African Rainbow Family has won the Community Organisation Award for LGBT at this year’s National Diversity Awards in association with HSBC UK. It’s a huge achievement as from over 85,000 nominees, 153 finalists in 15 categories, they were named in recognition of their dedication to advancing equality, diversity and inclusion.
African Rainbow Family (ARF) is the UK’s leading expert-by-lived-experience grassroots charity advocating for the racial justice, human rights and wellbeing of LGBTIQ+ refugees and people seeking asylum of African heritage and the Global Majority. Founded in 2014, ARF provides psychotherapeutic peer support, counselling, advocacy, employability training, integration programmes and emergency subsistence assistance across Manchester, Birmingham, London, Leeds and beyond. Led by people with lived experience of persecution and displacement, ARF creates safe, trauma-informed spaces while campaigning nationally for fairer asylum systems and protections. Since inception, ARF has supported over 600 individuals to secure refugee status and rebuild their lives with dignity, safety and confidence.
Now in their 15th year, the annual National Diversity Awards bring a beacon of hope as they highlight the great work being done by individuals and organisations committed to diversity. As the recent damaging and shortsighted rhetoric risks making some people feel disenfranchised by DEI, this year’s awards are more important than ever.
Winners were announced on 18 September 2026 at the prestigious National Diversity Awards in the stunning Liverpool Anglican Cathedral, hosted by television presenter and author Konnie Huq.
“I’m genuinely honoured to host the National Diversity Awards on their 15th anniversary,” says Konnie Huq. “Growing up in a British-Bangladeshi family, I didn’t always see people who looked like me or shared my experiences represented on screen or celebrated in wider society. So standing on this stage, recognising people who are breaking barriers and lifting others up, feels deeply personal. These awards remind us how powerful it is when every community is seen, valued and given space to shine.”
The finalists alongside African Rainbow Family in the Community Organisation LGBT category were: Gyro, George House Trust, Gaydio, GoodVibes LGBT Youth Group, Queer and Now CIC, Proud Mary’s LGBT+ Choir, Fighting With Pride, Viva LGBTQ+, Rainbow Families Yorkshire CIC.
AFRICAN RAINBOW FAMILY: “Winning this award is an incredibly proud and meaningful moment for African Rainbow Family. It is recognition of the resilience, courage and contributions of the LGBTIQ+ refugees, people seeking asylum and migrants we support. This award belongs to our Siblings, whose voices, experiences and strength continue to shape our work. It also affirms the importance of our grassroots, expert-by-lived-experience approach and strengthens our commitment to championing racial justice, equality and human rights. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has supported our journey and continues to stand with us as we build safer, more inclusive communities where everyone can belong and thrive.” You can watch our awards and acceptance speech here: https://youtu.be/fCiGMake8yo
“The National Diversity Awards are a powerful reminder of what can happen when people refuse to stand by and instead choose to make a difference,” says Paul Sesay, CEO of Inclusive Companies and founder of the National Diversity Awards. “Every year, we hear extraordinary stories of courage, compassion and determination from people working tirelessly to create change in their communities and beyond. At a time when the conversation around diversity and inclusion can feel increasingly challenging, it is more important than ever to celebrate those who continue to speak up, challenge inequality and open doors for others. These awards are about shining a light on those making a genuine difference – and reminding us that inclusion is not a trend or a tick-box exercise; it is about creating a society where everyone has the opportunity to be seen, heard and valued.”
With thanks to HSBC UK, the headline sponsor of the National Diversity Awards, Airbus, BT Group, Lush, Kantar, Manchester Airports Group (MAG) and The Phoenix Community Trust. Find out more at: www.nationaldiversityawards.co.uk