The talents of LGBTQ+ leaders and allies across UK Defence are proudly displayed among the 2024 finalists for the industry’s flagship award ceremony showcasing the power of inclusion.

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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 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.

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 flagship awards programme is sponsored by companies including BAE Systems, Thales, Amazon and MBDA. The winners are decided by an independent judging panel of leaders from organisations including the Ministry of Defence, the British Army, RAF, Royal Navy, Lockheed Martin, L3Harris, 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.” 

 

The Finalists

 

Advocate of the Year

Air Cdre Tony Keeling, Royal Air Force

PA Consulting

Paul Kealey, DSTL

Rebekah Halton, BAE Systems

Scott Jamieson, BAE Systems

Steve Prest, Alatar

 

Ally of the Year

Calum Smith, MBDA UK

Christine Howles, Defence Infrastructure Organisation

John Meston, Thales UK

Karen Saunders, L3Harris

Simon Walters, BAE Systems

The LGBT Restorative Action Team, Ministry of Defence

 

Armed Forces Leader of the Year

Capt Nicholas Moylan, Thales UK

Lt Danny Cairns, Royal Navy

Maj Chantelle Miller, 150 Provost Company RMP

Sgt Jenny Petrylak, European Joint Support Unit Brunssum, UK Strategic Command 

Sgt Stuart Soane, 13 Sig – 259, British Army

WO Nez Holroyd, Royal Air Force

 

Graduate or Apprentice of the Year

Aaron Swan, AWE

Freddie Willoughby, BAE Systems

Jessica Allen, BAE Systems Digital Intelligence

Joshua Tyers, L3Harris Technologies

Louis Dean, BAE Systems

Madison Annabella Ross, MBDA

 

Inspiration of the Year

Aimee Avrill, BAE Systems

Amberley Colburn, MBDA UK

Charlotte Ahtom, BAE Systems

H, Ministry of Defence

Nicola McGee, Everton in The Community

Tom Lowes, BAE Systems

 

LGBTQ+ Network or Initiative of the Year

#Prism Employee Support Network, DSTL

Intelligence Corps LGBT+ Network, Intelligence Corps 

L3Harris UK Pride Employee Resource Group, L3Harris

OutLink, BAE Systems

Royal Aeronautical Society Pride and Allies Group, Royal Aeronautical Society

Royal Navy LGBTQ+ Network, Royal Navy

 

LGBTQ+ Trailblazer of the Year

Adam Cowan, Thales UK

Becky Bennett, DSTL

British Army Shooting Team

Satia Rai, IPSA

Sgt Melissa Harper, Royal Air Force

WO2 Deborah Penny MBE, The Army Engagement Group

 

Outstanding Achiever of the Year

AS1 Maryanne Williams, Royal Air Force

Eren Bessim, Safer Business Network

Kai Clark, DSTL

Kassandra Smith, Frazer-Nash Consultancy

Paul Fraine, Ministry of Defence

Sgt Antony Stafford-Boutwood, Royal Air Force

 

Role Model of the Year

Ben Wilberforce-Ritchie, BAE Systems

Clare Griffiths, DSTL

Flt Lt Jordan Stafford-Boutwood, Royal Air Force

Katy Goodyer, Thales UK

Kim Agate, DSTL

SSgt Tara Mcglade, 11th (Royal School of Signals) Signal Regiment, British Army

 

Team Leader of the Year

Alice North, MBDA

Ben Murphy, Babcock International

Jordan Hunter, BAE Systems

Mark Cartwright, Defence Equipment and Support

Meghan Adamson, MBDA UK

WO2 Matt Paget, Ministry of Defence

 

Veteran of the Year

Deborah Mills-Burns, ZAM FM

Dougie Morgan, Fighting With Pride

Emma Morgan, Amazon 

Gemma Rowland, Osborne Clarke

Matt Lindley, British Airways

Shan Veillard Thomas, Fighting With Pride