The Rainbow Honours Awards 2026 celebrated leading individuals and organisations driving progress in LGBTQIA+ equality, with the annual ceremony taking place at the London Hilton on Park Lane. Among this year’s nominees, we were shortlisted for Global LGBTIQA Initiative of the Year 2026, a recognition that highlights the impact of our work alongside some of the most influential initiatives in the sector. While we did not take home the award, being nominated among such outstanding organisations is a meaningful acknowledgement of our continued commitment to workplace inclusion.

The Rainbow Honours, headline sponsored by Paramount, spotlight “Rainbow Heroes, Sheroes, and Queeroes” — individuals and organisations making year-round contributions to advancing equality and inclusion. Winners on the night included a range of advocates, charities, and corporates, with standout recognitions such as Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Dawn Airey CBE, Celebrity LGBTQIA+ Champion Bradley Riches, and Charity of the Year winner Terrence Higgins Trust.

The event also underscored the ongoing challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ communities, including discrimination in workplaces, education, and online spaces. Organisers emphasised that inequality continues to have a significant impact on wellbeing, particularly among LGBTQIA+ youth, reinforcing the importance of visibility, advocacy, and support networks.

As Diversity Umbrella CEO Kat Parsons noted, celebrating those driving change sends a powerful message that inclusion matters and progress must continue. The Rainbow Honours 2026 ultimately stood as both a celebration of achievement and a reminder of the work still ahead in building a more equal society.