to as the UK’s power trans couple. Hannah, a trans woman, was previously a captain in the British Army, the highest-ranking transgender officer, and now has a career in finance, while Jake, a trans man, is an actor and director. They both give talks on their experiences to help inspire others to come out and know where to find support. They’ve also had two children via surrogate.Their “Trans is Human” exhibition (from 5 August to 27 September) is at the Queer Britain Museum in London’s King’s Cross, the UK’s first LGBTQ+ dedicated museum, which Jake says “will save lives” in a piece he wrote for The Independent. The exhibition features portraits taken by photographer Mariano Vivanco, and celebrates the stories of 13 inspiring trans people.Through their documentary Our Baby: A Modern Miracle, which aired in 2020, and more recently their book, Becoming Us, published in 2023, they’ve documented their transitioning and parenthood journeys with honesty and openness, helping to guide others through similar experiences. 13. David HockneyDavid Hockney is now 88 and still producing a vast body of work and exhibitions (Getty)Now aged 88, David Hockney is still producing a vast body of work and exhibitions that seem to get bigger and last longer. Although many are usually paid entry, his latest show, A Year in Normandie and Some Other Thoughts about Painting, is showing at the Serpentine North Gallery in London’s Kensington Gardens for free until 23 August and features his 90m-long frieze and 10 other new works. The Independent’s Mark Hudson gave it five stars, saying it offers a message of hope in a desperate world, and follows on from his immersive exhibition “Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away)”, which opened in 2023.He came out as gay in 1960, aged 23, when it was still illegal to be gay before the Sexual Offences Act of 1967, which decriminalised it. Hockney is undoubtedly one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, and through his art, he has explored sexuality, especially in domestic situations, such as Peter Getting Out of Nick’s Pool (1966), portraying a naked man, and Man in Shower in Beverly Hills (1964).14. Kerstin CasparijKerstin Casparij is now a patron of the LGBT Foundation after a pivotal moment last year (Getty)In October, Man City footballer Kerstin Casparij’s simple act of kissing a wristband after scoring against Everton turned into a pivotal LGBTQ+ moment. The wristband, with its pink, white and blue stripes of the Trans flag, showed her support in standing up for the trans community on a global stage, following her dismay at the UK Supreme Court ruling in April 2025.Her action from the pitch rippled out far beyond it and has helped spread positivity among fans and peers across social media. The act attained global recognition and meant Casparij then realised she needed to do more for trans people in her community, which she wanted to help, after she grew up in rural Netherlands and didn’t realise being gay was even an option.Her support led her to become a patron of the LGBT Foundation based in Manchester, and just weeks after that, she launched a women’s programme called Levelling the Playing Field, which is all part of what she sees as the importance of keeping football free of hate.15. Steven Stewart and Mark ShephardSteven Stewart and Mark Shephard are suing the Ministry of Defence over its LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme (Handout)In April, Steven Stewart and Mark Shephard began legal action to sue the Ministry of Defence (MoD) over the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme and its implementation. The pair, who served in the Royal Military Police and Royal Air Force respectively between 1988 and 2001, claim they were forced to resign because of their sexuality, as until 2000, it was illegal to be openly gay in the British armed forces. The pair say their forced resignation has led to “enduring psychological and relational harm”.As they were not formally discharged, they have been denied the full compensation under the scheme, which offers “impact payments” of up to £70,000. Instead, Stewart received payments of £7,000 and Shephard just £5,000.Shephard was questioned about his sexuality in the RAF in 1999 and warned he could face dismissal, while Stewart said he was removed from his unit because of his sexuality and ultimately resigned after being told he could face being court-martialled and a potential prison sentence.An MoD spokesperson said: “We deeply regret the treatment of LGBT serving personnel between 1967 and 2000, which was wholly unacceptable and this is not representative of defence today. Whilst we acknowledge the hurt caused to veterans who felt compelled to resign, the dismissed and discharged payment was designed to recognise those who were dishonourably removed from service.”16. Cat BurnsCat Burns released her second album ‘How to Be Human’ at the end of last year and was a star of ‘The Celebrity Traitors’ (Getty)Aged just 25, singer-songwriter Cat Burns is one of the UK’s most exciting artists of the moment, with Brit Award nominations and a Mercury Prize shortlist for Early Twenties, which was propelled by her viral, TikTok-fuelled hit, “Go”.Both through her gospel-inspired music and interviews, Burns highlights the layers of being a Black lesbian. Her song “Free” describes how hard she found coming out, with lyrics such as: “If you only knew/how scared I was to tell you”, continuing with “Living a lie for a life can be tiring/so I choose the truth”.At the end of 2025, she released her second album, How to Be Human. It is centred on her identity as a lesbian and an exploration of grief after losing both her father and grandfather, heartbreak, and her recent neurodivergence diagnosis, of which she often speaks about the difficulties of navigating. However, many people will know her from winning over audiences on The Celebrity Traitors last year. She became a finalist as one of the original Traitors, alongside comedian Alan Carr and broadcaster Jonathan Ross, as she was able to stealthily fly under the radar among a cast of big personalities.17. Natalie