**Cynthia Erivo, The Vivienne, and Other Trailblazers Named in The Independent’s 2025 Pride List**
A host of influential British personalities have been recognised for their impact within the LGBTQ+ community, as The Independent announced its annual Pride List for 2025. This year’s lineup features the celebrated stage and screen star Cynthia Erivo and the late drag icon The Vivienne amongst a diverse group of honourees hailed as “LGBT+ changemakers”.
The Pride List, published every June to coincide with the UK’s Pride Month celebrations, spotlights those individuals whose visibility and activism have significantly affected the lives of LGBTQ+ people across Britain and beyond. This edition continues The Independent’s mission to celebrate fifty extraordinary voices shaping the community’s future.
Wicked and Harriet star Cynthia Erivo, 38, secured the fourth position on the list. Erivo, already the recipient of numerous accolades including a GLAAD Award earlier this year, has championed greater representation and inclusivity in the creative industries. Her continuing advocacy, both through her performances and public statements, has earned widespread praise – not only for her talent but for her commitment to equality.
The Vivienne, forever remembered as the inaugural winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, is recognised posthumously in seventh place. The drag persona of James Lee Williams, who tragically died earlier this year at just 32, The Vivienne was an outspoken campaigner for both the drag and wider LGBTQ+ communities. Through her ground-breaking television appearances and candid discussions of prejudice, she became an emblem of hope and resilience, touching countless lives before her untimely passing.
Taking the top spot this year is Victoria McCloud, former judge and distinguished lawyer, noted for her unyielding stance on transgender rights. McCloud, herself a trans woman, has recently announced legal action at the European Court of Human Rights – a response to the Supreme Court’s clarification that the word ‘woman’ in the Equality Act refers to biological women. Her inclusion reflects ongoing tensions around transgender rights and the resolve of those fighting for recognition.
Other prominent names featured in the 2025 Pride List include Olympic gold medallist Tom Daley, acclaimed actor Bella Ramsey, celebrated artist David Hockney, beloved comedian Joe Lycett, and author Juno Dawson. Each has made their mark in fostering greater public acceptance and understanding of LGBTQ+ lives, whether through literature, art, sport, or comedy. Bella Ramsey, who has won admirers for their roles in high-profile dramas, continues to break down gender barriers in film and television.
Chloe Hubbard, the UK editor for The Independent, emphasised the need for visibility and representation, especially in today’s climate. “This year, the LGBTQ+ community has faced increasing marginalisation both in the UK and abroad. Making these changemakers visible is more crucial than ever,” she stated, reaffirming the publication’s ongoing dedication to standing with the community.
Since its 2023 relaunch, The Independent has widened the scope of its Pride List – previously named the Rainbow List – to acknowledge fifty trailblazers each year. Last year’s honourees included Sex Education and Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa, footballer and pundit Alex Scott, and celebrated screenwriter Russell T Davies, underlining the breadth of talent and influence represented.
To mark the publication of the 2025 Pride List, The Independent plans to host a celebratory event at Queer Britain, the country’s museum of LGBTQ+ history, on 11th June. This promises to be a key gathering for supporters and leaders of the community, reinforcing the importance of collective solidarity and progress.
The full top ten for the 2025 Pride List is as follows: Victoria McCloud (former judge), Juno Dawson (author), Bella Ramsey (actor), Cynthia Erivo (actor and singer), Wes Streeting (Secretary of State for Health and Social Care), David Hockney (artist), The Vivienne (drag artist), Joe Lycett (comedian and artist), Tom Daley (Olympic athlete), and Yasmin Benoit (model and activist).
As the UK’s Pride Month unfolds, this annual list not only acknowledges remarkable individual accomplishments but also highlights the ongoing struggles and triumphs of a diverse community. The message at its heart is clear: visibility, advocacy, and pride remain as vital as ever in the journey toward greater equality and acceptance.