Today, The Independent reveals its 2026 Pride List, the annual celebration of 50 LGBTQ+ changemakers. The list reinforces The Independent’s longstanding commitment to recognising those who are simultaneously making a positive difference to the LGBTQ+ community and achieving extraordinary things within their fields.
The Independent will be running an exclusive video series featuring listees on-site and across social channels throughout Pride Month.
The Independent Pride List 2026
First published in 2000 as the Pink List, it then became the Rainbow List. This year marks the fourth iteration of the Pride List, a powerful example of The Independent’s commitment to championing diversity and equality in all its work.
This year’s list features a diverse array of influential and inspiring individuals from across the fields of entertainment, sport, business, law, fashion, politics, campaigning and the arts.
This year’s top 10
Topping the list is Alan Carr, one of the UK’s most popular stand-up comedians who has been a dominant fixture across our TV screens for more than two decades – but in the past year has cemented himself as a genuine national treasure with his unforgettable victory on Celebrity Traitors.
Co-founder of Black Pride Lady Phyll, who is seventh in the list during a year which marked 20 years of the organisation, told The Independent about the importance of Pride and safe spaces for LGBTQ+ people.
“Pride shows us that while we are constantly fighting for our lives and that existence, that we are creating spaces where we can feel safe,” she said. “The moment those Prides are not there, where do we go? Not everyone wants to be at a wine bar, they might not feel safe at a wine bar, or walking down the street in a particular area with their partner because they do not feel safe. Creating Pride spaces means a lot.
“Celebrating Pride for me means community, home, love, solidarity and coming together in ways that are just imaginable but also reimagining what greatness can look like, when, and if, and how we get our freedoms, justices and equity that we deserve.”
The full list can be found here from 6pm on Saturday 30 May.
Accompanying the list, there will be special editorial features published throughout June to mark Pride Month. Articles include an interview with football player Natalie Washington, who campaigns to make the sport a better place for transgender people, and the story behind the launch of one of the UK’s newest Pride events.
Additionally, a video series capturing interviews with some of the people on the list will be unveiled on 30 May, including the likes of Britain’s first transgender judge Victoria McCloud, who topped The Independent’s Pride list last year, comedian and writer Rosie Jones, and drag queen and singer Bimini.
Pride List launch event at Queer Britain
For the second year running, the Pride List will be officially launched at a special event hosted at Queer Britain on 3 June, bringing together honourees, industry leaders and community voices. The evening will include talks, drinks and a private view of Queer Britain exhibitions. Queer Britain Museum is the UK’s only LGBTQ+ museum.
Pride in London
The Independent is an official media partner of Pride in London for the fifth year running. This relationship encompasses several commercial, editorial and marketing initiatives during Pride Month and beyond, and builds on The Independent’s long history of LGBTQ+ campaigning and reporting. The Independent’s team will march at the Pride in London parade on 4 July, coming together in celebration and protest.
Other 2026 Pride partnerships for The Independent include AdLand Pride and NDA Media Pride.
Hunted: How aid cuts are threatening the lives of LGBTQ+ people in Nigeria
June will also see the release of a new documentary from The Independent’s Chief International Correspondent, Bel Trew. The documentary explores the devastating impact of aid cuts on the LGBTQ+ community in Nigeria, which is facing surging levels of violence. In the film, Bel follows men living with HIV who are in hiding after being kidnapped and tortured for their sexuality – and have now lost access to their life-saving HIV medication from the aid cuts.
The Independent’s LGBTQ+ audience
The Independent’s unwavering commitment to LGBTQ+ issues since its launch in 1986 has resulted in a readership which is passionate about supporting the LGBTQ+ community. Almost 40% of all LGBTQ+ people in the UK are Independent readers, whilst 41% of all donations to LGBTQ+ causes come from The Independent’s audience.
Geordie Greig, Editor-in-Chief, The Independent remarks: “I am immensely proud of The Independent’s work in championing LGBTQ+ voices – not just during Pride, but through a year-round commitment to visibility, equality and fairness. We will continue collaborating with brilliant people and partners from this community to ensure that their successes are celebrated and struggles are never ignored. The Independent has always stood for positive change for LGBTQ+ communities, and it always will.”
Sian Elvin, News Editor for The Independent, comments: “We are delighted to present our list of LGBTQ+ changemakers for 2026, which is always carefully considered by our panel. The Pride List balances celebrating achievements with recognising advocacy and highlights just some of the incredible figures in the community in a year where visibility for queer people is more important than ever.”