WashingtonFootballer Natalie Washington has campaigned for the sport to be more inclusive since 2019 (Instagram)Playing football and activism don’t usually go hand in hand, but Natalie Washington has been running the campaign for Football v Transphobia (part of Pride Sports) since 2019, working towards making the sport a better and more inclusive place. “We can reach people through football that we can’t reach in other ways,” she told The Independent.Since the FA’s ban on trans women and non-binary people playing in women's football that came into force on 1 June last year, following the UK Supreme Court’s ruling, it meant Washington was unable to play for the club she’d spent almost a decade at. But she’s most worried about the social and mental effects this will have on younger trans women and girls who are now excluded.A year on from the ban, Football v Transphobia launched a report, “They say football’s for all, but it’s not anymore” by Dr Jack Lopez, detailing how players have been affected by it. Washington says court rulings and policy shifts in the past year have pushed trans and non-binary people further towards the sidelines, making it even harder for LGBTQ+ people to play sports and exercise, who already have a lower level of physical activity. In recognition of her ongoing advocacy, Washington was recently awarded the prestigious EGLSF (European Gay and Lesbian Sports Federation) Advocacy Award at the EuroGames.18. Alan CummingAlan Cumming has hosted the US version of ‘The Traitors’ for the past three years (Getty)The Scottish actor Alan Cumming has hosted the US version of The Traitors for the past three years, where he brings plenty of drama and tartan in equal measures to the show.As well as this, Cumming, who is bisexual, is currently the artistic director for the Pitlochry Festival Theatre in Perthshire, which is celebrating its 75th birthday this year. His tenure started in 2025, and he began programming work this year, where his inaugural season sees not only a big line-up of shows but also some he has been directly involved in, whether that’s as writer, director or actor. He’s appearing alongside actor Shirley Henderson in A History of Paper and My Fair Lady as Henry Higgins, while he’s co-written I Can Die Too. He says his role here is to “bring people together”, and it’s set to be a wide celebration of all things LGBTQ+. He also stars in the latest Russell T Davies thriller Tip Toe alongside David Morrissey, which focuses on homophobia and rising hatred in a Manchester suburb.As the host of this year’s Bafta awards in February, he described the event as a “s**tshow” after the BBC broadcast involuntary slurs from MBE recipient John Davidson – the inspiration behind the Bafta-winning film, I Swear – who has Tourette syndrome, while censoring other free speech at the event. Cummings has said he doesn’t want to host the ceremony again, blaming the lack of leadership in decisions by the BBC bosses, who he claims were not prepared for the event. Bafta apologised and an investigation found that the BBC breached its editorial standards by broadcasting the slur.19. Beth Mead Beth Mead was in a previous top spot on The Independent’s Pride List (Getty)As a former top spot on the Pride List, Beth Mead needs little introduction. She was part of the Lionesses’ triumphant win at the 2023 Euros team, the first time England had won the competition since 1966, which instantly thrust her into becoming a household name after she scored an incredible six goals. It was partly her performance which meant fans, commentators and everyone really paid proper attention to the talent of the women’s team. She’s helped revolutionise the sport and inspire a generation of women and girls to get on the pitch, for which she was awarded an MBE for her contribution to sports in 2023.Since then, there’s been no stopping the Lionesses and they retained the title in 2025 when they won the Euros again following a penalty shootout victory over Spain in Basel.As well as being an inspiration on the pitch, Mead is a role model for the LGBTQ+ community in sport, as she’s been outspoken about Fifa’s choice to hold the men’s World Cup in Qatar, where being gay is illegal. Mead has also been involved in raising awareness for cervical cancer and period stigma campaigns and pushes for increased research into ACL injuries in the women’s game, which she made an important documentary about with her partner and fellow professional footballer, Man City player Vivianne Miedema.20. Self Esteem Self Esteem has long been a vocal advocate for the LGBTQ+ community (PA)Real name Rebecca Lucy Taylor is best known by her stage persona, Self Esteem. The pop star’s music career has long allowed her to be a vocal advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and to stand in solidarity with trans people She came out as bisexual in 2013 and is known for using her music and platform to break down stereotypes of being a bisexual woman in the music industry, as well as working class and from the North, such as when she called out the Brits’ Artist of the Year category, which, although gender neutral now, failed to include any women in its nominees in 2023. Her patriarchy-smashing lyrics and catchy melodies thread through her music, and her latest album, A Complicated Woman, is a “fiery album exploring fame, dependent partners and empowerment”, according to The Independent’s chief album critic Helen Brown. This year, Self Esteem pivoted from music to acting – though it’s not such a big jump, as many of her music performances have a heavy theatrical side to them – where she’s starring in a West End revival of David Hare’s 1975 play Teeth ’n’ Smiles.She was nominated for Artist of the Year at the 2026 Brit Awards and received nominations for her work on Teeth ’n’ Smiles, continuing to bring queer representation to mainstream artistic accolades.21. Bruce Mouat Bruce Mouat brought home two silvers at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics (Getty)One of the most visible and successful openly gay athletes in winter sports is Bruce Mouat. The Scottish Olympian reached international