The Independent’s iconic Pride List, which recognises LGBTQ+ changemakers across the country, is returning to mark Pride month. In line with our commitment to championing the LGBTQ+ community, this publication has released its 2026 Pride programme, which spans editorial, events, commercial collaborations, and industry initiatives.
Partnership with Pride in London
We are proud to announce that we have again partnered with Pride in London and will be marching at the Pride parade in July in celebration and to promote visibility of the LGBTQ+ community. Rebecca Paisis, the interim chief executive of Pride in London, said: “Visible and deliberate support for LGBTQ+ communities carries real weight against a growing global backdrop of injustice. The Independent’s support for Pride in London reflects a clear commitment to our values of unity, visibility and equality, and to using its platform with purpose. We’re pleased to partner with The Independent again this year to help widen the space for LGBTQ+ voices, stories and communities to be recognised and celebrated.”
Pride List Launch and Events
The Independent’s 2026 Pride activity will kick off with the return of the Pride List on 31 May, ahead of Pride month starting on 1 June. First published in 2000 as the Pink List, it celebrates some of this country’s most influential LGBTQ+ people across culture, politics, business and activism. Last year’s honourees included the likes of Britain’s first transgender judge Dr Victoria McCloud, trans activist Juno Dawson and actor and singer Cynthia Erivo. Our 2026 Pride List will be officially launched at a special event hosting honourees, industry leaders and community voices at Queer Britain, the only LGBTQ+ museum in the UK, on 3 June.
Video Series and Documentary
The Independent is also creating a dedicated video interview series featuring the Pride List honourees, which looks at the personal stories, challenges and achievements of those shaping LGBTQ+ progress today. Our partnership with Pride in London will include coverage which focuses on some of the key issues affecting LGBTQ+ communities. We are releasing a new documentary in June from our chief international correspondent, Bel Trew, about the persecution of LGBTQ+ people and the impact of foreign aid cuts on those living with HIV in Nigeria.
Editor-in-Chief's Statement
The Independent’s editor-in-chief, Geordie Greig, said: “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.”
Additional Partnerships
The Independent has also announced a partnership with the7stars for AdLand Pride, which will support an initiative celebrating LGBTQ+ talent and advocacy within the advertising industry in the face of global DEI rollbacks and attacks on LGBTQ+ rights. On 1 October, we will be sponsoring the NDA Media Pride Lunch, hosted by Bluestripe Group as part of New Digital Age’s Media Pride initiative, which brings together professionals and allies from across media and advertising.
