This week saw the start of Pride Month 2026 and in this special edition of Insider, we are looking back at The Independent’s LGBTQ+ activity from across the week.
At the centre of The Independent’s Pride programme each year is The Pride List. The 2026 edition placed Alan Carr at the number one spot with the top ten also including; Meg Jones, Stephanie Lynette, Bimini, Zack Polanski, Leah Williamson, Lady Phyll, Ted Brown, La Voix and Olivia Campbell-Cavendish.
Read The Pride List 2026 on The Independent now.
On Wednesday 3 June The Independent hosted the launch evening of The Pride List 2026.The evening gathered together queer people and allies from across the industry to celebrate the 50 LGBTQ+ people profiled for their dedication, courage, inspiration and visibility over the past year. In attendance were a number of the listees including Zach Polanski, Stephanie Lynnette, Bruce Mouat, Tiara Skye, Natalie Washington, Bradley Riches, Grace Richardson, Paul Joseph and Tabby Lamb.
The evening’s venue was Queer Britain, the UK’s first and only LGBTQ+ museum.
To coincide with The Pride List 2026, we interviewed nine of our listees at The Independent’s studios. Watch what they had to say below:
Keep your eyes peeled over the weekend for more to come from Lady Phyll and Victoria McCloud.
Other Independent Pride editorial to note from this week:
The Independent will be posting more Pride content throughout the month and across the year. To get a sneak peak of current plans for the continued roll out, see the press releases for The Independent’s Pride programme 2026 and the one specifically for The Pride List 2026.
The programme will include documentaries from The Independent’s Chief International Correspondent, Bel Trew, partnering with the7star’s AdLand Pride and NewDigitalAge’s Media Pride Lunch, culminating with The Independent team marching in the Pride in London parade on 4 July.