heights in curling, winning two silver medals at the Beijing 2022 winter Olympics (his first Games) for Team GB, where he skippered the team. The achievement meant he was the first openly gay man to win a Winter Olympics medal, outside of figure skating, in almost a century. This year, he continued the winning streak and once again brought home two silvers at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.Mouat has spoken candidly about wanting to prove that sport can be “a safe space” for LGBTQ+ people, while publicly sharing his relationship with partner Craig Kyle, which largely remains rare in men’s elite sport. He’s also talked about the importance of authenticity in sport and the positive impact coming out had on both his life and performance, as although he came out in 2014 to his teammates, he didn’t do so publicly until a few years later. Yet it’s his coming out that he credits his medal-winning success, as he said he was able to go into the Olympics as his true self and focus only on the game.22. Olly AlexanderOlly Alexander co-organised Trans Mission at London’s Wembley Arena (Getty)This March, artist and actor Olly Alexander co-organised Trans Mission at London’s Wembley Arena alongside Glyn Fussell, also on this list and a co-founder of LGBTQ+ festival Mighty Hoopla. The special concert was designed to support the trans community following the UK Supreme Court’s ruling last April, which said “sex” in the Equality Act 2010 refers solely to biological sex.Alexander told The Independent’s music editor, Roisin O’Connor: “I know that many people want to show their support but aren’t sure how to do it or are afraid of backlash or repercussions. Trans Mission is about joy and positivity – it’s an opportunity to send a bold and loud message that we stand with the trans community, we are stronger together and we won’t be silenced.”Trans Mission was also in aid of the Good Law Project and the charity Not a Phase, with headliners including Christine and the Queens, Sugababes, Imogen Heap and Wolf Alice.As well as being an artist, Alexander is also an actor and starred in the critically acclaimed West End production of The Importance of Being Earnest last year opposite Stephen Fry, and in the hard-hitting and critically acclaimed It’s a Sin about the experience of the gay community during the 1980s Aids crisis.23. Rosie Jones Rosie Jones’s Channel 4 comedy show ‘Pushers’ aired last year and was labelled ‘groundbreaking’ (Jiksaw)For her entire career, comedian, actor, writer and author Rosie Jones has strived to make these creative industries she works in more inclusive. Growing up, Jones had only seen white males as comedians, and didn’t see lesbian disabled people, like her, on TV. But that didn’t stop her from getting to where she is now.Last year, Jones’s Channel 4 comedy show Pushers, co-written with Peter Fellows, aired and was labelled “groundbreaking”. The dark comedy is about a young woman, played by Jones, who starts dealing drugs after her disability benefit is cut, which The Independent’s Katie Rosseinsky praised for balancing “silly, laugh-out-loud gags” with “clever observational comedy that skewers attitudes to disability”. But it was cancelled despite getting a Bafta nod for her performance.In 2023, Jones created perhaps her most vulnerable work by making a sobering documentary about the online abuse she receives and coming face-to-face with an online troll. The daily abuse included messages such as “you are r*****ed”, which led her to title the Channel 4 documentary Am I a R*tard?, though many in the disabled community criticised Jones over her decision. Instead, she saw it as taking ownership of the word and raising awareness of how little support there is around ableist online trolling.24. Jonathan BaileyJonathan Bailey is one of Britain’s most successful actors (Getty)Jonathan Bailey, one of Britain’s most successful contemporary actors and Hollywood’s most successful gay actor, has had a number of big years since storming onto our screens as Lord Anthony in the period drama Bridgerton six years ago. Last summer, he starred in Jurassic World Rebirth alongside Scarlett Johansson, was back in the role of Fiyero Tigelaar in Wicked: For Good in November, and at the start of 2026, Bridgerton’s season four finally aired. Despite his success, as a younger actor, Bailey was told to hide being gay to protect his career, which is something he wants to end in the industry and has since become an inspiration for younger people after he lacked a role model himself.Off-screen this year, Bailey has used his platform to support charities, including partnering with Out Together, a Yorkshire-based charity which supports isolated LGBTQ+ communities in the UK. He also started The Shameless Fund in 2024, an LGBTQ+ charity which raises money through big-brand collaborations, such as designer Loewe. 25. Paris LeesParis Lees is a trailblazer in advocating for trans voices and rights (Cherry)Trans activist, author, journalist, presenter and columnist Paris Lees has been a trailblazer in advocating for trans voices and rights. The author of What It Feels Like for a Girl published the memoir in 2021, which was turned into a BBC TV series in 2025 and received five Bafta nominations, including Best Writer, and also achieved an incredible 100 per cent rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The show has helped push the careers of standout breakthrough actors, and Lees says her work being celebrated in this way not only shatters the ceilings of gender but also class. The Independent’s chief TV critic, Nick Hilton, gave it four stars and said the eight-part drama is “a story both universal and rooted in the transgender experience”.Since 2018, Lee’s been a columnist for Vogue and was the first trans columnist at the magazine. Back in 2013, she topped The Independent’s Pink List, the previous iteration of this list, after becoming the first trans woman to present on Radio 1.26. Dominic Treadwell-CollinsDominic Treadwell-Collins is behind the adaptation of the hit show ‘Rivals’ (Disney +)Television producer and writer Dominic Treadwell-Collins is best