CELEBRATING THE BEST OF BRITAIN - British LGBT Awards
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An independent advertising supplement distributed in the Guardian on behalf of SPM Group Limited who take sole responsibility for its contents. CELEBRATING THE BEST OF BRITAIN Since its inception, the non-profit British The British LGBT Awards showcases public figures, businesses, and community. Find out who this year’s winners and Top 10s are, LGBT Awards has recognised and and why recognising them is important. championed the incredible work done by the individuals, allies and companies to homophobic comments at school, and musician Hayley Kiyoko; actress and political the various identities within the LGBT+ working towards LGBT+ equality. 60% in the safety of their own home. campaigner Cynthia Nixon; national treasure community. Celebrating these champions Stories from around the world show that Visibility is a fundamental agent of change Stephen Fry, gender-fluid drag performer and allies allows us to promote LGBT+ LGBT+ rights are still under attack: from when it comes to mainstream acceptance, Courtney Act and world-champion boxer causes, raise awareness about the issues Russia’s ‘propaganda’ law, to Kenya’s ban on and plays a crucial part in shaping people’s Nicola Adams OBE. that affect the community, recognise the the lesbian film, Rafiki, and the current rules opinions. From online media and television An expert panel of business leaders achievements that have been made and preventing transgender people from serving to the workplace, young LGBT+ people need invested in diversity judged the workplace increase the visibility of LGBT+ trailblazers in the US military, to name a few. to see themselves represented in order to entries, which relied on evidence. who inspire the next generation of young Although these incidents may seem far feel accepted and safe. The British LGBT Inclusive workplaces and leaders foster an people. from home, here in the UK it’s been reported Awards, with Founding Partner NatWest environment where everyone feels included, Role models like Hayley Kiyoko, Stephen that homophobic hate crimes have risen by and Headline Sponsor Clifford Chance, shine driving better staff and business outcomes. Fry and Courtney Act continue to change the 28%, according to 2018 figures released in a light on the positive stories that have Nominees in senior positions in industry narrative around what it means to identify as the Crown Prosecution’s Hate Crime Annual taken place in the LGBT+ community and include inspirational leaders such as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer, Report. That’s a shocking figure when you advance that representation. Metropolitan Police commissioner Cressida and that couldn’t be more important for the consider the research from LGBT rights Our nominees and winners have been Dick CBE; Country Manager of LinkedIn millions of young people who look up to charity Stonewall which shows that four out progressing LGBT+ rights and visibility by Joshua Graff and Google’s VP of Client & them on a daily basis. of five hate crimes aren’t reported in the first breaking down barriers with their advocacy. Agency Solutions Pedro Pina. Companies place. There’s a wealth of role models to be found such as Channel 4, Spotify, Vodafone and It’s not surprising then, that the LGBT25 in the Top 10 shortlist, which is listed on the HSBC were also nominated for the strides Produced by BRITISH LGBT AWARDS survey of four thousand 16-25 year olds following pages. they’ve made. 37 IVOR PLACE conducted by the British LGBT Awards Over 140,000 people voted for the The British LGBT Awards’ 2019 Top 10 SPM LONDON NW1 6EA confirms that the next generation are still diverse and groundbreaking winners of this shortlist is the most diverse to date, and Group britishlgbtawards.com struggling to come out, with 82% exposed year’s Awards, including: ‘lesbian Jesus’ we’re proud of how well it represents
2 Promotional feature
british lgbt AWARD WINNERS AND TOP 10s
NATWEST LIFETIME SPORTS PERSONALITY MTV MUSIC ARTIST LGBT+ CELEBRITY
ACHIEVEMENT WINNER: WINNER: WINNER:
WINNER: NICOLA ADAMS OBE HAYLEY KIYOKO CYNTHIA NIXON
STEPHEN FRY
#20gayteen was truly the year of ‘lesbian
Jesus’ – the former Disney actor-turned-
popstar, Hayley Kiyoko. The lesbian
singer’s big break into music came with
her video and single for Girls like Girls,
which she wrote and co-directed. Next
came Kiyoko’s debut album Expectations,
which provided fans with an unrivalled
and positive LGBT+ narrative, full of
female pronouns and love songs about
women, giving LBTQ+ women worldwide
the role model they deserve. With MTV
and Billboard awards already under
her belt, this continuously positive and
outspoken LGBT+ advocate is going
nowhere but up, saying: “I’m humbled
and appreciative to provide a voice for
people who might not feel represented in
the mainstream.” Tony, Grammy, and Emmy Award-winner
National treasure Stephen Fry has an Cynthia Nixon has been a consistent
almost-lifetime-record of campaigning champion for LGBT+ rights by using her
for LGBT+ rights and the eradication of platform to be vocal about a variety
mental health stigma. From calling out Nicola Adams OBE is Great Britain’s most of issues including marriage equality,
Russia’s anti-gay laws to creating and successful female boxer of all time. At the fighting stigma and prejudice, and the
presenting a documentary exploring the London 2012 Olympic Games she became importance of LGBT+ visibility. She
lives of LGBT+ people around the world, an icon after winning her country’s was recently recognised with the HRC
Fry has never shied away from using his first ever female boxing Gold medal Visibility Award for being a fearless
platforms to raise awareness for LGBT+ as an openly LGBT+ person, a feat advocate for LGBT+ equality. The former
rights. she repeated in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro Sex And The City star has also proudly
to become the first British boxer to supported her trans son Samuel (called
TRAILBLAZER successfully defend their Olympic title for Seph) by posting an empowering public
92 years. Adams is openly bisexual, and message about his success on her social
WINNER: was named the most influential LGBT+ media. As a recent candidate for New
PAUL O’ GRADY person in Britain by The Independent in York governor, Nixon has never shied
2012. In recognition of her services to away from addressing her queerness,
boxing and unprecedented achievements, forcing media outlets to reflect on the
Nicola was appointed MBE in 2013 and language they use when talking about
OBE in 2016. LGBT+ people.
