Cynthia Erivo, Sade, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Kate Nash are among the bold-faced names on the shortlist for the Rainbow Honours 2026, which celebrates individuals, organizations and cultural moments advancing LGBTQIA+ equality across the U.K. and beyond.
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Sade, Ellis-Bextor and Nash are recognized in the Celebrity Ally of the Year category, alongside actors David Tennant and Eddie Redmayne, both long-standing supporters of LGBTQIA+ equality. Sade is currently a nominee for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026. Ellis-Bextor had a global hit in 2024 with her 2001 song “Murder on the Dancefloor” after it was featured in the film Saltburn. They are joined on the shortlist by broadcaster Jeremy Vine, actor Paapa Essiedu, actress Suranne Jones, and actors Alison King and Balvinder Sopal.
The Celebrity LGBTQIA Champion of the Year category celebrates high-profile LGBTQIA+ figures using their platforms to drive visibility and change. Nominees include Erivo, whose continued advocacy for LGBTQIA+ representation and inclusion has resonated globally, and actor Andrew Scott, whose openness around identity has helped bring LGBTQIA+ 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 recognize 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 same-sex domestic abuse storyline; and the BBC’s coverage of Pride Month.
“The Rainbow Honours celebrate the individuals and organisations who are truly making a difference for LGBTQIA+ communities,” Linda Riley, founder of the Rainbow Honours, says in a statement. “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.”
The ceremony will take place on June 11 at The London Hilton on Park Lane, hosted by comedian Steven Bailey and featuring a special performance from disco greats Boney M.
The full 2026 shortlist can be viewed at the Rainbow Honours website.