known as the former executive producer of EastEnders, and more recently, for his adaptation of the hit show Rivals, based on the novel by the late Jilly Cooper. Treadwell-Collins says other TV bosses had previously cast off Cooper’s books for adaptation, thinking they were “silly”, but he, clearly rightly so, thought otherwise. The plot covers a power struggle for a television franchise set in the Cotswolds in the 1980s and is now back for its second long-awaited series. The Independent’s chief TV critic Nick Hilton gave it four stars, describing it as “well-written, well-acted and enormously fun… a rare treat in today’s television landscape”.Treadwell-Collins has expanded upon the novel’s original characters, too, giving Charles Fairburn and Gerald Middleton a secret romance set during the Aids crisis and the anti-LGBTQ+ Section 28 policy. As part of an ITV Pridecast podcast last June, Treadwell-Collins spoke about his own experience of becoming a father with his husband after they adopted their son, and the impact of stereotypes and assumptions made about LGBTQ+ parents and parenthood. 27. Dame Julia HoggettDame Julia Hoggett is the CEO of the London Stock Exchange (Jonathan Brady/PA Wire)The CEO of the London Stock Exchange, Dame Julia Hoggett, has become one of the most influential voices in finance.She’s held the role since 2021 and made history by being the first openly gay leader of a global stock exchange, an industry largely known for its macho, bravado attitudes. She came out while working in the City in London as a young banker and now talks about her sexuality in her role. In doing so, she has become a huge inspiration and role model for others in the LGBTQ+ community, not only for her high-achieving role but also for the industry she broke into. She received her Dame title in the June 2024 King’s Birthday Honours for her services to finance and business, and was also named the 2025 winner of the Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award, the longest-running international accolade honouring outstanding women in business.28. Tiara SkyeTiara Skye describes herself as a ‘street walker, queer talker’ (@tiara_skye/instagram)British South African drag star and trans woman, Tiara Skye, is best known for her ultra-sassy and witty street vox-pop-style interview videos, where she describes herself as a “street walker, queer talker”.She quickly went viral on social media, with more than 350k followers on TikTok and 270k on Instagram, when she stood up to transphobic abuse. After refusing to be intimidated by the abuse, Skye kept her composure and turned the situation around with calm questioning, then calmly moved on to her next interviewee, who hugged her after witnessing what happened. It’s an example of both the daily abuse trans people face, how quickly situations can turn and how to best attempt to deal with them.In October, Skye won the Drag Award at the 2025 Attitude Awards, which the drag artist said was “the greatest achievement” of her life.29. Nicholas CullinanDr Nicholas Cullinan is the director of the British Museum (PA)As the director of the British Museum, this year is set to be the most prominent yet for Dr Nicholas Cullinan. The museum will be host to the Bayeux Tapestry when it goes on display in Britain for the first time in almost a thousand years, after the priceless piece makes its safe passage from France, marking one of the most significant cultural collaborations in years.Cullinan, who is gay, was the director of London’s National Portrait Gallery until 2024, one of the UK’s most prestigious art spaces, and the art historian and curator is one of the art world’s most influential people.He took on the Portrait Gallery role in 2015, and just a year later, he set the tone for his tenure by marking 50 years since the partial decriminalisation of homosexuality with the show “Speak Its Name” that aimed to highlight the progress made for gay rights. It featured portraits of singer Will Young, diver Tom Daley, the late fashion designer Alexander McQueen, journalist Isabella Blow and actor Ben Whishaw, along with a few lines from each person about their experiences of revealing their sexuality. Cullinan was awarded an OBE for services to the Arts in the 2024 King’s New Year Honours list.30. Maxine HeronTrans campaigner Maxine Heron appeared on the cover of ‘Glamour’ magazine last year (Getty)Campaigning on trans healthcare, Maxine Heron is the online comms officer at trans charity, Not a Phase, where she creates engaging, informative and shareable social videos and content. She also campaigns on advocating for safety, legal protections and bodily autonomy. As well as advocating for healthcare, she consults with employers to create inclusive workplaces, and she’s also working against the rising negative discourse about trans people. Last year, she was one of nine trans women who were recognised by Glamour magazine in its Women of the Year campaign, which also included Bel Priestley, Munroe Bergdorf, Shon Faye and others. They all wore a Conner Ives “Protect the Dolls” charity T-shirt, an affectionate name for trans women, for the campaign shoot. She told Glamour: “It’s a very difficult time to be a public-facing trans person. I’ve had such an increase in hate online… It’s the first time I’ve wondered if coming out was the right thing.”31. Cynthia ErivoCynthia Erivo took to the stage with her one-woman adaptation of ‘Dracula’ (Getty)Another actor whose career seems to know no bounds over the past few years is Oscar-nominated Cynthia Erivo, who is bisexual. Hot off the witchy heels of the success of Wicked: For Good, she has proved her talents are seemingly endless by taking to the theatrical stage in her one-woman adaptation of Bram Stoker’s novel, Dracula.Playing another villain, but this time swapping a broomstick for fangs, this subversive rendition, which saw her play a whopping 23 characters including male roles, is a camp and queer-coded version of the classic gothic novel.Erivo continues to use her global platform to speak up for the LGBTQ+ community, and has previously used speeches to give a voice to those who are