TOP 10S: TOP 10S: TOP 10S:
• ADAM RIPPON - the first openly gay • BILLIE EILISH - the only straight- • AMANDLA STENBERG - the actor came
American male figure skater to win a identifying nominee in the music category, out as bisexual in 2016 and recently
medal at the Winter Olympics Eilish has a large LGBT+ following confirmed that she identifies as gay
• GARETH THOMAS - the Welsh rugby • DEMI LOVATO - the worldwide pop star • CARA DELEVINGNE - the model-
star became one of the first active came out as bisexual in 2017 turned-actress identifies as bisexual and
athletes to be openly gay in 2009 • HALSEY - the Badlands singer gender fluid
• GUS KENWORTHY - freestyle skier Gus advocates for bisexual representation • CYNTHIA NIXON - the award-winning
Kenworthy kissed his boyfriend live on • HAYLEY KIYOKO - the former Disney actress has been married to a woman
air during Winter Olympics coverage star came out through her single Girls since 2012 and has a transgender son
• KEEGAN HIRST - in 2015 Keegan Hirst Like Girls in 2015 • EZRA MILLER - the Fantastic Beasts star
became the first British rugby league • JADEN SMITH - the singer, songwriter identifies as queer and non-binary
player to come out as gay and actor has been vocal in challenging • GILLIAN ANDERSON - the award-
As an outspoken advocate of the LGBT+ • MARK FOSTER - the former Olympic typical gender roles winning actress first talked about being
community, O’Grady has helped to swimmer Mark Foster came out in 2017 • JANELLE MONÁE - the singer and a bisexual woman in 2012
change the narrative around gay men • MEL REID - six time Ladies European actress confirmed that she’s pansexual • GOK WAN - the TV presenter has
on British television. He rose to fame Tour champion came out as gay in 2018 and queer in 2018 always been vocal about LGBT+ rights
with his brilliantly funny drag creation • NICOLA ADAMS OBE - the Olympic • KESHA - in 2010 the popstar and • JOHN BARROWMAN - the actor has
and alter-ego, Lily Savage, using the Gold medalist has always been out #metoo advocate said she was neither always been openly gay
chain-smoking blonde bombshell to • PARINYA CHAROENPHOL - the Thai gay nor straight, and preferred no label • LENA WAITHE - the inspirational
bring LGBT+ rights to the British public. boxer, model and actress had gender • RITA ORA - the British singer came out actress is a proud, visible and vocal “gay
Always outspoken, he took on hosting affirmation surgery at the age of 18 as bisexual in 2018 black female”
duties at Blind Dates – the show formerly • TADD FUJIKAWA - the first male • TROYE SIVAN - the major pop artist has • RUBY ROSE - the model and actress
presented by his best mate, the late professional golfer to publicly come out been openly gay throughout his whole identifies as gay and gender-fluid
Cilla Black – and insisted that same-sex as gay music career • RYLAN CLARK-NEAL - the TV presenter
couples were involved so as to bring the • ZACK LEADER - the British gravity bike • VINCINT - the American singer is vocal uses his celebrity to raise awareness for
show into the 21st Century. champion came out as gay in 2018 about his identity as a black gay man LGBT+ issues
Promotional feature 3
CLIFFORD CHANCE SIGNATURE LIVING LGBT+ ONLINE METRO CHANGE
CELEBRITY ALLY LGBT+ MEDIA INFLUENCER MAKERS
MOMENT
WINNER: WINNER: WINNER:
ELLIE GOULDING WINNER: CALLE Y POCHÉ LITTLE MIX
COURTNEY ACT WINS
Ellie Goulding has a long history of CHANNEL 5’S CBB Colombian content creators Daniela
supporting LGBT+ rights. In 2014, the Calle and María José Garzón, better
English singer-songwriter declined an known as Calle y Poché, are an internet
offer to perform at the Sochi Winter couple with a joint YouTube channel that
Olympics in protest to the anti-gay has over 5.5 million subscribers. They
legislations in Russia enforced by upload a variety of videos around (but
Russian president Vladimir Putin. While not limited to) dance, make-up, DIY tips,
performing in North Carolina in 2016, music, and fashion. Their ‘Roast Yourself’
Goulding publicly attacked the Southern video alone has over 94 million views!
