Fighting With Pride is delighted to announce that they have been shortlisted as a finalist twice for this year’s LGBTQ+ Defence Awards under the LGBTQ+ Network or Initiative of the Year
Firstly, delivering the LGBT+ Armed Forces Community Memorial at the NMA. Secondly, the charity in it’s own right for the work it is doing to help Veterans get their reparations
Thank you to everyone who has supported and been a part of our journey towards lasting recognition and inclusion.
Find out more below:
The flagship celebration of defence inclusion unveils its fourth annual shortlist of finalists, recognising the diverse talent shaping the sectors protecting Britain in an increasingly uncertain world.
The shortlist for the 2026 LGBTQ+ Defence Awards has been officially revealed today, celebrating the inspiring individuals, teams and organisations strengthening UK defence and security through achievement, leadership and inclusion.
Now in their fourth year, the Awards recognise outstanding LGBTQ+ talent alongside allies and organisations working to build a more representative defence workforce where people can contribute, lead and succeed irrespective of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
The Awards were established following the UK Government’s historic apology in 2023 to LGBT veterans affected by the pre-2000 Armed Forces ban. What began as a response to calls for recognition and reparation has grown into the world’s largest celebration of LGBTQ+ contributions to our security forces and the sectors that support them.
Against an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape, the LGBTQ+ Defence Awards provide an important platform to champion the values of fairness, respect and equality within modern British defence. By elevating role models and showcasing examples of inclusive leadership, they demonstrate how widening opportunity and enabling people to perform at their best can strengthen talent, capability and ultimately national security.
Hundreds of nominations were submitted for this year’s Awards, highlighting achievements at every level of the defence and security community. The finalists are drawn from every branch of the military, government and industry – from prominent leaders and advocates to individuals whose ability to be themselves at work has enabled them to thrive, contribute fully and create lasting change.
Peter Gibson, Chief Executive of Fighting With Pride, said:
“The LGBTQ+ Defence Awards are a wonderful opportunity to showcase and celebrate the exceptional achievements of LGBTQ+ individuals, teams and inclusive employers.”
“We are proud that the UK hosts the world’s leading platform recognising LGBTQ+ people in the defence community, demonstrating that diverse talent only strengthens our national security. Fighting With Pride are delighted to be partnering with this prestigious event for the fourth year.”
“Congratulations to all shortlisted finalists, and our thanks go to the amazing people who submitted nominations, helping to champion those driving diversity, inclusion and equity across the UK’s defence, aerospace and security landscape.”
The 2026 ceremony will be held on 8 October in the magnificent Grand Hall of the Grand Connaught Rooms in Covent Garden, London. Comedian and author Shappi Khorsandi will host the evening, with live entertainment and special guest speakers including 14-time Paralympic gold medallist Sir Lee Pearson, Britain’s most decorated LGBTQ+ athlete, and Polly Perkins CBE, the UK’s first Armed Forces Commissioner.
Bringing together senior military leaders, defence industry executives, civil servants, politicians and members of the wider defence community, the ceremony has become known for its warm, fun and welcoming atmosphere. Beyond recognising exceptional achievement, the evening provides a rare opportunity to bring together people from across the defence ecosystem around a shared commitment to ensuring talent can thrive.
The Awards are proudly supported by a roster of leading employers, including BAE Systems, Thales, AirTanker, Amazon, Babcock, MBDA and PA Consulting. Winners are chosen by an independent judging panel comprising senior figures from the Ministry of Defence, British Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, DE&S, Defence Infrastructure Organisation, Imperial College London, Royal College of Emergency Medicine and Scottish Prison Service.
Amanda Wood, Group Social Sustainability Director at BAE Systems, headline sponsor of the LGBTQ+ Defence Awards, said:
“These awards recognise real focus in our sector to create workplaces where everyone feels valued and can bring their whole self to work. At BAE Systems we are working hard to build an inclusive culture that allows all employees to perform at their best, enabling our business to innovate, to grow and to thrive.”
“I’m incredibly proud of our 3000-strong LGBTQ+ employee connection group, OutLink: their work, together with many others across the business and the insight they bring is vital in helping us maintain momentum on this important company journey.”