often left out of the conversation, such as non-binary people.32. Glyn FussellGlyn Fussell is one of the co-founders of Europe’s largest LGBTQ+ festival, Mighty Hoopla (Getty)As one of the co-founders of Europe’s largest LGBTQ+ festival, Mighty Hoopla, Glyn Fussell is one of the most influential powerhouses of the UK gay club scene. He’s the director of the festival, which is celebrating its first decade this year, and has helped pave the way for queer celebrations entering the mainstream. The two-day event has now become one of the biggest events in the LGBTQ+ calendar and London’s biggest pop party, where inclusivity is a prime pillar of its existence, as well as creating a safe space for music fans, while stepping outside of the comfort of Pride events. The Mighty Hoopla team also put on the Trans Mission event at Wembley this year with artist Olly Alexander, also in this list, in response to the UK Supreme Court’s ruling in April 2025. Fussell also founded LGBTQ+ club night Sink the Pink, which is what Fussell and his best friend, Amy Zing, thought was their perfect night out. It became one of the biggest and most innovative nights out, which they ran for 15 years until 2022, when the pandemic forced the end of a myriad of nightlife and venues.33. Victoria McCloudTrans judge Victoria McCloud topped The Independent’s Pride List last year (Jim Campbell Photography)After topping the Pride List last year, Dr Victoria McCloud is one of the driving forces and most courageous legal voices in Britain’s fight for trans rights.McCloud was the UK’s first openly trans judge, and has spoken about how “incredibly positive” her experience of transitioning was, and how she thinks the UK has become less tolerant. She previously told The Independent that when she transitioned more than 20 years ago, it was a more accepting time. She resigned as a judge in 2024 to apply to intervene in the UK Supreme Court appeal brought by campaign group For Women Scotland. However, McCloud was unable to present any argument, and no voice from the trans community was heard during the trial. She says this is unjust, claiming the decision is not reflective of the basic decency of the British people. In August 2025, McCloud launched a landmark challenge at the European Court of Human Rights following the UK Supreme Court ruling on “biological sex” and the Equality Act. Arguing that trans people were excluded from a case that fundamentally affected their lives, and has framed the legal action not only as a fight for trans rights, but as a defence of fairness and democratic participation itself. Working alongside the Trans Legal Clinic, led by Olivia Campbell-Cavendish, who is also in this list, and other trans-led legal advocates, McCloud has become central to one of the most consequential LGBTQ+ legal battles in modern British history. 34. Jacob AlonJacob Alon was the winner of the 2026 Brits Critics’ Choice Award (PA)Non-binary Scottish folk artist Jacob Alon was the winner of the 2026 Brits Critics’ Choice Award, garnering the accolade of being one of the most captivating new voices in music at the moment. The Independent’s music editor, Roisin O’Connor, calls their voice “extraordinary” and one of the “most remarkable of their generation”, adding that Alon demonstrates “a gift for examining love through a queer lens”. Their music often has political elements to it, speaking up for minority groups, and they have the ability to be vulnerable in their lyrics alongside their ethereal stage presence. They performed at Trans Mission earlier this year at Wembley, created by artist Olly Alexander and club night and festival creator Glyn Fussell, both also in this list, and spoke about how they refuse to “live in a world” designed by people who want to “dominate and control” minority groups. Alon also performed on the long-running and critically acclaimed Later… with Jools Holland show at the end of 2024; they had just two singles out, which helped give them a bigger stage so early in their career. They are outspoken about being diagnosed with Tourette syndrome, broadening conversations about disability in the music industry, as well as growing up queer and working-class in Scotland. 35. Lord Chris SmithFormer culture secretary Lord Chris Smith was recently elected the next chancellor of the University of Cambridge (PA)Lord Chris Smith has a lot of “firsts” under his belt. He was the first openly gay male MP in the House of Commons, and first openly gay cabinet minister in the world when he was culture secretary, and now, aged 74, he’s the first openly gay man to become chancellor of Cambridge University. It’s also a full-circle moment for him, as he studied English at Pembroke College, Cambridge. Beating nine other candidates, he’s been in the role since July, which has a history of more than 800 years. It sees him become the university’s ambassador and formal and ceremonial head, leading major ceremonies, advising senior staff and helping to fundraise.Other key pillars in the role for him are celebrating difference and “protecting academic freedom and the freedom of speech”, as the BBC reports. It comes after he is concerned about the US government’s attempts to pressure leading universities, such as Columbia and Harvard, drawing parallels to Cambridge, and he is adamant not to allow British universities to follow the same path.36. Grace RichardsonGrace Richardson is the first openly gay woman to be crowned Miss England (Russel Diniz)The Miss England beauty pageant competition has been running since 1928, so it’s a surprise that in its nearly century-long lifetime it’s taken this long to crown someone who identifies as a lesbian. Grace Richardson, aged 20, is the first openly gay woman to win the competition, taking the title in November. Richardson, who is a musical theatre student and part-time model, says she was “in shock” and hopes the win will inspire others too, adding that she hasn’t “seen anyone in pageantry talk about sexuality in the way that I have, so it is important to me for them to feel seen”.Richardson came out aged 15, and says she endured years of homophobic abuse.