state’s bathroom bill by displaying a The couple have been vocal about the
rainbow flag on stage and later posting importance of LGBT+ representation in
a picture of herself on social media the media and have advocated for the
with the hashtag #WeAreEqual. She protection of LGBT+ creators from unfair
has performed at the iconic G-A-Y club, censorship. They consider themselves
Heaven, in London, and also at the British responsible to use their platform for
LGBT Pride Reception. She has even good, and to provide young LGBT+
stopped one of her live shows in order to audiences, especially young Latinos, with Since performing on the X-Factor in
let a gay couple get engaged! After winning the hearts of many on the the authentic representation that they 2011, Perrie Edwards, Jesy Nelson,
runway of RuPaul’s Drag Race, Australian deserve. Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Jade Thirlwall
star Courtney Act has emerged as have used their platforms to advocate
one of the strongest contemporary for LGBT+ rights. From creating the
voices for LGBT+ rights. During her LGBT+ anthem Secret Love Song that
season on Celebrity Big Brother UK, they then dedicated to the victims of
Act educated viewers about various the Orlando Pulse shooting, to shutting
LGBT+ topics including gender fluidity down homophobic trolls online, marching
and the stigma around HIV/AIDS before at Manchester Pride and featuring a
winning the competition and becoming same-sex romance in the music video
a household name. The drag superstar for their song Only You – they’ve done
went on to host the first-ever bisexual it all and then some. Thirlwall even used
dating show The Bi Life which has been her drag-themed 25th birthday party to
hailed for its positive representation of raise money for LGBT+ charity Stonewall,
the bisexual community. where she serves as an ambassador.
TOP 10S: NETWORK RAIL LGBT+
• LOVE, SIMON - the first mainstream
teenage romantic-comedy backed by a BROADCASTER OR
major studio to feature a gay lead JOURNALIST
• COURTNEY ACT WINS CHANNEL 5’S
CBB - the drag star has since hosted TOP 10S: JOINT WINNER:
a Christmas special on Channel 4 and • CALLE Y POCHÉ - the Colombian LIV LITTLE
TOP 10S: will head her own celebrity talk show content creators are LGBT+ advocates
• BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH - the • DISOBEDIENCE - the film tackles • CHELLA MAN - the first deaf, trans
Imitation Game actor has said that he’d important issues about same-sex model to sign with agency IMG agency
“take up arms” against homophobia attraction in Orthodox Judaism with • JAZZ JENNINGS - YouTube star Jazz
• DUA LIPA - the singer is vocally sensitivity and care Jennings chronicles her life as a trans
supportive of her LGBT+ fans • THE BOLD TYPE - the TV show features teen activist
• ELLIE GOULDING - the British singer is a same-sex, interracial relationship • KARIN & SKYLER - the YouTube
a long-time supporter of LGBT+ rights between women of colour content creators champion authentic
• JAMEELA JAMIL - the actress, model • BUTTERFLY - the three-part ITV series LGBT+ story-telling
and activist is a passionate advocate for narrated the story of a transgender • KEIYNAN LONSDALE - after staring
LGBT+ rights child and her family in gay teen rom-com Love, Simon, the
• JODIE COMER - the star of Killing Eve • CORONATION STREET - in 2018 actor came out as gay
has said one of her favourite things Britain’s beloved soap opera featured • MELANIE MURPHY - the bisexual
about her character Villanelle is her an interracial lesbian storyline Irish lifestyle YouTuber was named
“casual bisexuality” • NANETTE BY HANNAH GADSBY - Influencer of the Year 2018
• LITTLE MIX - the band have used their the Netflix special covers topics like • MUNROE BERGDORF - the transgender
collective platforms to vocally advocate homophobia and misogyny model and campaigner uses her profile
for LGBT+ rights • NETFLIX’S QUEER EYE SEASON 2 - to advocate and empower individuals Liv Little is a curator, audio producer,
• MICHAEL B. JORDAN - the first actor- the Fab Five bring LGBT+ issues to a • PABLLO VITTAR - the most followed filmmaker and the Editor-in-Chief of
producer to adopt an inclusion rider for mainstream audience drag queen on social media gal-dem, a fledgling media empire run
his company that includes LGBT+ rights • SUPERGIRL - the TV show made • TEDDY EDWARDES - the model- exclusively by women of colour. She
• NAOMI CAMPBELL - the model has history by casting transgender actress turned-entrepreneur of First Dates also works as a digital executive at
never shied away from vocalising her Nicole Maines as TV’s first transgender fame is the creator of LICK, a queer the BBC and is a contributing editor
support for the LGBT+ community superhero women’s night in London for ELLE UK. Little has written for
• TIMOTHÉE CHALAMET - the actor has • THE MISEDUCATION OF CAMERON • TRAVIS ALABANZA - is a performer, the Guardian, Wonderland Magazine
donated thousands to LGBT+ causes, POST - the Sundance-winning film writer and theatre maker that has and gal-dem on a range of topics –
including raising funds for New York’s made by queer women spotlights gay- become one of the most prominent from women seeking asylum in the UK,
LGBT Community Centre conversion camps artistic trans voices to interviews with women breaking
4 Promotional feature
down barriers in politics and the arts. interviewed some of the biggest names • RUPAUL - the world-famous drag queen minute animations called Pride Stories for
Little founded gal-dem which aims to in Hollywood. Most recently, she hosted has completed nine seasons of his their platform to commemorate Pride Month,
empower and support the creative work Channel 4’s Naked Attraction and hard- Emmy-winning reality show RuPaul’s highlighting some of the most important
of young women of colour through hitting documentary, Are You Autistic? Drag Race milestones in the LGBTQ movement from
breaking down tired stereotypes creating With a particular interest in lifestyle and • STEPHEN FRY - the comedian, actor, the Reagan Era to Gavin Grimm, which were
mainstream discussion in a whitewashed mental health, she is the author of two author, presenter and national treasure narrated by LGBT+ stars like Troye Sivan.
media environment. books on food and dieting; a frequent has been in the public eye since 1982 This year, Spotify added a rainbow coloured
podcast host, and is also a qualified volume bar to their desktop app for the
JOINT WINNER: Cognitive Hypnotherapist. CAMPAIGNER month of Pride, which included Pride-themed
ANNA RICHARDSON messages like “Loud and Proud” and “Live At
TOP 10S: WINNER: Full Volume.”
