The news brand builds on the success of last year’s partnerships with an expanded programme spanning editorial, events, commercial collaborations and industry initiatives
A cornerstone of The Independent’s Pride programming, the ‘Pride List’ returns on 31 May, recognising influential LGBTQ+ change makers across culture, politics, business and activism. First published in 2000 as the ‘Pink List’, the Pride List is a powerful symbol of The Independent’s commitment to championing diversity and equality in all its work.
Alongside the ‘Pride List’, the news brand will produce a dedicated video interview series featuring Pride List honourees. The series will offer deeper insight into the personal stories, challenges and achievements of those shaping LGBTQ+ progress today. Wider editorial will include long-form features, opinion pieces and multimedia storytelling designed to inform, challenge and inspire readers.
June will also see the release of a new documentary from The Independent’s chief international correspondent, Bel Trew. The documentary explores the devastating impact of aid cuts on the LGBTQ+ community in Nigeria, which is facing surging levels of violence. In the film, Trew follows men living with HIV who are in hiding after being kidnapped and tortured for their sexuality — and have now lost access to their life-saving HIV medication from the aid cuts.
The Independent will once again partner with Pride in London across editorial, commercial and marketing activity, culminating in participation in the Pride in London parade on 4 July, with The Independent team marching in pride and protest. Coverage will spotlight key issues affecting LGBTQ+ communities, alongside celebratory storytelling that reflects the diversity of experiences across the community.
The news brand partners with the7stars for AdLand Pride on 18 June, supporting an initiative that celebrates LGBTQ+ talent and advocacy within the advertising industry in the face of global DEI rollbacks and attacks on LGBTQ+ rights. The collaboration underscores The Independent’s commitment to fostering inclusion across media and marketing sectors. The queer community and allies from across the industry will come together at the7stars’ Covent Garden HQ for an evening of conversation, and fundraising for Not A Phase.
Geordie Greig, editor-in-chief, The Independent remarks: “I am immensely proud of The Independent’s work in championing LGBTQ+ voices — not just during Pride, but through a year-round commitment to visibility, equality and fairness.
“We will continue collaborating with brilliant people and partners from this community to ensure that their successes are celebrated and struggles are never ignored. The Independent has always stood for positive change for LGBTQ+ communities, and it always will.”
Sian Elvin, news editor for The Independent, comments: “We cannot wait to soon share our annual list of LGBTQ+ changemakers for 2026, after weeks of research, discussion and deliberation.
“As always, The Independent is proud to stand as an ally to the community and we will again march at Pride in London this year, demonstrating the importance of visibility and continued change for LGBTQ+ people across the UK and globally.”