“Knowing that I’m able to share my story and represent a part of our community that hasn’t been represented in this way before is really special,” she told Birmingham Live. “It is important for young people in the LGBTQ community to see people representing them in all types of walks of life.” Following her success, she’s now set her sights on Miss World, the oldest still-running international beauty pageant. 37. Jack ShepJack Shep presented the UK’s first season of the popular US comedy show ‘Saturday Night Live’ (Getty)Since the much-loved and long-running US comedy show Saturday Night Live (SNL) finally crossed the pond in March, it’s been a hit. The breakout star presenter of the show’s first series, which ended earlier this month, is Jack Shep. He quickly won over viewers with his uncanny Princess Diana impression, which he later said resonated with people as she was a gay icon and purposefully and openly supported the LGBTQ+ community during the Aids crisis. It’s been so popular, he recently posted on social media that “people shout ‘Diana’ at me in the street”. Shep, who is gay, grew his online audience to a whopping 7.5 million on TikTok and is the youngest cast member of SNL, aged just 25. He first gained attention through his chaotic, online sketches about queer life, awkward masculinity and Gen Z anxiety.Outside of the sketch show, he played “Maximilian the Posh Gay” in Channel 4's cult comedy Big Boys, had a role in Netflix’s adaptation of David Nicholls’s novel One Day, and is about to star in another Channel 4 series called Break Clause.38. Johannes RadebeJohannes Radebe is one of the new hosts of ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ (Getty)The rumours were true – South African-born dancer Johannes Radebe, who has been a fixture of Strictly Come Dancing since 2018, has been announced as one of the new hosts of the show. He will present alongside comedian Josh Widdicombe and broadcaster Emma Willis, following the departure of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who presented it for 21 and 12 years respectively.He made a historic first on the show, performing the first same-sex routine in 2019 with fellow professional Graziano di Prima, which was seen as groundbreaking at the time and paved the way for the first same sex couple to compete in the following year, Olympic boxer Nicola Adams and professional dancer Katya Jones. Radebe was partnered with chef John Whaite in 2021, and the duo became the first same-sex couple to reach the final and were runners-up. Aside from dancing, he’s been outspoken about the abuse he's faced about his sexuality back home in South Africa, and how he felt a sense of liberty and acceptance on one of the UK’s most-watched TV shows, a notion that was amplified in his 2023 memoir, Jojo: Finally Home.This year, he’s starring in the London West End production of Kinky Boots, a part that could have easily been written just for him, based on the 2005 film inspired by the real-life story of a troubled Northampton shoe factory that switches to making thigh-high boots for drag queens.39. Sir Elton John and David FurnishSir Elton John and his husband David Furnish are dedicating their time to highlighting issues following aid cuts from around the world (Getty)Sir Elton John and his husband, David Furnish, who have been in a civil partnership since 2005 and married since 2014 (after same sex marriages became legal), are pinnacles in fundraising for HIV and Aids charities, and are now dedicating their time to highlighting the worsening issue following the aid cuts from around the world.In a piece written by the pair for The Independent in November as part of its HIV and Aids campaign, they said: “Planned cuts to foreign aid by the five countries – Britain, France, Germany, the USA and the Netherlands – that provide 90 per cent of international HIV funding have created a new crisis in the community.” The pair want governments around the world to commit to protecting the remaining funding for Aids, as they say that to end Aids, the LGBTQ+ community needs more support and for its allies to fight harder for its rights.During LGBTQ+ History month of February this year, John and Furnish said in a statement via the Elton John Aids Foundation: “Around the world, our community is being denied access to HIV prevention and treatment. The cruelty is staggering: the very people who fought for the science and risked their lives in trials are now locked out of the breakthroughs they helped create. For the next generation, HIV prevention and treatment must be a birthright. Denying it is theft, plain and simple.”The pair have continued to fight anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination as well as funding life-saving healthcare through the foundation.40. Emma D’ArcyAs one of the most high-profile non-binary actors, Emma D’Arcy made a name for themselves with the critically acclaimed role as Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen in the Game of Thrones prequel, House of the Dragon. For the role, they received two Golden Globe nominations.This year, the show makes its return to screens in June, for its fourth series, where D’Arcy will be reprising the role. Away from the big screens, earlier this year, D'Arcy took on the role of Annie in The Other Place, a play loosely based on the tragedy of Sophocles’s Antigone in New York. D’Arcy consistency advocates for trans, non-binary and intersex people's rights, and they have previously signed an open letter to the UK film and TV industry expressing solidarity for the trans community, following the UK Supreme Court ruling in April 2025, joining 400 other professionals in doing so. In a Vogue interview a few years ago, Darcy described feeling “deeply sad about the vitriol levelled against trans people and gender non-conforming people. I’m also incredibly aware that if I feel like this as a white non-binary person, I know how much more hostile the environment is for trans women and for trans people of colour”.41. Paul JosephPaul Joseph is the head of helplines at Missing People (Missing People)For more than a decade, Paul Joseph has been a prominent