WCS LGBTQ+ Awards 2025 | Introducing the Awardees.

Recognising Queer Leaders serving their communities.

This year's WCS | Awards are celebrating Queer Leaders around the world - LGBTQ+ change-makers who are using their platforms, profile and roles to drive change, making the world a more inclusive place for all LGBTQ+ people. This might be 'creating space' for others in their workplace, community or on a wider scale nationally or globally.

Our 2025 Award Categories:

Community & Grassroots Activism

Media & Creative Influence

Policy & Advocacy Impact

Corporate & Workplace Inclusion

Sustainability & Innovation

Emerging Queer Leader (Under 30)

Our 2025 Awardees:

This year, we're celebrating 101 LGBTQ+ individuals and 5 LGBTQ+ organisations whose bold contributions are shaping a more inclusive and equitable world.

Representing 21 countries across 5 continents, our 2025 awardees reflect the truly global spirit of queer leadership today — from community organisers and artists to innovators, educators, and change-makers. Their work is powerful proof that queer excellence knows no borders. Below, you'll discover all of our esteemed awardees - each recognised for their exceptional impact, courageous vision, and dedication to uplifting others. Together, they represent a rich tapestry of stories, talents, and achievements that move us closer to a world where LGBTQ+ people are not only seen, but celebrated. We’re honoured to share their journeys with you.

Grassroots Community Activism:

Adam Holcroft-Tebbutt, Alberto Antón Benítez, Alfredo Carpineti, Andromeda, awo dufie föfie, Barcelona Rainbow Singers, Carlos Rubio, Char Bailey, Chloe Cousins, Chris Sheridan, Colette Farrugia Bennett, Damiana Ventura, Dino Suhonic, Ed Bell, Elin McCready, Helmut De Nardi, Jaron Soh, Jude Guaitamacchi, Karla Revilla, Khourtney Otieno, Kim Middleton, Les Girls Barcelona, Leyla Helvaci, Marta Musić, Matthew Fuller, Neil Hudson-Basing, Paula Harrowing, Polly Shute, Richard Mitchell, Sandra Ljubinkovic, Shawn Aaron, Spencer Cooper, The Common Press and Toni-Ann Murphy.

Media & Creative Influence:

Abi Fellows, Adam Jacques, Beeillustrates, Bellini Boy, Ben Pechey, Carmen Daneshmandi, Cecilia Righini, Cora Hamilton, Damian Kerlin, Duke Duong, Emily Horton, Lennie, Jaï Bristow, Jamie Wareham, Joyce V Newrzella, Jua O’Kane, Júlia Rosell Saldaña, Kosta Karakashyan, Marty Davies, Natasha Devon, Oliver Jähnke, River Coello, Roxy Murray, RuMU Beauty, Shane Lukas, Sophie Edwards, Steven Elliott, and Yorgo Glynatsis.

Policy & Advocacy Impact:

Claudia Fauzia, Dee Whitnell, Eva Echo, Harish Iyer, Heather Paterson, Hugh O’Keeffe, Jade Fraser, Pius Kennedy, Rico Jacob Chace, Saskhia Menendez, and Tatiana Buelvas Baldiris.

Corporate & Workplace Inclusion:

Adrien Semail, Allies & Rainbows, Barbara Platier, Cecile Deprez, Char Erskine, Chloë Davies, Daniel Cancela, Gonzalo Parra, Ivan Dimov, Jack López, Jacqui Rhule-Dagher, JD Valladares-Williams, Joanna Thompson, Ph.D., Lilia Koss, Lisa Cowling, Magda Stega, Piotr Ciepiel, Raga D’Silva, Ren Cavan, Safir Boukhalfa, Sam Fresa, Sasha Ekhilevskiy, SC Nealy, Sebastián Dalla Ba', Tash Koster-Thomas, and Tolu Osinubi.

Sustainability & Innovation:

Colin Belcourt, Flavia Sales, Jens, Kimberley Malone Crossley, Boe La, Manuel Schlothauer, and Tadhg Mac Mahon.

Emerging Queer Leader:

Coda Nicolaeff, Fatal Flash & Lias Mauersberger.

Our 2025 Awards Committee:

This year’s awards wouldn’t have been possible without the help of this team of amazing, passionate individuals. A huge thank you to Teresa Lee, Christopher McDonnell, Sanjukta Moorthy, Nancy Di Dia, Cindy Nehme, Taylor Lianne Chandler, Ashtar Alahmad, Betsy Reed, Kevin Hawkins, and Jolinda Johnson for sharing their time and energy to help us review this year’s nominees.

Award winners and community members are invited to an evening of celebration and entertainment at our LGBTQ+ Awards & Pride Gala held in Barcelona.

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While you're here...

Did you know we consult with Businesses, ERGs and Change-Leaders providing bespoke corporate solutions? Through consultancy we design shared learning experiences, produce DEI insights and craft bespoke content that support individuals with strengthening their roles as change-agents within their communities and organisations. Find out more here.

We also organise FREE community events throughout the year! We offer a variety of ways to get involved - both online and in person. This is a great way to network and learn more about others' experiences, through in-depth discussion on an array of topics. You can find out what events we have coming up here. New ones are added all the time, so make sure you sign up to our newsletter so you can stay up to date!