• AMPLIFY DOT (A.DOT) - the rapper, MUNROE BERGDORF
broadcaster and radio presenter has TOP 10S:
hosted BBC Radio’s 1Xtra since 2014 • ABSOLUT VODKA - Absolut has been
• ANNA RICHARDSON - the British supporting and advertising to the
household name of Big Breakfast fame LGBT+ community since 1981
hosts Channel 4’s Naked Attraction • AMAZON ALEXA - Amazon came out
• EDWARD ENNINFUL - British Vogue’s for LGBT+ in 2018 with an Ask Alexa
editor is committed to diversifying the campaign with LGBT rights organisation
respected fashion magazine Stonewall
• JONATHAN VAN NESS - the breakout • BOOHOO: PRIDE COLLECTION - to
star of Queer Eye hosts his own podcast celebrate Pride in 2018, online retailer
Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness boohoo launched their ‘Love is Love’
• LIV LITTLE - the Editor-in-Chief collection
founded gal-dem, an online empire run • CALVIN KLEIN: WEAR YOURS
exclusively by women of colour WITH PRIDE - the clothing giant is
• PARIS LEES - the multi award-winning consistently ranked amongst the most
Anna Richardson became a household writer and broadcaster is a tireless LGBT+ -friendly brands
name by debuting her television campaigner for trans rights Munroe Bergdorf uses her profile to • H&M: PRIDE COLLECTION - in 2018 the
presenting career on Channel 4’s The Big • PAUL O’GRADY - the actor and advocate and empower individuals to brand launched their first-ever Pride
Breakfast. From then on, she became presenter has helped to change the fight for positive change. She was the collection
a regular on our screens – fronting narrative around gay men on British TV first transgender model to be selected to • LEVI’S: BE PROUD. BE BOLD. BE
numerous shows for the BBC and ITV, • PHILLIP PICARDI - the former chief take part in a national beauty campaign, YOURSELF - the brand has a long
including ITV’s flagship entertainment content officer at Teen Vogue launched but was (unfairly) dropped when her history of supporting the LGBT+
series Big Screen, where she met and them — an LGBTQ publication views on systemic racism were taken out community and promoting equality
of context in the press. Munroe regularly • MALTESERS - in 2018 Maltesers
appears on national and international partnered with Stonewall to create an
television news to comment on race, LGBT+ friendly advert
diversity, gender and LGBTQ+ topics • RIVER ISLAND:
and writes for publications including #LABELSAREFORCLOTHES - the
Grazia, i-D, them.us, Paper Magazine, clothes retailer joined forces with
The Evening Standard, and the Guardian. international anti-bullying charity Ditch
Soon after scooping up ‘Changemaker the Label for their 2018 campaign
of the Year’ at the 2018 Cosmopolitan • SPOTIFY: PRIDE STORIES - the Swedish
Awards, Munroe’s first documentary music streaming service has long
What Makes A Woman exploring the advocated the LGBT+ community with
changing world of gender and identity social media campaigns
premiered on Channel 4 in May 2018. • VOLVO: DRIVE WITH PRIDE - the brand
launched one of their new models with
JOHNSON & JOHNSON an inclusive Pride month campaign
LGBT+ BRAND OR GMB LGBT+ CHARITY
MARKETING CAMPAIGN OR COMMUNITY
WINNER: INITIATIVE
SPOTIFY
WINNER:
LGBT YOUTH SCOTLAND
The Swedish music streaming service has
long advocated the LGBT+ community LGBT Youth Scotland’s mission is to play
with social media campaigns, and has a leading role in the provision of quality
continually maintained playlists like ‘Out youth work to LGBTI young people that
Now’ and ‘Transcend’, which amplify promotes their health and wellbeing,
LGBTQ+ artists globally. In 2017, Spotify and to be a valued and influential
commissioned a series of short, two- partner in LGBTI equality and human
Promotional feature 5
rights. LGBT Youth Scotland works to
build the capacity of professionals to
meet the needs of LGBTI young people;
to influence decision makers and to
improve LGBTI visibility in Scotland.
Their key national programmes focus on
Schools and Teachers, Policy Influencing,
Domestic Abuse and the co-ordination of
LGBT History Month in Scotland.
TOP 10S:
• DITCH THE LABEL - the charity aims to
combat bullying and provides resources
AMERICAN AIRLINES
for coming out and LGBT+ specific
issues Chair of Dentons’ LGBT+ network,
• ELOP - the holistic lesbian and GLOW and leads LGBT+ client outreach
gay centre offers a range of social, • JEMMA KAMEEN, SAINSBURY’S - the
emotional and support services to LGBT Store Manager is a visible lesbian role
communities model hugely influential in Sainsbury’s From the team members we hire to the customers we serve on one of our almost
• GAYSIANS - an umbrella organisation participation in Prides across the UK 7,000 flights a day, inclusion and diversity is a way of life at American Airlines.
for the British South Asian LGBT+ • KAREN FLYNN-MACFARLANE, RBS - Equality and diversity are cornerstones of American’s mission to set a new standard
community, promoting positive visibility the Inclusion manager was the Rainbow for a more inclusive society. With more than 130,000 team members in 65 countries,
for greater acceptance Network Co-Chair for four years American’s goal is to be a leader in diversity and inclusion.