public face of Missing People, the charity that provides a lifeline to anyone thinking of going missing or those affected by a loved one’s disappearance, where he began as a volunteer back in 2003. Fast-forward to this year, and for his 49th birthday, he has raised £1,500 by running, cycling and swimming 49km (147km in total) in aid of Missing People.He’s now the head of helplines at the charity, where he’s committed to ensuring people facing crisis are given support, kindness and respect as well as an opportunity to get the help they need. In January, he helped Missing People launch a new SafeCall lifeline following The Independent’s successful campaign. Last year, he became the charity and volunteering director of Booty Call, a new community interest company that is bringing cancer awareness messaging into queer spaces and raising funds for support services.Away from the desk, he’s often DJing at legendary south London gay bar The Eagle, customising killer costumes for his queer cabaret night Pop Horror, co-writing the Royal Vauxhall Tavern’s annual drag panto with his husband, Tim Benzie, or recording Athena, a “hits of the 80s” online radio show.42. Bobbi PickardBobbi Pickard is the founder of Trans in the City (TransInTheCity)British human rights and LGBTQ+ rights campaigner Bobbi Pickard is the founder of Trans in the City. The trans-led, not-for-profit company was created in 2017 to support trans and non-binary people in business. It has since grown into the largest of its kind in the world, with more than 350 major global organisations collaborating on trans awareness and driving change in the workplace. This year celebrates the 25th anniversary of her awareness work.She’s made history throughout her career, namely at two pivotal moments, including being the first openly transgender employee at BP, and also the first person to close the trading day at the London Stock Exchange in November 2021 during Transgender Awareness Week, which she did the following year again. To mark the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism, and Transphobia on 17 May, Trans in the City released its “Trans + Truths” video on Instagram, an incredibly powerful reminder of the everyday fear and abuse trans and non-binary people face. Pickard interviewed nine people about their experiences and said: “I’d like to say I hope you enjoy it, but I don’t think it’s a video to enjoy. I think it’s a video to watch and understand, and then decide to do something, so that in the future, we’ll never hear these types of messages again.”43. Jamie LloydJamie Lloyd was highly praised for his revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘Evita’ (PA)Those working behind the scenes are just as important as those who are in front of the curtain when it comes to visibility and awareness within the LGBTQ+ community, which is where theatre director Jamie Lloyd draws influences from. Lloyd, who is gay, is best known for his stripped-back and high-impact contemporary renditions of classic theatre and has won Olivier and Tony Awards for his work. He also continually pushes for accessible and affordable theatre productions and inclusion, which is often a barrier for LGBTQ+ actors. His latest work is his revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Evita, where last summer he turned London’s Argyll Street, home to the Palladium theatre, into one of the capital’s hottest event spaces thanks to Rachel Zegler’s nightly rendition of “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” sung from the theatre’s balcony, giving a taste of the production for non-tickerholders. Zegler went on to win an Olivier for her performance. It was a huge hit of the summer, as hundreds of Londoners and tourists flocked to see the performance at 9pm, yet Lloyd says he didn’t expect it to take off in the way it did and involved heavy discussions with the local council. So successful has the production been that it’s due to hit Broadway next year. 44. Char BaileyChar Bailey is the new director of Birmingham Pride (Getty)This year will be Char Bailey’s first year as director of Birmingham Pride, steering the city’s flagship LGBTQ+ festival with inclusivity at its core. It’s one of the biggest UK Pride events outside of London, and before taking on the role of leading it, she was the head of wellbeing and education at Birmingham Pride. Bailey often talks about her experience of being neurodivergent, a lesbian and a woman of colour, and how they intersect, as well as how they can be neglected from conversations. Bailey has previously talked widely about how representation was a big issue within the LGBTQ+ community.As well as her Birmingham Pride role, she also co-hosts the award-winning podcast and radio show Qmmunity and writes for DIVA, a platform for LGBTQ+ women and non-binary individuals.45. Harry LightonHarry Lighton was behind the most high-profile queer movie of last year, ‘Pillion’ (Getty)The most high-profile queer movie of the last year was, without a doubt, Pillion, and it is the work of filmmaker Harry Lighton. Aged just 33, Pillion was his feature directorial debut, which premiered at Cannes Film Festival and won two British Independent Film Awards, and he’s now one of six filmmakers selected for Cannes’ La Residence Programme.The film has garnered critical acclaim for its sensitive portrayal of complex relationships. The Independent’s chief film critic, Clarisse Loughrey, gave it five stars and said: “Pillion is one of the sweetest, sexiest, and most tender films you’ll see all year,” adding, “there’s as much emphasis on community as there is on kink. As much bonding as there is bondage.”It’s a loose adaptation of Adam Mars-Jones’s Seventies-set novel Box Hill, and Loughrey goes on to say that the film “never scandalises what’s being shown on screen. Instead, what lies at Pillion’s heart is what lies at the heart of every relationship: the search for true compatibility, for an honest match of our own desires”.46. Jayne OzanneJayne Ozanne is a politician on Guernsey and was recognised in the 2026 New Year’s Honours List (AFP/Getty)Recognised in the 2026 New Year’s Honours List