2026 LGBTQ+ Defence Awards Finalists Revealed Ahead of Major London Celebration

The finalists for the 2026 LGBTQ+ Defence Awards have been announced, with individuals, teams and organisations from across the UK Armed Forces, government and defence industry set to be recognised at a major celebration in London.

Now entering their fourth year, the awards celebrate LGBTQ+ people, allies and inclusive organisations working across the UK defence, aerospace and security sectors. Hundreds of nominations were submitted, highlighting achievements from people working at every level across the wider defence community.

The awards have grown into a major annual event focused on increasing LGBTQ+ visibility and recognising people whose work, leadership and achievements are helping others feel able to thrive within their careers. Finalists come from across the military, government and industry, including people and teams connected with the British Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, Ministry of Defence and some of the UK’s biggest defence employers.

The 2026 ceremony will take place on 8 October at the Grand Hall of the Grand Connaught Rooms in Covent Garden, London. The evening will bring together military leaders, defence industry figures, civil servants and members of the wider community for a celebration of achievement and inclusion.

Comedian and author Shappi Khorsandi will host the ceremony, with live entertainment and special guests also forming part of the evening. Those attending will include 14-time Paralympic gold medallist Sir Lee Pearson, one of Britain’s most decorated Paralympians, alongside Polly Perkins CBE, the UK’s first Armed Forces Commissioner.

Since launching in 2023, the LGBTQ+ Defence Awards have worked to increase the visibility of LGBTQ+ role models throughout defence, aerospace and security. The event recognises both high-profile advocates and people whose everyday achievements and openness at work are helping create more welcoming environments for others.

Previous ceremonies have welcomed a range of well-known guests and entertainers, including Dame Kelly Holmes, Jane Hill and Zoe Lyons. The awards programme has also raised more than £26,000 for Fighting With Pride, the LGBT+ military charity supporting veterans, serving personnel and their families.

Fighting With Pride continues to have a close connection with the awards and is among the organisations shortlisted for recognition in 2026. LGBTQ+ networks representing different parts of the Armed Forces are also among this year’s finalists, reflecting the work taking place across the defence community.

Winners will be chosen by an independent judging panel featuring senior figures from organisations including the Ministry of Defence, British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force. The ceremony will then bring finalists together in London to celebrate the people and organisations making a positive contribution across the sector.

Anyone wanting to keep up with announcements ahead of the event, and read the full list of nominees can follow the LGBTQ+ Defence Awards on X at @defencelgbtq and visit the official LGBTQ+ Defence Awards website for more information about the ceremony and its work.

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Images: LGBTQ+ Defence Awards.