LGBT Sparkle group from Wolverhampton shortlisted for LGBT Award
Paul Ryder and Marcus Cotterill of LGBT Sparkle group from Wolverhampton have been shortlisted for the Community Organisation: LGBT Award in this year’s National Diversity Awards in association with HSBC UK. It’s a huge achievement to reach this stage as from over 85,000 nominees, 125 finalists in 10 categories have been named in recognition of their dedication to advancing equality, diversity and inclusion.
The LGBT Sparkle group has been shortlisted for their effort enabling members to meet and converse in a supportive safe space. Their group has enabled members to meet others with similar problems. Paul and Marcus believe their work in providing a safe space for conversation helps members reduce stress and that sharing problems has a therapeutic benefit.
Now in their 14th 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.
A remarkable 85,000 nominations and votes were received, celebrating individuals, groups and organisations committed to continuing with diversity and inclusion activities. From these entries, the National Diversity Awards shortlist shows, once again, the indisputable and positive impact of society heroes standing up for equality.
Winners will be announced on September 19, 2025 at the prestigious National Diversity Awards in the stunning Liverpool Anglican Cathedral, hosted by broadcaster, author, presenter and journalist Clare Balding, CBE a renowned champion of diversity, inclusion and equity.
"I’m thrilled and deeply honoured to return as host for the National Diversity Awards,” says Clare Balding CBE. “Recognising the individuals, organisations and charities that go above and beyond to improve their communities is truly vital. These inspiring and uplifting awards shine a spotlight on the incredible strength and positivity of an inclusive society, celebrating community heroes whose dedication and achievements might otherwise go unrecognised."
Nominees were put forward for one of these categories:
Positive Role Model: Age / Disability / Gender / LGBT / Race, Faith or Religion
Community Organisation: Age / Disability / Gender / LGBT / Race, Faith or Religion / Multi-Strand
Entrepreneur of Excellence
Diverse Company of the Year
Celebrity of the Year
Lifetime Achiever
The finalists in the Community Organisation: LGBT category are: In Focus Education & Development, LGBT Sparkle, Marching Out Together, Proud 2 b Parents, Sahir, Transparent Presence CIC, Trans Pride Hastings and The Proud Trust.
Paul Ryder said that he and Marcus are humbled to have been shortlisted for a National Diversity Award. It is a reflection of the strength of the LGBT Sparkle group.
“The unsung heroes shortlisted in the National Diversity Awards help us to realise how much goodness and humility there is at the heart of our communities,” says Paul Sesay, CEO of Inclusive Companies and founder of the National Diversity Awards. “The work these people do and the empathy they show is more important than it has ever been. We are living in a time when funding and support are limited which makes community action an invaluable resource on which so many people rely. Indeed, for some, it really is a lifeline.”
Find out more at: nationaldiversityawards.co.uk