• GENDERED INTELLIGENCE - the • LIEUTENANT COMMANDER GORDON As the largest airline in the world, American is honoured to support LGBTQ+ causes
charity works with the trans community, JONES, ROYAL NAVY - acted as the around the globe – from the BFI Flare London Film Festival to Pride festivals in many
particularly specialising in supporting sexual orientation representative to of the communities we serve.
young trans people Compass, the Navy’s sexual orientation American was the first major airline to implement both sexual orientation and
• GLAAD - the American non- and identity network gender identity non-discrimination policies in the workplace, as well as establishing a
governmental media monitoring • MANDY RAYMENT, DENTSU AEGIS company-recognized LGBT employee group — known today as Pride.
organisation was founded by LGBT+ NETWORK - the Head of Corporate In 2019, American was recognized for the 17th successive year as a leader in LGBTQ
people in the media Communications, UK & Ireland is workplace policies by receiving the highest rating from the Human Rights Campaign
• HRC FOUNDATION - the Foundation founder and Co-Chair of Dentsu’s in the 2019 Corporate Equality Index (CEI).
serves as America’s largest civil rights LGBT+ network, &PROUD American was the only airline to achieve a perfect score when the index began, and
organisation working worldwide to • MARION BENTATA, STATE STREET - the continues to be one of only a handful of corporations to have received it every year since.
achieve LGBT+ equality Vice President - Credit Risk, Financial
• LGBT YOUTH SCOTLAND - the charity’s Institutions is Co-Chair of State Street’s
mission is to play a leading role in the UK Pride Network
provision of quality youth work to LGBTI • NADINE RAE, TSSA - the Organising
young people Director leads Inclusive Rail, the
• LOVE EQUALITY NI - the campaign is campaign to make the railway inclusive
fighting for the introduction of equal for LGBT+ by 2025
civil marriage for same-sex couples in • OLIVER HOLMES, ACCENTURE - the
Northern Ireland Human Capital & Diversity Specialist
• MIND OUT - the project is run by and drove the launch of Accenture’s UK
for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Transgender Healthcare provision
Queer people, focusing on mental health • TIM EVANS, GOWLING WLG - the
• NAZ AND MATT FOUNDATION - the Principal Associate co-founded an LGBT
Foundation supports LGBT+ people network for real-estate professionals in
with challenges linked to religion the Midlands
PWC LGBT+ MACQUARIE GROUP
FUTURE LEADER LGBT+ NETWORK
GROUP OR ERG
WINNER:
JEMMA KAMEEN, WINNER:
SAINSBURY’S 4PRIDE, CHANNEL 4
Jemma Kameen is the store manager at
Otley store in Leeds, and Co-Chair and an
original member of the company’s LGBTA
employee network, Proud@Sainsbury’s,
a position she has held for the last
three years. Jemma is the Group’s most
visible lesbian role model and is hugely
influential in Sainsbury’s participation
in Prides across the UK, empowering, 4Pride launched in 2016 and has
educating and inspiring colleagues. since become an established network,
valued by Channel 4 staff and external
TOP 10S: individuals alike. In 2018 alone, 4Pride
• BHAVIK PANCHOLI, TSB - the Senior organised and hosted 18 events including
Capability Manager is Co-Chair of TSB’s panel discussions, film screenings and
LGBT+ network staff socials; as well as driving change
• BRIAN KENNEDY, DENTONS - the within Channel 4, developing internal
Senior Associate (Real Estate) is Co- staff policies and securing more LGBT+
6 Promotional feature
training resources such as the Stonewall and global justice. In 2009, he co- top LGBT+ executives, was nominated
Trans Allies programme. 4Pride have also proposed a UN Global Human Rights for Pink News’ Corporate Role Model
supported the wider LGBT+ community, Index, to measure and rank the human Award in 2018 and also supports global
raising money for charities including the rights record of every country to investment industry network LGBT Great,
Terrence Higgins Trust, Mermaids and incentivise governments to clean-up and Diversity Role Models, which seeks
Stonewall; as well as donating airtime to their record and improve their human to prevent bullying in UK schools.
Pride in London. rights ranking. He has also proposed
an internationally-binding UN Human
TOP 10S: Rights Convention; a permanent rapid-
• 4PRIDE, CHANNEL 4 - hosted 18 reaction UN peace-keeping force with the
events including panel discussions, film authority to intervene to stop genocide
screenings, and secured the Stonewall and war crimes; and a global agreement
Trans Allies programme to cut military spending by 10 per
• GAYGLERS, GOOGLE - the Chapter has cent to fund the eradication of hunger,
raised thousands of pounds for charity and disease, illiteracy, unemployment and
helped staff feel welcome and safe at work homelessness in the developing world.
