LGBTQ+ rights charity Stonewall celebrated Pride season in style this week, unveiling the winners of its inaugural Proud Changemakers Awards during a fundraising summer party at The Ministry in south London.
The new awards recognise individuals and organisations that have made a significant impact on LGBTQ+ lives over the past 12 months, with winners honoured across four categories reflecting Stonewall’s current strategic priorities. The evening brought together community leaders, politicians, campaigners and supporters, while fundraising for the charity’s ongoing work to advance LGBTQ+ equality.
Stonewall chief executive Simon Blake joined Lady Phyll Opoku-Gyimah, executive director of UK Black Pride and the Diva Charitable Trust, to present the awards.
The winners were: Navigating Turbulence – Trans+ History Week CIC; Shaping Policy – Rachel Taylor MP and Marie Tidball MP; Inclusive Places – Lou Englefield (Rainbow Laces) and Trenton Tomlinson (Proud Employers); Lifetime Contribution – Rupert Whitaker, co-founder of the Terrence Higgins Trust.
“We’re delighted to be able to honour the incredible work of these amazing changemakers,” said Simon Blake. “The party was an amazing night of solidarity and celebration in the summer heat - one I’ll remember for a very long time.”
The prestigious Lifetime Contribution Award was presented to Rupert Whitaker, whose work as co-founder of the Terrence Higgins Trust has helped shape the UK’s response to HIV and AIDS over several decades.
Accepting the honour, Rupert reflected on the progress made since he came out in the late 1970s. “We have come a long way from the fear, bigotry and everyday violence of the late '70s, when I came out, a time when equality was almost unimaginable,” he said. “Since then, both Stonewall and the Terrence Higgins Trust have fought, in different ways, to insist that our government and public institutions recognise the fundamental dignity of our lives.”
He added that the achievements of both organisations were the result of the efforts of generations of staff, volunteers, campaigners and allies who understood that “progress is never inevitable, nor secure”.
The Navigating Turbulence Award was presented to Trans+ History Week CIC, recognising its work to amplify trans voices and preserve trans history through storytelling and education.
Founder Marty Davies dedicated the award to the organisation’s volunteers, creatives, sponsors and donors. “Storytelling under the trans community’s authorship is an essential act of survival,” Marty said. “It helps us reclaim our common humanity, making the work to win back our rights a little bit easier. It also helps us to do more than survive, but thrive.”
Marty also thanked Stonewall for supporting the initiative from its earliest stages.
In the policy category, MPs Rachel Taylor and Marie Tidball were jointly recognised for their work on anti-LGBTQ+ hate crime legislation, advocacy for an inclusive ban on conversion practices and challenges to newly drafted Equality and Human Rights Commission guidance.
Rachel Taylor said the award reflected the importance of ensuring equal protection under the law.
“Those who commit acts of hate against LGBTQ+ and disabled people should know their crimes will be treated every bit as seriously as other forms of hate,” she said. “I'm absolutely delighted to have passed the amendment to make all categories of hate crime aggravated offences and am honoured to have received this award from Stonewall for leading this campaign in Parliament with Marie Tidball MP.”
The Inclusive Places Award recognised efforts to make workplaces and sporting environments more welcoming for LGBTQ+ people. Two winners were selected, representing Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign and Proud Employers programme.
Lou Englefield, chief executive of Pride Sports, said the recognition came at a particularly significant moment as preparations continue for the EuroGames Cardiff 2027, the first time the event will be held in the UK.
“As we build towards the first ever EuroGames to come to the UK next year, it’s fantastic to have our work to make sport and physical activity more inclusive acknowledged by Stonewall,” Lou said. “And no better year for this to happen than in our 20th anniversary year.”
Meanwhile, Trenton Tomlinson of Universal Music Group, a participant in Stonewall’s Proud Employers leadership cohort, highlighted the importance of creating equitable workplaces across the music industry.
“Music has the power to shape culture, but that only matters if the people behind it are also protected, celebrated and given the equity to succeed,” he said. “This is something that Stonewall does every day, so it means an awful lot to not only play a part in that change but to be acknowledged by Stonewall for it.”
Guests included actor Charlie Condou, singer Duncan James, campaigner Olivia Campbell Cavendish and pop star Sinitta, alongside activists, politicians, artists and influencers.
Entertainment came from celebrity DJs Gok Wan and Denise van Outen, whose sets kept revellers on the dancefloor throughout the evening.
Funds raised during the event will support Stonewall’s ongoing work with lawmakers, businesses and third-sector organisations to help shape policy, influence legislation and promote a society in which LGBTQ+ people are treated fairly and equally.
Stonewall also thanked M&G, Elton John Zero, Madame F, Lucky Sant, Silverhand Estates and Letterbox Cocktails for supporting the summer fundraiser.
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