The shortlist is today revealed for the leading celebration of inclusion in the defence, aerospace and security industry – the LGBTQ+ Defence Awards – with finalists from all branches of the Armed Forces, the civil service and businesses.
Launched with a bang last year to accelerate LGBTQ+ inclusivity in the UK’s Armed Forces and wider defence, aerospace and security industry, this unique awards programme was formed in the wake of the Prime Minister’s formal state apology to the LGBTQ+ community for the so-called “gay ban” in the Armed Forces which endured until 2000.
The LGBTQ+ community’s history of persecution in the Armed Forces is well documented but 2023 was a year of strong progress. A few months after the government-commissioned review of the ban was published, the inaugural LGBTQ+ Defence Awards were held in London, the first time the broad spectrum of UK Defence came together to showcase, celebrate and promote the power of LGBTQ+ inclusion.
It’s clear there’s still a way to go, however. Defence, aerospace and security are among the sectors in which the LGBTQ+ community is underrepresented in the UK. A lack of visible role models can prevent LGBTQ+ workers from feeling accepted and empowered to succeed.
With this in mind the LGBTQ+ Defence Awards, of which BFBS is media partner, continue to lead the way as a flagship annual showcase of the talents, achievements and contributions of this vibrant community in an industry which is vital to national security and prosperity.
The Awards, which attract hundreds of nominations each year, recognise not only those who trailblazer for LGBTQ+ inclusion but also other LGBTQ+ achievers who simply through being able to be themselves at work have maximised their value to UK defence and security.
Satia Rai, CEO of International Professional Security Association (IPSA) has been shortlisted as Trailblazer for LGBTQ+ of the Year award.
Ed Hall, Chair, and Caroline Paige MBE, Chief Executive of Fighting With Pride, official charity partner of the LGBTQ+ Defence Awards, said: “Last year’s inaugural LGBTQ+ Defence Awards were an incredible success in showing and celebrating the exceptional talent and achievements of individuals, teams and organisations in the defence industry. We’re delighted that this year’s is building on that with even wider recognition, including for Armed Forces personnel and veterans working outside the defence sector.
“Our sincere congratulations and thanks go to our shortlisted finalists and to all those who were nominated, and the marvellous nominators who help us recognise people and organisations that are inspiring diversity, inclusion and equity in defence.”
This year’s winners will be celebrated at a glittering award ceremony on 23 October in the prestigious Westminster Ballroom of the London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square. Returning to hosting duties is BBC news anchor Jane Hill. A familiar face in British homes, fronting the BBC’s flagship new broadcasts, Hill was the UK’s first out lesbian newsreader.
As well as presenting the highly anticipated awards ceremony, Jane will introduce an exciting programme of live entertainment and special guest speakers including Vice Admiral Phil Hally, Chief of Defence People, and politician-cum-broadcaster and former Army reservist Baroness Ruth Davidson.
The winners are decided by an independent judging panel of leaders from organisations including the Ministry of Defence, the British Army, RAF, Royal Navy, Thales, Lockheed Martin, L3Harris, Jacobs, Northrop Grumman, Leonardo and Imperial College London.
Amanda Wood, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Social Sustainability Director at BAE Systems, headline sponsor of the LGBTQ+ Defence Awards, said: “These awards recognise real focus in our sector to create workplaces where everyone feels valued. At BAE Systems we are working hard to build an inclusive culture that allows all employees to perform at their best, enabling our business to innovate, to grow and to thrive.
“I’m incredibly proud of our 3000-strong LBGTQ+ employee resource group, OutLink UK: their work and the insight they bring is vital in helping us maintain momentum on this important company journey.”
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