• HSBC PRIDE NETWORK, HSBC -
provides a supportive, social network TOP 10S:
for all LGBT+ employees and allies • BARONESS ELIZABETH BARKER -
• KALEIDOSCOPE, ARCADIS - supported Liberal Democrat member of the House risk consulting fields, with a proven track
Arcadis’ participation in four Pride of Lords and patron of Opening Doors record of delivering large-scale business
marches and several LGBT+ events, London solutions as a trusted advisor and
conferences and diversity forums • CLAIRE HARVEY MBE - a GB Paralympian strategic partner-of-choice for clients.
• MICROSOFT GLEAM ERG, MICROSOFT who was awarded an MBE for services to TOP 10S: Jim joined Aon in 2008 and has been
- runs hackathon events and thought Diversity, Inclusion and Sport • CRESSIDA DICK CBE, METROPOLITAN instrumental in driving Aon’s inclusion
leadership sessions focusing on how • DINESH BHUGRA CBE - first gay POLICE - the first female and first strategy, supporting the LGBT agenda as
technology can foster inclusion president of the World Psychiatric openly gay commissioner of the executive sponsor of the Pride Alliance
• MOODY’S LGBTA ERG, MOODY’S - Association raising awareness around Metropolitan Police network. In this role he’s extended Aon’s
advocates a work environment that LGBT+ mental health • EMMA WOOLLCOTT, MISHCON DE private healthcare cover to be fully trans
respects, welcomes and supports • JOANIE EVANS - Co-President of the REYA - the Partner is founder of the inclusive, covering gender dysphoria.
LGBT+ professionals Federation of Gay Games, an organisation Mishcon Pride network He’s passionate about colleagues being
• OPEN & OUT UK, JOHNSON & promoting inclusion in sports • GEFF PARSONS, MACQUARIE GROUP able to be their authentic selves in the
JOHNSON’S LGBT+ AND ALLY • KHAKAN QURESHI - Founder of - the Managing Director, Risk Mitigation workplace and champions LGBT equality
NETWORK - a global network of over Birmingham South Asians LGBT – & Distribution, Commodities & Global with business leaders across the globe.
1,900 LGBTQ+ employees and allies Finding A Voice, a support group for Markets is Co-Chair of Macquarie
who are out to make a difference South Asian LGBTQI+ folk Group’s LGBT+ network TOP 10S:
• OPEN PRIDE UK, OMNICOM GROUP - • MARC THOMPSON - an advocate for • GEOFF GODWIN, AIG - the UK Chief • CATHY TRAVERS, MOTT MACDONALD
they help clients to be more relevant, social justice with a focus on Black Operating Officer is executive sponsor - the Managing Director of Built
compelling and inclusive in their Minority and Ethnic communities, sexual of AIG’s LGBT+ network Environment business has influenced
portrayals of LGBT+ people health and HIV • JOSHUA GRAFF, LINKEDIN - the UK inclusive change
• PLAYSTATION LGBT+ GROUP, SONY • PETER TATCHELL - a campaigner Country Manager & VP EMEA & LATAM • HELEN MILFORD, ARGOS - the
PLAYSTATION - responsible for raising awareness around human at LinkedIn is executive sponsor of Director of Retail for General
incorporating Pride celebrations on to the rights, democracy, civil liberties, LGBT+ LinkedIn’s LGBT ERG Merchandise and Clothing co-sponsors
PlayStation console for the first time ever equality and global justice • MARK ARMARIO, BARCLAYS - the Argos & Sainsbury’s LGBT networks
• SPECTRUM, BARCLAYS - supports a • REETA LOI - Founder of Gaysians, the Head of Premier Direct Relationship • JIM HERBERT, AON - the Global Lead
number of LGBT charities: Ditch the umbrella brand for the UK South Asian Management UK is responsible for Partner, Enterprise Client Group has
Label, Mermaids, Terrence Higgins Trust LGBT+ community spearheading Barclay’s Pride activities been instrumental in driving Aon’s
& LGBT Foundation • TIM SIGSWORTH MBE - CEO of across the UK inclusion strategy
the Albert Kennedy Trust and an • MARTIN PARKES, BLACKROCK - the • MICHAEL MARKS, LGIM - the head of
JUST EAT OUTSTANDING international adviser on mental health Managing Director, Global Public Corporate Strategy has played a key
and homelessness issues Policy Group is a senior member of role as an LGBT+ ally in the company
CONTRIBUTION TO • TUVIA BOROK - Co-founder & CEO of BlackRock’s LGBT OUT & Allies network • PETER HARRISON, SCHRODERS - the
LGBT+ LIFE non-traditional families charity, The P3 • OLLIE SAUNDERS, JLL - the Lead Group Chief Executive has pioneered
Network Director of Alternatives is one of the a four-year Diversity & Inclusion
WINNER: first visible LGBT+ professionals in real strategy
PETER TATCHELL HSBC LGBT+ estate • DR REBECCA EMERSON, OLIVER
Peter Tatchell has been campaigning • PEDRO PINA, GOOGLE - the VP - WYMAN - the Head of UK has used
since 1967 on issues of human rights, INSPIRATIONAL Global Client & Agency Solutions is her position to help build a more
democracy, civil liberties, LGBT equality LEADER leader of Google’s LGBTQ+ chapter for inclusive workplace for all employees
CRESS Europe • SIMON HODGKINSON, BP - the Chief
WINNER: • RICHARD HODGSON, LINKLATERS Information Security Officer leads the
GEFFRYE PARSONS, - the Partner is executive sponsor of BP Pride Allies Programme
MACQUARIE GROUP Linklaters’ LGBT network • STEPHANIE SMITH, ALLIANZ
INSURANCE - the Chief Operating
Geffrye has co-chaired the LGBT+ JENNINGS & CO Officer is the Executive Sponsor of
network at Macquarie Group for five Allianz Pride’s UK network
years, where he is designated as an FINANCIAL PLANNING • STEVE HAILS, THAMES TIDEWAY
LGBT+ workplace role model and a CORPORATE ALLY TUNNEL - the Director of Health,
mental wellbeing ambassador. Under Safety and Wellbeing is the Executive
Geff’s direction, the employee network WINNER: Sponsor of the Tideway’s LGBT+
guided Macquarie to three successive JIM HERBERT, AON group
Top 100 Employer places in Stonewall’s • TIM CRADDOCK, NETWORK RAIL -
Workplace Equality Index and the Pink Jim is the Global Lead Partner, Enterprise the HR Director for Route Businesses
News Business Equality Award in 2018. Client Group at Aon and has over 30 implemented the Archway Allies
Geff is ranked 23rd in the FT’s list of years working within the broking and training programme
Promotional feature 7
PASSPORT TO EQUALITY others who do not identify exclusively as
male or female or identify as both.
