Cynthia Erivo, Kate Nash and Andrew Scott make Rainbow Honours shortlist

Cynthia Erivo, Sade, David Tennant, Kate Nash and Andrew Scott are among the names on the newly announced shortlist for the Rainbow Honours 2026, celebrating individuals, organisations and cultural moments advancing LGBTQ+ equality across the UK and beyond. 

The prestigious awards celebrate the celebrities, charities, businesses and community leaders making a meaningful difference for LGBTQ+ communities. The ceremony will take place on 11 June 2026 at The London Hilton on Park Lane, London hosted by comedian Steven Bailey and featuring a special performance from disco legends Boney M, for an evening championing inclusion, visibility and progress.

Legendary singer Sade is recognised in the Celebrity Ally of the Year category alongside acclaimed actors David Tennant and Eddie Redmayne, both long-standing supporters of LGBTQ+ equality. They are joined on the shortlist by broadcaster Jeremy Vine, singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor, actor Paapa Essiedu, actress Suranne Jones, musician Kate Nash, and actors Alison King and Balvinder Sopal, all recognised for their advocacy and visible support for LGBTQ+ communities.

Meanwhile the Celebrity LGBTQIA Champion of the Year category celebrates high-profile LGBTQ+ figures using their platforms to drive visibility and change. Nominees include Cynthia Erivo, whose continued advocacy for LGBTQ+ representation and inclusion has resonated globally, and Andrew Scott, whose openness around identity and powerful performances have helped bring LGBTQ+ stories to wider audiences.

They are joined by broadcaster and athlete Adele Roberts, comedian Rosie Jones, actor Layton Williams, chef and presenter Gok Wan MBE, Olympic swimmer Michael Gunning, reality TV trailblazer Ella Morgan, actor Heather Peace, and campaigner Jordan Sangha.

The awards also recognise the cultural moments shaping the national conversation around LGBTQIA+ inclusion. Nominees for Media Moment of the Year include Alan Carr and Cat Burns’ starring appearances in Celebrity Traitors, Coronation Street’s powerful same-sex domestic abuse storyline, which helped raise awareness of abuse within LGBTQIA+ relationships, and the BBC’s coverage of Pride Month.

The Rainbow Honours continues to shine a spotlight on the individuals, networks, charities and businesses driving progress across workplaces and society. Organisations including Sky UK, Morgan Stanley, giffgaff, Ocado and ScottishPower are among those shortlisted for Large Brand or Organisation of the Year, while leading charities such as Stonewall, LGBT Foundation, Terrence Higgins Trust and Just Like Us are recognised in the Charity or Not-for-Profit of the Year category. Sainsbury’s, Pandora, Laing O'Rourke and Specsavers all feature in the Outstanding LGBTQIA+ Network of the Year category, while Converse, Microsoft, Outright International and ILGA World are recognised in the Global LGBTQIA+ Initiative of the Year category. 

Linda Riley, Founder of the Rainbow Honours, said: “The Rainbow Honours celebrate the individuals and organisations who are truly making a difference for LGBTQ+ communities. From global stars using their influence to champion equality, to charities providing life-saving support and businesses building inclusive workplaces, the shortlist reflects the incredible breadth of work happening across society. We are proud to honour those who are helping to create a more inclusive and accepting world for everyone.”