The Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards marked its 15th anniversary on 7 October, transforming the historic Roundhouse in Camden into a runway of celebration for the LGBTQ+ community. Backed by partners such as M&S and the electric vehicle brand Polestar the ceremony blended high-glamour with purpose, drawing a roster of fashion houses, film studios and music legends. Performances from the reunited Sugababes country-pop provocateur Orville Peck and the cast of the musical PRIDE punctuated an evening that felt both nostalgic and forward-looking.
Beyond the glitter, the night served as a platform for activism. Recipients used their moments on stage to spotlight ongoing struggles, from trans rights to HIV/AIDS advocacy. The atmosphere was charged with a sense of urgency and optimism, reflecting the community’s resilience and its determination to shape cultural narratives on its own terms.
A parade of iconic winners
Fashion titan Donatella Versace opened the awards with the Icon Award a nod to her decades-long influence and her role as chief brand ambassador after stepping down as creative chief in 2025. Versace, who recently accepted a creative post at RE VOLVE spoke about the violence faced by trans women, describing it as something that “shakes her to the core”.
In recognition of relentless advocacy, David Furnish received the Gamechanger Award presented with support from M&S. As a key figure behind the Elton John AIDS Foundation Furnish emphasized that the primary barrier to ending HIV/AIDS is political, not medical, declaring, “The science right now is all in our favour.”
The Film Award went to Michael Johnston for the breakout horror Obsession. Produced on a modest $750,000 budget, the movie grossed over $500 million, catapulting Johnston into the Hollywood spotlight and securing him a role in the upcoming The Mummy sequel.
Comedy’s rising star Suzi Ruffell earned the Comedy Award** after a decade of sold-out tours and a bestselling memoir. Ruffell confessed, “I am so delighted. Younger Suz would be over the moon. Mainly just to be in a room with so many queer people. I never thought I would be this comfortable in my own skin.”
Straight-identified rapper and activist Jordan Stephens of Rizzle Kicks was honoured with the Ally Award backed by Polestar. Stephens reflected on his upbringing surrounded by queer mentors, noting a pivotal Soho encounter that deepened his empathy for women’s nightlife experiences.
Writer and broadcaster Juno Dawson collected the Culture Award** after a decade of reshaping LGBTQ+ literature, from bestselling novels to a stint on Doctor Who. As a trans woman, Dawson described her work as a challenge to the notion that trans creators should be pigeon-holed into a single genre.
Music legends Sugababes — the original trio of Mutya Buena, Keisha Buchanan and Siobhán Donaghy — secured the Music Award with M&S backing. Their triumphant return, highlighted by a headline Glastonbury slot and a charity concert with Olly Alexander, raised funds for trans-led groups such as Not A Phase and the Good Law Project.
The inspirational Dru Project was celebrated with the Inspiration Award marking a decade of honoring Drew Leinonen’s memory from the 2016 Pulse nightclub tragedy. Founders Brandon Wolf and Sara Grossman travelled to the UK to accept on behalf of the organization, emphasizing the need to nurture the next generation of queer changemakers.
Television personality Alison Hammond received the Honorary Gay Award with Kate Lawler accepting on her behalf. Hammond reflected on how the community taught her that “authenticity is your superpower” and gave her the permission to simply be herself on screen.
Electronic pop pioneers Pet Shop Boys were presented with the Legend Award by Virgin Atlantic. Their four-decade catalog has consistently spoken to queer audiences, and their latest project—a musical about mathematician Alan Turing—underscores their ongoing commitment to LGBTQ+ storytelling.
The drama Tip Toe clinched the Television Award after a gripping six-part run on Channel 4, exploring online radicalisation and safety within LGBTQ+ spaces. The series attracted 1.1 million viewers on its linear debut and was later acquired by Starz in North America.
Closing the night, country star Orville Peck was crowned Man of the Year. Peck’s album Mule chronicled a personal journey through sobriety, while his upcoming role as Vega in the Street Fighter film signals his expanding artistic horizons.
What the awards signal for the future
The 2026 ceremony underscored the power of visibility. By spotlighting figures from high fashion to indie horror, the Attitude Awards reinforced the idea that LGBTQ+ narratives are not niche but central to contemporary culture. The presence of corporate sponsors like Virgin Atlantic and Polestar demonstrates a growing commercial commitment to queer inclusion, while the activists on stage reminded audiences that battles over health equity and trans rights remain ongoing.
Organisers hinted at next year’s agenda, promising deeper collaborations with charitable partners and expanded programming for emerging queer talent. As the night wound down, the message was clear: the community’s past fifteen years of triumphs are a launching pad for a future where every voice can be heard, celebrated and protected.