With other campaign options looking
it set an important legal precedent and a
milestone in civil rights litigation on gender
identity and LGBTI+ rights. For the first
Almost 25 years ago Christie Elan-Cane first applied for a passport like they wouldn’t succeed on their own, time in the UK, the Courts recognised that
without a gender specific marker where most people would have in 2013 Clifford Chance joined the fight the European Convention on Human Rights
for X passports as part of Christie’s wider guarantees a right to respect for non-
either an M for male, or an F for female. Christie, who identifies as campaign, Non-Gendered – Fighting gendered identity. This is a crucial step in
non-gendered, was refused and is working with Clifford Chance to for Legal Recognition. We put together the legal recognition of those who do not
right this wrong. a dedicated team – partner Narind identify exclusively as male or female.
Singh, senior associate Eraldo d’Atri, and Not content with the results so far, the
Since those early days Christie has been passports must identify the bearer as associates Anne Collins and Jemima Roe. legal team has secured permission to
campaigning for legal and social equality either having a male or female gender. Together with Blackstone Chambers, appeal the earlier ruling and will bring
for non-gendered people in the UK, For Christie that means facing the choice they work free of charge to challenge the the case to the English Court of Appeal in
a campaign that Clifford Chance has between forgoing a passport, and making UK Government’s refusal to follow in the December 2019. Whatever the outcome,
proudly joined. This has involved raising a false declaration to obtain a passport footsteps of other countries and remove each challenge brings the opportunity for
awareness of the issue through working that misrepresents a fundamental discrimination against the non-gendered the advancement of equal rights, and for
with the media, engaging with others who aspect of Christie’s identity. A choice from British passports. the advancement of social visibility and
identify outside the binary concepts of no less distressing for Christie than Years of research and representation understanding.
male and female, organising letter writing misrepresenting any other fundamental to Government culminated in a judicial At Clifford Chance we see diversity and
campaigns, and even having motions characteristic, such as race. review case being heard in 2018, inclusion as a simple matter of fairness
tabled in Parliament. This passport policy affects not only challenging the UK’s passport and justice for all. It is a core value for
In the decades since, a growing number Christie, but a broad section of the public policy as being unlawful, us and one we are committed to using
of countries around the world have who identify outside the binary concepts including on the basis our expertise to further. Whether in the
started to offer non-gender specific or of male and female. This that it contravenes law, or helping to provide a drumbeat
“X” passports, including Australia, Austria, includes some intersex the European to drive Christie’s wider campaign in
Canada, Denmark, Germany, India, Nepal, people, trans people Convention on the media and wider society, Clifford
New Zealand, Malta, Pakistan and Uruguay. (whose outward Human Rights. Chance is proud to be playing its part in
This is something that the international appearance may Although the advancing equal rights for LGBT+ people.
standards body for passports allows for. not conform to court found that, We are proud to be working alongside
Despite the rising tide of non-gendered their recognised on balance, such a staunch campaigner. And we are
passports internationally, and progress that gender), the UK’s proud to be supporting the British LGBT
has made British society more inclusive for individuals passport Awards, celebrating the individuals and
many, Christie’s request for an X passport who identify policy organisations who have shown the most
in the UK is still being refused today. as gender was not outstanding commitment to the LGBT+
Clifford Chance team members:
UK passport policy still dictates that variant, and Jemima Roe, Eraldo d’Atri, Anne Collins unlawful community.
