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 onPark 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 theCharity or Not-for-Profit of the Year category.Sainsbury’s, Pandora, Laing O'Rourke andSpecsavers all feature in the Outstanding LGBTQIA+ Network of the Year category, while Converse, Microsoft, Outright International and ILGA World are recognised in theGlobal 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.”

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The full Rainbow Honours 2026 shortlist can be viewed HERE