Close

Wolverhampton's LGBT Sparkle wins at National Diversity Awards

LGBT Sparkle from Wolverhampton has won the Community Organisation: LGBT Award at this year’s National Diversity Awards in association with HSBC UK. It’s a huge achievement as from over 85,000 nominees, 126 finalists in 15 categories, it was named in recognition of its dedication to advancing equality, diversity and inclusion.

By contributor Paul Ryder
Published
Last updated

LGBT Sparkle is a Wolverhampton-based, volunteer-led group supporting LGBTQ+ individuals and allies through inclusive, safe spaces and creative connection. Founded by Paul Ryder and Marcus Cotterill - both with lived experience of disability - the group initially launched with face-to-face meetings shortly before the Covid-19 pandemic. When lockdowns began, sessions moved online via Zoom to maintain connection and support. Since then, LGBT Sparkle has grown to over 1,500 members across the UK, returning to in-person meetings while continuing a hybrid approach. 

The group hosts weekly meetups, social events and popular arts and crafts workshops that encourage therapeutic conversation and build confidence. From drag nights and guided walks to dementia sessions and litter picks, each event fosters inclusion, creativity and community care. Entirely volunteer-run, LGBT Sparkle fills a vital gap in LGBTQ+ support, creating a sense of belonging for those who often feel unseen.

(L to R): Marcus Cotterill holding the trophy, Ash Palmisciano from Emmerdale, Bradley Riches (kneeling down), Paul Ryder, and Austin Armacost
(L to R): Marcus Cotterill holding the trophy, Ash Palmisciano from Emmerdale, Bradley Riches (kneeling down), Paul Ryder, and Austin Armacost

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 short-sighted rhetoric risks making some people feel disenfranchised by DEI, this year’s awards are more important than ever.

Winners were announced on September 19, 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.

Paul Ryder and Marcus Cotterill, say: We are both overwhelmed to receive this amazing award of all the hard work we have put in over the last 6 years this is an amazing momentum we are both so immensely proud as well of all the hard we have put in to help and support the community we serve."