CHANNEL 4 LGBT+ TOP 10S: in Risk Advisory practice co-leads TOP 10S:
DIVERSITY • AMANDA MCKAY, BALFOUR BEATTY -
the Quality Director for Major Projects is
Deloitte’s LGBT+ network, GLOBE • AIG UK - the company’s LGBT+
Employee Resource Group, STEP,
HERO an out and proud trans woman who Co- MI5 INCLUSIVE recently celebrated its fifth birthday
Chairs Balfour Beatty’s LGBT Network • CAPCO - the management consulting
WINNER: • BEN FOAT, POST OFFICE - the General COMPANY OR firm host a variety of events through
DAVID PEARSON, KPMG Counsel for Legal, Compliance and EMPLOYER their #BeYourselfAtWork network
Company Secretary is co-founder of the • CREDIT SUISSE - the global financial
Post Office’s first LGBT+ network WINNER: services firm encourages a working
• DAVID PEARSON, KPMG - the Director, VODAFONE GROUP environment which is open and
Global Inclusion & Diversity is a visible inclusive
bisexual role model and leads KPMG’s • HEATHROW AIRPORT - the company
LGBT network launched #HeathrowPride in 2018,
• DENISE HART, PWC - the Global Payroll celebrating LGBT+ diversity at Heathrow
Coordinator was Chair of PwC’s LGBT+ • LLOYDS BANKING GROUP - the
network in Northern Ireland and was on financial services group is acknowledged
the Belfast Pride organising committee as a leading edge employer when it
• ERIK TOMLIN, VIACOM - the Senior comes to LGBT equality
Coordinator in Music and Media • METRO BANK - more than 10% of the
Licensing helped establish and Co- high street bank’s colleagues are part of
Chairs Viacom’s LGBT & Straight Ally its LGBT+ network, MPride
Employee Network • NORTHERN TRUST - the international
David Pearson is Director, Global • MAUREEN WANJIKU, AMAZON - the Vodafone Group is one of the world’s financial services organisation
Inclusion & Diversity, at KPMG, with a UK Fleet Project Manager launched largest telecommunications companies champions the recognition and visibility
background in KPMG’s Corporate Finance a new mentoring network for BAME and provides a range of services of LGBT+ partners and employees
practice. As a visible bisexual role model, LGBT+ youth including voice, messaging, data and • SANTANDER - the financial services
David leads KPMG’s LGBT network, and • NEHA-JASMIN, ARCADIS - the project fixed communications, operating in provider ensures that it supports its
is a keynote speaker on inclusion. He is a manager is a founding member of 25 countries. Vodafone’s purpose LGBT+ community, colleagues and
Patron of Freedom to Donate, a Trustee Arcadis’ LGBT+ Network group is to connect for a better future, customers through an inclusive culture
of ELOP LGBT Mental Health & Wellbeing, • ROB HUDSON, ST. MODWEN - the and to ensure that we are making a • THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY - the
and an alumnus of the Stonewall Chief Financial Officer is the Executive significant and positive contribution mass media company believes that
Leadership Programme, Out Leadership’s Sponsor of St Modwen’s Diversity & to society. Inclusion and diversity is inclusion is a critical part of telling
OutNEXT cohort of LGBT leaders, and Inclusion initiatives fundamental to Vodafone’s commitment the best stories, being relevant, and
CSL’s Inspire Like A Man and Walk The • SIMONE JOACHIM, ROLLS-ROYCE - to its colleagues, customers and the expanding audiences
Tightrope programmes. In 2017 he was the Advanced Manufacturing Engineer communities where it operates. As of 30 • VODAFONE - one of the world’s
named a Top 10 Diversity Champion. is site lead for Rolls-Royce’s LGBT+ September 2018, Vodafone Group had largest telecommunications companies,
He is a past winner of BCG’s Business group, PRISM 531.9 million mobile customers and 20.4 Vodafone has inclusion and diversity at
Strategy Competition. • TOM KOHLER, DELOITTE - the Director million fixed broadband customers. its core
8 Promotional feature
NatWest is proud to champion
LGBT inclusion, striving to create
a truly inclusive environment in
order to ensure that everyone
WE ARE WHAT WE DO
throughout the organisation
brings the very best of
themselves to work every day. To
that end, we are incredibly proud
to continue our association with
the British LGBT Awards, as
founding partner.
We believe that it is vitally important, in
order to be a truly inclusive workplace, to
have the right policies in place. Moreover,
we believe that it is vitally important, as an
organisation, to reflect the communities
and customers that we serve.
In 2018 NatWest signed up to the UN
standard for Global business to tackle
LGBT discrimination. Drawing on good
practice from around the world and
developed by the UN Human Rights Office where in the world we operate. We have support for individuals in difficult Business Awards, to recognise individuals
the standards set out actions to protect appeared in the Index for ten consecutive circumstances and are a voice for LGBT+ and organisations working hard to change
the rights of LGBT individuals. At NatWest, years and are the only financial services inclusion. Our Network currently stands at the status quo in a challenging jurisdiction
we constantly review our employee company to achieve this, this is because over 1,800 members making it one of the – and we’re looking to grow the event
policies to ensure that we protect the we believe that we should lead by that largest LGBT+ Networks in the industry. in future years with support from other
rights of all our employees irrespective of example and we are proudly committed As a bank we attended 20 Pride events Large Corporates.
their gender, sexual orientation and family to supporting our colleagues across the globally last year, including Delhi and We are proud to be building an
composition. organisation to achieve LGBT parity. Warsaw. In India we have launched an inclusive bank which is a great place
We continue to be one of Stonewell’s Our Rainbow Network and Global initiative to reimburse medical expenses for all colleagues to work. We know our
Top Global Employers. To be included, LGBT Allies Programme play a key role in cases where same sex partners are evolving workforce and customers require
the bank must display inclusive values in ensuring that globally our colleagues hospitalised. Earlier this year, in Poland, us to remain innovative, disruptive and
and uphold LGBT equality regardless of are supported. These Networks provide we organised the first ever Polish LGBT+ progressive.
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