was activist, politician and evangelical Anglican Jayne Ozanne.She is the deputy of the Isle of Guernsey’s people and was previously an adviser to the UK government, a member of the Archbishop’s Council and founder of the Ozanne Foundation, which works to prevent prejudice and discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community with other religious organisations around the globe.Grappling for 40 years with her own sexuality as a gay woman who only came out publicly in 2015 and her faith, she put herself through conversion therapy, which she now describes as abuse, in a bid to “fit in”. Her horrific experience led her to campaign against conversion therapy, and importantly, for the ban to include all religious practices. She wrote a book about her experiences, Just Love: A Journey of Self-Acceptance, and her work now focuses especially on young people who grow up in certain religious settings. In a moving piece she wrote for The Independent, she said: “My hope and prayer is that we build a world in which we learn to celebrate diversity and rejoice in our differences, for only then will we see the full beauty of creation in all its technicolour glory.”47. Bradley RichesBradley Riches was named the Best Newcomer actor at the TV Choice Awards this year (PA)As a child, it may not have seemed possible for Bradley Riches to become an actor after he was diagnosed as non-verbal autistic at the age of nine. But earlier this year, he won Best Newcomer actor at the TV Choice Awards in February, for his portrayal of Emmerdale’s first autistic character, Lewis Barton.Before his role in the long-running soap, Riches has been in Netflix’s hit Heartstopper, where he plays James McEwan, who is both queer and autistic, giving real visibility to the younger audience of the show. He’s also confirmed he will return for the Heartstopper film, to be released on the streaming channel in July.Outside of acting, Riches entered the Celebrity Big Brother house in 2024 along with contestants such as former This Morning host Fern Britton and reggae artist Levi Roots, and Riches was praised for his authenticity, where he was keen to show that being neurodivergent isn't something that holds you back. On 9 June, his book, Autistically Me: How to understand and celebrate our unique minds, will be published, which is part memoir and written with honesty and humour, acting as a manual with helpful advice and research from charity Autistica too. He married his partner, theatre director Scott Johnston, in April.48. Lauren PriceLauren Price is the world welterweight champion and aims to build a legacy of boxing in Wales (Getty)Challenging stereotypes in sport is the world welterweight champion, Lauren Price. As a former footballer, she’s aiming to build a legacy of boxing in Wales, and was awarded an MBE in 2022 for her services to boxing. In April, she retained her three welterweight world titles with a unanimous points victory over Stephanie Pineiro. She won a bronze medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, becoming the first Welsh woman to win a Commonwealth boxing medal. Price went on to compete in the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, winning a gold medal, and became the first Welsh boxer ever to win an Olympic gold. In her documentary, Lauren Price: The Lucky One, which aired in 2023, she talked about her experience of coming out, aged 13, her Welsh Valleys upbringing, and her becoming a world-class boxer. Though she had family support around her when coming out, she’s aware that’s not the case for everyone. In May, she married her long-term partner, Carlie Jones, following their engagement in April 2025.49. Tabby LambTabby Lamb’s ‘The Law of Mayhem’ told the stories of the first people to have gender-affirming surgeries in the UK (Sami Sumaria)Award-winning stage and screenwriter Tabby Lamb has become one of the UK’s most exciting contemporary playwrights, whose work blends queer joy, political urgency and pop culture. She rose to fame following the publication of her book Since U Been Gone in 2020, based on her solo show at Edinburgh Fringe the previous year, and hasn’t stopped since. Her latest show, The Law of Mayhem, ran between June and September and told the true stories of the UK’s first people to have gender-affirming surgeries, and who changed the course of British transgender history. The following month, Lamb directed Trans Wicked, a cabaret featuring an all-trans cast, highlighting the barriers trans people face in casting. It coincided with London Trans+ Week in July, and Lamb appeared in the show as the narrator, which raised money for London Trans Pride. She also founded a Transfem writers group last September, a free group to help trans women write a full-length play, and documented her transition journey, which she describes as life-saving.50. ScotteePodcaster Scottee launched Mince Club, which he calls a ‘run club for those who don’t do run clubs’ (Them)Understanding that run clubs aren’t always inclusive for everyone is queer actor and writer Scottee, who started a digital run club at the end of 2025 that’s all about inclusivity within running and its benefits for mental health. People take part on the first day of the month, from wherever they are, and share their experience online afterwards. Named Mince Club, it’s dubbed as a “run club for those who don't do run clubs”.For the past few years, he’s created a series of his own critically acclaimed podcasts, Self Help, with just a handful of episodes launched on the first day of the year, the day associated with reinventing ourselves. In them, he has candid conversations about mental health, and he records and produces them all himself.He’s a great positive presence online, who’s not only funny and watchable, but is extremely relatable, as he dismantles stereotypes surrounding running and yoga, such as being young, flexible and thin. Instead, he posts about how they’re both exercises that anyone can have a go at, and importantly, thrive at. He encourages people to “be an amateur” without having to excel, which he says is often what’s holding people back from exercising.