Twenty-five years after gay ban lifted, LGBTQ+ Defence Awards reveal this years' finalists
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 (listed below) 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 from 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 awards 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 3,000-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."
Note, there are some people who we are not naming in full because of their roles.
The Finalists
ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR
Capt Daniel Thomas, SJFHQ (Royal Navy)
Charlotte Garcia, QinetiQ
Cpl Arran Vice, (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, 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 STATCOM
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
Dr H, Ministry of Defence
Elaine Fraser, Thales UK
Emma Moralee-Patterson, BAE Systems
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
WO2 Dean Nelson, British Army / RLC – HQ BFPO – Global Ops
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
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