Alex Scott and Jade Thirlwall lead the winners at the star-studded British LGBT Awards ceremony held in London celebrating LGBTQ+ achievements

Alex Scott and Jade Thirlwall lead the winners at the star-studded British LGBT Awards ceremony held in London celebrating LGBTQ+ achievements

Friday night in London was all about shining a light on love, support, and community as the 2025 British LGBT Awards rolled out the red carpet at The Brewery.

It was a dazzling evening celebrating queer excellence, allyship, and the people using their platforms to uplift the LGBTQ+ community.

From heartfelt speeches to cheeky merch mentions, the event had a little bit of everything — and it wasn’t just the stars who turned up, but their values, too.


Jess Glynne Accepts Alex Scott’s Award With Pride

While Alex Scott couldn’t attend the ceremony herself, her partner Jess Glynne was right there to accept her LGBTQ+ Public Figure Award.

The couple made their red carpet debut at last year’s BRIT Awards after quietly dating for some time — a decision they later said came from wanting to protect something “special.”

Their presence — even through one — was a reminder of how representation in sports and media can go hand in hand with personal courage.


Jade Thirlwall’s Big Win and Her Bold Voice

Jade Thirlwall also stole the spotlight, receiving Moët’s Celebrity Ally of the Year.

Although she couldn’t make it in person, she accepted the award via a heartfelt video message, filled with gratitude and cheeky nods to her fans.

She thanked her LGBTQ+ supporters not only for standing by her but also for making her jockstrap merch the best-seller in her collection.

“I really do adore the LGBTQ+ community,” she said, before adding that her allyship “is not transactional.”

And while she kept it fun, Jade made sure to highlight the serious side of her advocacy — especially standing up for trans rights at a time when allies matter more than ever.


A Star-Studded Celebration of Community and Courage

Other familiar names also took home honors. Ian ‘H’ Watkins of Steps was recognized for his efforts in queer parenting, and Billy Porter received a Special Recognition Award for his ongoing impact on LGBTQ+ representation.

The evening also made history as the very first Pride.Purpose.Progress #StrongerTogether Award went to the trans community, collected by India Willoughby and Ella Morgan — a powerful moment amid today’s challenging climate.


When Pop Culture Meets Purpose

It wasn’t just about trophies. Earlier this month, Jade Thirlwall made headlines after performing at London’s Mighty Hoopla festival, where she led the crowd in an anti-transphobia chant.

When the audience shouted “F*** you” to the word “transphobes,” she then boldly added: “JK Rowling,” prompting another round of cheers.

Jade’s activism may come with a bit of sass, but it’s deeply rooted in care and advocacy.

Her message was loud and clear: allyship isn’t just about posts and applause — it’s about consistency.


Not Your Average Merch Table

Jade’s fans know she loves pushing boundaries — even with her merchandise.

Her latest product line includes everything from bandanas that nod to LGBTQ+ subcultures to butt plugs on keychains and CBD-based lubricants, made in collaboration with filmmaker and Howl founder Samuel Douek.

It’s a far cry from the bubblegum pop days of Little Mix — and Jade’s totally here for it.

“There was kind of a ceiling on how far we could push things,” she said of her time in the group.

“Now, I get to have fun and empower people in my own way.”


Behind the Awards: A Bigger Mission

Sarah Garrett MBE, founder of the British LGBT Awards, summed up the night beautifully.

“At a time when our community is facing increasing challenges and adversity,” she said, “it was vital to come together and embrace that collective joy.”

And it wasn’t just about the celebrities. Corporate partners like Tesco also played a role, with Kelvin Anderson, Chair of their LGBTQ+ network, stressing how the company is committed to supporting both staff and customers throughout the year — not just on award nights.


The Full List of Winners

Here’s a quick look at the standout winners from the evening:

  • Celebrity Ally – Jade Thirlwall

  • LGBTQ+ Celebrity – Ali Bromley

  • LGBTQ+ Public Figure – Alex Scott

  • Online Influencer – Max Balegde

  • Media Moment – Richard Coles & GK Barry

  • Pride.Purpose.Progress Award – The Trans Community

  • Special Recognition – Ian ‘H’ Watkins & Billy Porter

  • Champion Ally – Fi Jeary (NatWest)

  • Future Leader – Jill Leflour (Deutsche Bank)

  • Inclusive Company – Arup

  • Inspirational Leader – Satia Rai (IPSA)

  • Inclusive Campaigner – William Dryden (NESO)

  • Diversity Trailblazer – Alexis Curtis-Harris (Penna)

  • Best Network Group (pre-2015) – Deutsche Bank

  • Best Network Group (post-2015) – Osborne Clarke

  • Best Brand Campaign – E45’s “This is Me”

  • Best Charity Initiative – Switchboard

  • Outstanding Community Contribution – Yasmin Benoit


A Night That Mattered

More than glitz and glam, the 2025 British LGBT Awards reminded everyone why these moments matter.

Whether it’s through representation on stage, allyship off it, or turning your jockstrap into a cultural statement — this night was all about showing up, standing proud, and celebrating love in every form.

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