From the bustling streets of London to the historic charm of Edinburgh, the UK is a hub of diversity. Within each of these cities, there are individuals who have left an indelible mark on LGBTQ+ history and culture. From poets to politicians, musicians to activists, these queer icons from across the UK have made their mark on history, paving the way for greater acceptance and understanding. As we celebrate Pride and honor LGBTQ+ history, let's remember the contributions of these individuals and continue to strive for a more inclusive future.
Though born in Harrow, England, Owen Hurcum made history by becoming the first openly non-binary mayor of any city when they were elected Mayor of the city of Bangor. Politics aside, few are prouder than Hurcum in being who they are.
Jacqueline Wilson was born in Bath and much later in life became known for being a powerhouse in children’s literature and creating the masterpiece that is The Story of Tracy Beaker. In 2020, Wilson released Love Frankie, a gay love story, and dedicated it to her same-sex partner of then 18 years.
Born in Birmingham, Joe Lycett (or should we say Hugo Boss?) has become a comedy favourite across the UK. Lycett often refers to his bisexuality and pansexuality in his routines and has advocated for LGBTQ+ charities on many occasions.
Renowned artist David Hockney, born in Bradford, is celebrated for his bold and colorful depictions of life and love. His work often explores themes of same-sex desire and identity, making him a significant figure in the LGBTQ+ art world.
Though he was born in Hackney, London, George Montague became an icon for his annual appearances at Brighton Pride on his mobility scooter decked out in rainbows. In the 1970s, Montague was convicted of gross indecency because of his sexuality, which was repealed in 2004 and for which he received an apology in 2017.
A local treasure, Peggy Hancock worked as a barmaid, confidante and electric personality amongst the city’s gay pubs from the Second World War up until the turn of the century. She then became active in Gay West, an LGBT social and support group, where she continued offering her shoulder to the community.
In 2020, Coventry man Carl Edwards was awarded Stonewall’s Gay Role Model of the Year for his tireless work in increasing LGBT+ inclusion in his workplace by creating a network, reviewing key inclusion policies and working with the EAP service to ensure individuals had access to the right support.
Comedian, TV star, and a Patron of both LGBT Youth Scotland and Pride London, Dundee-born Rhonda Cameron is waving her flag high for all to see.
Jackie Kay, the Scottish poet and novelist, has captivated readers with her evocative writing and candid exploration of queer identity, earning numerous accolades including the position of Scotland's Makar (national poet).
Born in London, Gwen Lally OBE was an English pageant master who defied gender conventions and often chose to wear 'masculine' clothing typical of the era. As the first woman pageant maker, her Pageant of Runnymede performed in Egham and by the people of Egham brought a newfound inclusivity and openness to the town.
John Barrowman, the charismatic actor and entertainer, proudly hails from Glasgow. Known for his roles in "Doctor Who" and "Torchwood," he's also been an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility in the media.
Sir Ian McKellen, the esteemed actor and LGBTQ+ activist, was born in Burnley but spent his early years in Huddersfield. His contributions to both stage and screen, along with his advocacy work, have earned him widespread admiration.
Sophie Cook, a transgender broadcaster and politician, made history as one of the first openly trans women to work in football broadcasting, making her a trailblazer in the LGBTQ+ community.
Nicola Adams, born in Leeds, is a trailblazing British boxer and Olympic champion. In 2012, she made history as the first openly LGBTQ+ athlete to win an Olympic gold medal in boxing.
Sue Perkins, the beloved comedian and television presenter, grew up in Leicester. With her sharp humor and unapologetic authenticity, she's become a cherished figure in British entertainment.
Nicholas Chamberlain is the Bishop of Grantham in Lincoln, who in 2016 became the first bishop in the Church of England to come out as gay. A Sunday newspaper had threatened to out him, but he later received an overwhelming flow of support from the public. Chamberlain has continued in his role since coming out.
Holly Johnson, the lead singer of Frankie Goes to Hollywood became a symbol of LGBTQ+ liberation in the 1980s music scene with hits like "Relax" and "The Power of Love”.
Virginia Woolf, the pioneering writer and thinker, made London her home. Through her groundbreaking works, she challenged conventional notions of gender and sexuality, leaving an enduring legacy in literature.
Although primarily known for her suffragette activism, Emmeline Pankhurst's daughter, Sylvia Pankhurst, was a bisexual woman who played a significant role in LGBTQ+ rights advocacy during her lifetime in Manchester.
Dubbed the ’King of Newscatle’s gay scene’, Adrian Gadd owned a number of pubs and clubs in Newcastle that became a safe space for the LGBT community in the city. He also helped bring the first LGBT radio show, Gay to Gay, to air.
Born and raised in Nottinghamshire, D. H. Lawrence has contributed great literary works deeply rooted in themes of homosexuality. Lawrence himself has spoken about experiences with men in his past and historians have speculated on his life, but he has never explicitly described his own sexuality.
Oscar Wilde, the iconic playwright and poet, spent a significant portion of his life in Oxford. Despite the challenges he faced due to his sexuality, his wit and creativity continue to inspire generations.
Angela Eagle, a British Labour Party politician, has represented the constituency of Wallasey since 1992. She came out as a lesbian in 1997, becoming one of the first openly LGBTQ+ members of Parliament.
Divina De Campo rose to fame as a finalist on RuPaul's Drag Race UK, showing the world their powerhouse vocals and glamorous persona. Divina has now become a beloved figure in the LGBTQ+ community, representing the best of queer life in Preston.
For much of his life, Edward Carpenter lived in Sheffield, a place that influenced and played canvas to his pioneering of gay rights during the 19th century. He was an openly gay man who proclaimed same-sex passion as perfectly natural seventy years before it was made legal, advocated for prison reform, and was an influence on D.H. Lawrence.
Tom Aspaul is so Wolves that his debut album was titled Black Country Disco. A proud gay man himself, writing credits on the album include Kylie Monigue, Celeste and Becky Hill, making the album itself even more iconic in LGBT culture.
The pioneering lesbian landowner behind the hit TV series “Gentleman Jack”, Anne Lister kept a diary written in code that year later gave us invaluable insight into the life of a queer oman in 19th century England. That included orchestrating her own improvised wedding by taking sacrament with her partner at the Holy Trinity Church in York.