Last year, The Independent relaunched its Rainbow List as The Pride List, to recognise 50 extraordinary LGBTQ+ changemakers. Included at the top of the list were England football star Beth Mead, comedian Joe Lycett, singer and comedian Jordan Gray, Vogue editor Edward Enninful and TV and radio host Rylan Clark.
This year’s list will feature the following changemakers in its top 10:
- Ncuti Gatwa, actor
- Alex Scott, sports presenter and former professional footballer
- Victoria McCloud, former judge of the King's Bench
- Andrew Scott, actor
- Wes Streeting, Shadow Secretary of State for Health and Social Care
- Crystal, drag artist
- Rosie Jones, comedian, writer and actor
- Tia Kofi, drag artist
- Self Esteem, musician, songwriter and actor
- Olly Alexander, singer and actor
On featuring in the list, Crystal comments: "I'm honoured to be part of The Independent's Pride List! I had no idea my story would resonate with so many people, and I hope it inspires more queer people to keep fighting the good fight."
Rosie Jones says: “I'm incredibly honoured to be included in the Pride List 2024. I am so proud to be an out gay woman, and I will continue to champion and celebrate all members of our queer family all over the world."
The Pride List will run alongside special features on Rosie Jones, Crystal, Victoria McCloud and more.
For the third year running, The Independent is returning as an official media partner of Pride in London. The relationship encompasses an array of commercial, editorial and marketing initiatives during Pride Month and beyond. The activity will build on The Independent’s long history of campaigning for and championing LGBTQ+ voices. The Independent team will also take part in what will be the 53rd Pride in London parade through central London on 29 June, marching in celebration of LGBTQ+ accomplishments and in protest at the equality not yet achieved, say the publishers.
The Independent has also announced that, for the first time, it is the exclusive national news partner for Manchester Pride Festival 2024, which takes place from Friday 16 August to Monday 26 August. The Independent will support Manchester Pride with a programme spanning editorial, advertising and marketing.
Geordie Greig, Editor-in-Chief at The Independent, says: “We are delighted to be launching this year’s Pride List, which celebrates an amazing array of LGBTQ+ trailblazers. It’s a privilege for us to help honour those who are making such an incredible impact in society. Our partnership with Pride in London continues to strengthen each year and we are excited to be working with the brilliant Manchester Pride for the first time. We are enormously proud that our steadfast commitment to LGBTQ+ issues for nearly 40 years has resulted in the largest LGBTQ+ readership of any UK news brand online. With 40% of all donations to LGBTQ+ causes in the UK coming from Independent readers, we are so excited about what we can continue to achieve, together.”
Dee Llewellyn, Director of Partnerships and Growth, Pride in London, remarks: "We are thrilled to announce we have renewed our partnership with The Independent, a renowned publication that shares our commitment to diversity, inclusion and equality. This collaboration marks a significant step in amplifying the voices of the LGBTQ+ community and fostering greater understanding and acceptance. Together, we aim to celebrate Pride in all its forms and ensure that every story is heard and valued."
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