The Bank of London Rainbow Honours 2024 shortlist has been announced, with some famous names in the running for top awards.
Alison Hammond, Dermot O'Leary, Rosie Jones and Daniel Radcliffe have all been nominated at the prestigious LGBTQIA awards. The star-studded event is being held at the iconic Natural History Museum in London in May, and will be hosted by fashion icon and DJ, Gok Wan, and TV presenter and writer, Anna Richardson.
Footballer Jake Daniels and swimmer Michael Gunning are up for the coveted Celebrity LGBTQIA Champion award, alongside Strictly Come Dancing star Layton Williams and actress Bella Ramsey. Meanwhile, on the shortlist for Celebrity Ally of the Year are Alison Hammond, Claire Sweeney, Suranne Jones and David Tennant.
In the Media Moment category the Dr Who Christmas Special, which fully introduced Ncuti Gatwa as the first openly queer actor to play the Doctor, goes head to head with Sex Education’s depiction of Abbi and Roman’s relationship, a celebratory exploration of inclusive identities.
The Bank of London Rainbow Honours showcase individuals and organisations who work all year to influence change and proudly promote LGBTQIA equality, and alongside the celebrity gongs they recognise small businesses, charities, community organisations, campaigners and the corporate sector.
In the LQBTQIA Network of the Year category amongst those battling it out are Legal & General Group’s L&GBT+Allies Network, Virgin Media O2’s Proudly, Deliveroo’s Deloveroo, and Proud@Sainsbury's. And those contesting the highly sought after prize of Large Brand or Organisation include Colgate, Paramount and Kantar.
In the Charity of the Year category Diversity Role Models, who work to help schools end LGBTQ+ bullying, are up against Umbrella Cymru, a charity that advances gender and sexual diversity, equality and inclusion across Wales. And the Campaigner or Influencer of the Year gong will be hotly contested between longstanding names Peter Tatchell and Phyll Opoku-Gyimah, and comparative newcomers Jude Guaitamacchi and Olly Pike.
Speaking about the celebration of LGBTQIA culture, Linda Riley, founder of the Rainbow Honours, said,
The Rainbow Honours recognises individuals, celebrities, brands, and allies who have shown unwavering support for the LGBTQIA community over the past year. All the nominees shortlisted show real dedication to advancing LGBTQIA rights, and they will quite rightly be celebrated at the awards ceremony. The event will showcase their accomplishments fostering awareness and inspiring further progress, whilst acknowledging the continued challenges faced by the LGBTQIA community.
Rebecca Skitt, Co-President at The Bank of London, said:
“Our bank helps businesses and people reach further for a better future and these awards shine a light on those doing just that. As we mark our third year as a proud partner for these awards, it is so rewarding to see what is being achieved by the individuals, charities and firms working to make real change happen, every day.
I applaud and congratulate everyone and every business on the shortlist.”
The West London Queer Project has been shortlisted in the 'Small Brand or Organisation of the Year' award.
