The power of inclusion: Finalists revealed for 2024 LGBTQ+ Defence Awards
The LGBTQ+ Defence Awards are back for 2024 and the finalists have been revealed.
After a successful launch last year, the awards continue to showcase the achievements, success and innovation of LGBTQ+ professionals across the entire aerospace, defence and security industry.
This unique awards programme was formed following the then Prime Minister's formal state apology to the LGBTQ+ community for the so-called "gay ban" in the Armed Forces which ended in 2000.
Last year's awards were the first time the broad spectrum of UK defence came together to showcase, celebrate and promote the power of LGBTQ+ inclusion.
The LGBTQ+ Defence Awards, of which BFBS is a media partner, continue to lead the way as a flagship annual showcase of the talents, achievements and contributions of this community.
The awards recognise not only those who trailblaze for LGBTQ+ inclusion but also other LGBTQ+ achievers who have maximised their value to UK defence and security through being able to be themselves at work.
This year there are 17 categories for Industry and Armed Forces awards, allies, advocates, networks, and a Veterans Award that also welcomes nominations for individuals working outside the defence sector.
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 initiate 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
SSgt 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
This year's winners will be celebrated on 23 October in the Westminster Ballroom of the London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square.
Returning to hosting duties is BBC news anchor Jane Hill. Currently fronting the BBC News broadcasts at One, Six and 10, she became the UK's first out lesbian newsreader last year.
An exciting programme of live entertainment and special guest speakers is expected with guests 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, Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, Thales, Lockheed Martin, L3Harris, Jacobs, Northrop Grumman, Leonardo and Imperial College London.
Related topics
Join Our Newsletter
