UK Defence’s flagship celebration of inclusion returns to showcase leadership and resilience in an increasingly complex landscape for defence, aerospace and security organisations.

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The shortlist for the 2025 LGBTQ+ Defence Awards has been officially revealed today, launching the latest edition of the UK’s leading programme celebrating inclusion across the Armed Forces, civil service and wider defence industry.

This year’s finalists span all branches of the military, government and businesses, showcasing the remarkable talent and leadership of LGBTQ+ individuals and allies who are helping to drive forward a more inclusive, capable and representative defence community.

The Awards were founded in the wake of the UK Government’s formal apology in 2023 to LGBTQ+ military veterans affected by the pre-2000 service ban. Born out of a call for reparations and recognition, the LGBTQ+ Defence Awards have since grown into the largest and most visible celebration globally of LGBTQ+ contributions to UK Defence.

As global headlines remind us of the fragility of progress, 2025 marks a pivotal year for LGBTQ+ visibility and advocacy. In this context, the LGBTQ+ Defence Awards, of which BFBS is media partner, have become more than a celebration – they are a critical platform to affirm the values of fairness, respect and equality at the heart of British defence today.

Drawing hundreds of nominations each year, the Awards recognise both high-profile changemakers and everyday achievers whose ability to be themselves in the workplace has enabled them to thrive and contribute fully to the defence and security of the UK.

Peter Gibson Chief Executive of Fighting With Pride, official charity partner of the LGBTQ+ Defence Awards, said: “The LGBTQ+ Defence Awards are an incredible opportunity to showcase and celebrate the exceptional talent and achievements of LGBTQ+ individuals and teams in the defence industry, and the value gained by inclusive organisations.

“Fighting With Pride are delighted to be partnering with this prestigious event once again. Particularly in the 25th Anniversary year since the lifting of the Ban, we are proud to see the UK now leading the way with a high-profile platform which recognises LGBTQ+ people in the defence community and demonstrates that strength is truly delivered through diversity.

“Our sincerest congratulations go to all shortlisted finalists and indeed all who were nominated, and our thanks go out to the amazing people who submitted nominations, helping to recognise those that inspire diversity, inclusion and equity in defence.”

The 2025 ceremony will take place on 23 September in the iconic Grand Hall at the Grand Connaught Rooms in Covent Garden, London. Hosted by comedian and broadcaster Zoe Lyons, the evening will feature live entertainment and inspiring guest speakers, as well as the highly anticipated award presentation. 

Known for its fun, unique and welcoming atmosphere, the award ceremony brings together senior military  leaders, business executives, civil servants and politicians, reinforcing the vital link between inclusion and operational effectiveness in defence.

The Awards are proudly sponsored by leading employers including BAE Systems, Thales, Amazon, Babcock, Maersk, MBDA and PA Consulting. Winners are selected by an independent judging panel featuring leaders from the Ministry of Defence, British Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, DE&S, Leonardo, Imperial College London and the Scottish Prison Service.

Amanda Wood, Group 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 and can bring their whole self to work. 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, together with many others across the business and the insight they bring is vital in helping us maintain momentum on this important company journey.”

 

The Finalists

 

Advocate of the Year

 

Capt Daniel Thomas, SJFHQ (Royal Navy)

Charlotte Garcia, QinetiQ

Cpl Arran Vice, 29(R) Sqn-Eng  RAF

Grace Lea, BAE Systems

Lt Jason Gooderham, Royal Logistic Corps, British Army

Mark Cartwright, DE&S

PO Connor Neale, Royal Navy

 

Ally of the Year

 

Aaron Nicholl, Thales UK

Ana Whittaker, MBDA UK

Caitlin Hayden, BAE Systems

Eren Bessim, Safer Business Network

Jasminder Kooner, Royal Air Force

Rose Carney, Naimuri

Tina Walton, Northrop Grumman UK

 

Armed Forces Leader of the Year

 

Air Cdre Anthony John Lyle, Royal Air Force

Col Grace Sangster-Wall, British Army

Capt Edmund Rogers, Army LGBTQ+ Network 

Cdr Nick Stratton, British Defence Staff Washington

Flt Lt Emily H, Royal Air Force

Flt Lt Jordan Stafford-Boutwood, Royal Air Force 

RAdm Jude Terry CB OBE, Royal Navy

 

Inspiration of the Year

 

Deborah Mills-Burns, Momentum Personal Solutions

Em Holton, BAE Systems

Jayne King, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust

Lucy Moore, L3Harris

Maj Harry Walter MBE, UK STRATCOM

Maj Stephanie Hayward, Allied Rapid Reaction Corps

Paul Fraine, Ministry of Defence

 

LGBTQ+ Network or Initiative of the Year

 

Army LGBTQ+ Network

Intelligence Corps LGBT+ Network

L3Harris UK Pride Employee Resource Group

Naimuri DEI Powergroup

OutLink, BAE Systems

PA Consulting LGBTQIA+ Network

PRIDE@MBDA

Pride in Babcock

Royal Navy LGBTQ+ Network

UKI Pride Employee Resource Group, DXC Technology

 

LGBTQ+ Trailblazer of the Year

 

Charlie Bennett, BAE Systems

Denis Twomey, Babcock International 

Jo Chambers-Grant, MBDA UK

Satia Rai, International Professional Security Association

Sgt Stephen Campbell, Royal Air Force

The Female Development Squad, British Army Shooting Team

WO2 Leigh Schofield-Perrett, Intelligence Corps, British Army

 

Outstanding Achiever of the Year

 

AB1(INT) Liam Bell, Royal Navy

Acting Cpl Amber Harris, 54 Signals Unit, RAF Digby

Jenna Powell, BAE Systems

Maj Chantelle Miller, HQ Centre

Mark Owen, L3Harris

Ricky Hood, MBDA UK

Sgt Antony Stafford-Boutwood, Royal Air Force

 

Rising Star of the Year

 

Cfn Lewis Morgan, REME, British Army 

Freddie Willoughby, BAE Systems

Joshua Tyers, L3Harris Technologies

Kaylea Newlove, International Professional Security Association

LCpl Liam Cole, 4 Regiment Army Air Corps, British Army

MA Cole Scahill, HMS Neptune, Royal Navy

 

Role Model of the Year

 

Deborah Penny MBE, Army Engagement Group 

Elaine Fraser, Thales UK

Emma Moralee-Patterson, BAE Systems

H, Ministry of Defence

Karen Saunders, L3Harris Technologies

LCpl Eve Wild, British Army

Lucas Green, AWE

Ruth Mills, Naimuri

 

Team Leader of the Year

 

Alice North, MBDA UK

Alice Spreckley, Naimuri

Claire Evans, AWE

Gervasio Salerno, ITP Aero 

Paul Kellett, BAE Systems

Sqn Ldr Edward Bindloss-Gibb, Royal Air Force

WO1 Dean Nelson, British Army

 

Veteran of the Year

 

Anthony Knight, Fighting With Pride

Charlotte Davies, AWE

Jean Macdonald, Fighting With Pride

Kate Holvey-Williams, Royal British Legion

Sharon Pickering, Evidentful

Vic Wales, Walking With The Wounded