In 2023, The Independent relaunched its Rainbow List as The Pride List, to recognise 50 LGBT+ changemakers. Last year marked the second iteration of the relaunched list, which included Doctor Who and Sex Education star Ncuti Gatwa, commentator and former England footballer Alex Scott, Wicked and Bridgerton actor Jonathan Bailey, screenwriter Russell T Davies and singer Cat Burns.
The Independent says the third iteration of the Pride List, which launched on the 7 June, features influential and inspirational trailblazers from across the worlds of entertainment, sport, business, law, fashion, politics, campaigning and the arts.
This year’s top 10 is:
- Victoria McCloud, former judge of the King’s Bench
- Juno Dawson, author
- Bella Ramsey, actor
- Cynthia Erivo, actor and singer
- Wes Streeting, shadow secretary of state for health and social care
- David Hockney, artist
- The Vivienne, drag artist, singer and television personality
- Joe Lycett, comedian, television presenter and artist
- Tom Daley, olympic gold medallist and television personality
- Yasmin Benoit, model and activist
Topping the list is Victoria McCloud, a lawyer and former judge. McCloud, a trans woman, was the youngest master in the High Court of Justice when appointed in 2006 and, in addition to her legal career, is a high-profile advocate for the trans community, added The Independent. Earlier this year, she announced that she is bringing legal action against the UK government following the Supreme Court ruling on the definition of a woman.
Commenting on her inclusion on the list, Victoria McCloud says: “I'm delighted and honoured that The Independent has included me in its Pride list this year. In 2025, more than ever before, amidst increasing oppression and segregation at home, with Court and State against us, people from the Trans community yearn to be bathed in rainbow light. These are uniquely dark times, but we will challenge those who wish to marginalise us be they Government or activists with money and the odd mega-yacht to spare. We have been here for centuries; we will be here for centuries to come. The quiet majority walk with us."
Joe Lycett, who is this year’s number 8, remarks: “I’m honoured to be recognised on the Independent Pride List as one of the most uber masculine bisexual alpha men in the country. I think that’s what the email said."
The Pride List is accompanied by exclusive features from Juno Dawson and Victoria McCloud, and interviews with Nadia Whittome, Yasmin Benoit, Peter Tatchell and more.
To mark the Pride List being published, The Independent says it will host a special event in London on 11 June. The evening, taking place at Queer Britain, will be dedicated to honouring these changemakers at a time where LGBT+ people face continued threats.
The Independent is an official media partner of Pride in London for the fourth year running, and returning as Manchester’s Pride partner since joining forces for the first time in 2024. The relationships encompass a number of commercial, editorial and marketing initiatives during Pride Month and beyond, and build on The Independent’s long history of LGBT+ campaigning and reporting.
The Independent says its unwavering commitment to LGBT+ issues since its launch in 1986 has resulted in a readership which is passionate about supporting the LGBT+ community. Almost 40% of all LGBT+ people in the UK are Independent readers, whilst 41% of all donations to LGBT+ causes come from The Independent’s audience.
Chloe Hubbard, UK editor of The Independent, comments: “We are proud to champion our most influential LGBT+ changemakers once again on our annual Pride List in a year where the community has been further marginalised on both sides of the Atlantic. Visibility and pride within the queer community feels more vital than ever and we are dedicated to continuing to occupy our unique place in the media on LGBT+ issues.”
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