This year, we’re looking for nominations in nine categories for individuals, organisations and campaigns who have made a positive impact on LGBTQ+ lives in the UK. To understand the category critera for each award, see below or click here.
Nominations for the Gaydio Pride Awards 2025 are now closed.
Venue of the Year
The Venue of the Year award honours an LGBTQ+ friendly venue that stands out for its commitment to inclusivity, community, and creativity. This space provides a safe, welcoming environment where people can come together to celebrate, connect, and express themselves. Whether a bar, club, or cultural hub, the winner has made a significant impact on the LGBTQ+ community, offering memorable experiences and championing diversity throughout the year.
Event of the Year
The Event of the Year award recognises an exceptional LGBTQ+ event that has made a significant impact on the community. This event, whether a festival, party, or gathering, stands out for its celebration of LGBTQ+ culture, inclusivity, and creativity. It has created a safe, vibrant space for individuals to connect, express themselves, and celebrate their identity, leaving a lasting impression on the community and contributing to the visibility and empowerment of LGBTQ+ people.
Enterprise Award
The Enterprise Award celebrates LGBTQ+ businesses and workplace trailblazers who have gone above and beyond to foster a culture of inclusivity, diversity, and acceptance. This award honours business owners and leaders who actively create safe, supportive environments for LGBTQ+ employees, promote equality, and drive positive change in their industries. The winner exemplifies dedication to both business excellence and the empowerment of LGBTQ+ individuals, making a lasting impact on their workforce and the broader community.
Pride Network of the Year supported by Cadent
The Pride Network of the Year award recognises outstanding professional LGBTQ+ colleague networks that have created impactful initiatives to improve the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals in the workplace. This award honours networks that foster inclusion, champion equality, and drive meaningful change through support programs, advocacy, and workplace initiatives. The winner has demonstrated a strong commitment to empowering LGBTQ+ employees, promoting diversity, and creating a culture where all individuals can thrive authentically.
Volunteer of the Year supported by Explore!
The Volunteer of the Year award recognszes an outstanding individual who has dedicated their time and energy to supporting LGBTQ+ causes, whether through charity work or organizing pride events. This award honours someone who goes above and beyond, offering their skills, passion, and commitment to making a tangible difference in the community. Their selfless efforts help create memorable, inclusive experiences and provide vital support to LGBTQ+ individuals, leaving a lasting impact on both events and causes they support.
Charity of the Year
The Charity of the Year award celebrates an LGBTQ+ charity that has made a profound impact on the community. This charity has demonstrated exceptional dedication to supporting LGBTQ+ individuals, offering vital services, resources, and advocacy. Through its innovative programs and unwavering commitment, the charity has worked to improve lives, promote inclusivity, and drive positive change, leaving a lasting mark on the LGBTQ+ community and beyond.
Influencer of the Year supported by Kayak
Given to an LGBTQ+ individual who has used their platform to raise awareness of queer struggles and acting as a voice for good for those in our community who many not be heard. The influencer may not necessarily have a large social following – the award is a reflection of this person using their platforms, no matter how big, to dedicate themselves to advocating for LGBTQ+ people.
Sports Team of the Year
The Sports Team of the Year award celebrates an LGBTQ+ sports team that has demonstrated excellence, teamwork, and inclusivity. This team has not only achieved success in their sport but has also created a welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ athletes, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment. Through their dedication and positive influence, they inspire others to participate, challenge barriers, and champion diversity, both on and off the field.
Pride Organisation of the Year
The Pride Organisation of the Year award celebrates a local or major pride event organisation that has made a significant impact in celebrating and supporting the LGBTQ+ community. This organisation has demonstrated outstanding leadership, creativity, and inclusivity in organizing pride events, fostering a sense of unity and visibility. Through their efforts, they have created safe, empowering spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals to express themselves, while championing equality, diversity, and social change in their communities.
Music Artist of the Year supported by Schuh
Awarded to an artist who has made a significant contribution to raising awareness of LGBTQ+ issues through activism and/or performances. This is category is decided by Gaydio and our community panel.
Outstanding Entertainment Contribution supported by Stanley
Awarded to an individual in the public eye who has used their platform to highlight LGBTQ+ causes. This is category is decided by Gaydio and our community panel.
Lifetime Achievement Award supported by Aer Lingus
Awarded to an individual who has worked tirelessly throughout their life to push LGBTQ+ issues to the forefront and made a difference to queer lives. This is category is decided by Gaydio and our community panel.
We actively encourage multiple nominations – although the Gaydio Pride Awards isn’t a popularity contest, our independent community panel will take into account popular nominees as part of the judging process. Work/contribution towards the nomination must take place between Monday 4th December 2023 and Sunday 1st December 2024. Click here to read the terms and conditions.
Once the nominations period is closed, an independent community panel will decide a shortlist of three nominees (inclusive of the winner), with the winner of the shortlist revealed on the night of the awards.
A points system devised by Gaydio and the community panel will be used to determine the shortlists and winners, with considerations made to ensure a diverse line up of nominees and winners.
Three categories will be decided by Gaydio and the community panel – Music Artist of the Year supported by schuh, Outstanding Entertainment Contribution supported by Stanley and Lifetime Achievement supported by Aer Lingus.
Once the nominations period is closed, an initial sift will take place to confirm eligibility and highlight the most popular and deserving causes. Our judges will take into account the reasons for voting that you have given and ensure that there is a good representation geographically and across the diversity of our community.
At the next stage, an independent community panel will decide a shortlist of three nominees (inclusive of the winner), with the winner of the shortlist revealed on the night of the awards.