We’re absolutely delighted to announce that GYRO, our dedicated LGBTQ+ youth service, has been shortlisted in the Community Organisation (LGBT) category at the National Diversity Awards 2026. The nomination arrives in a truly special year for our whole organisation, with YPAS marking its 60th anniversary and GYRO celebrating 50 years of LGBTQ+ youth support.
Now in their 15th year, the National Diversity Awards shine a light on the individuals, groups and organisations across the UK who are committed to advancing diversity and inclusion. The shortlist itself is drawn from a remarkable 80,000 nominations and votes, celebrating society heroes whose positive impact is indisputable. To see GYRO named among them is an extraordinary honour.
The nomination lands during this milestone year for the team, and the shortlisting places GYRO’s five decades of youth work firmly on the national stage, recognising the safe spaces, one-to-one support, social groups and youth-led advocacy that have been a lifeline for thousands of young people since 1976. Today, GYRO continues to offer support around identity, coming out, sexual health, relationships and mental wellbeing, alongside training and consultancy for schools and organisations working to become more inclusive.
Chris Porter, our Wellbeing Services Operations Manager, shared his pride in the team: “Well done to our fantastic LGBTQ+ team for their amazing work this year highlighting 50 years of LGBTQ+ youth support.”
That celebration will take centre stage on Saturday 25 July, where GYRO has been invited to lead the Liverpool Pride 2026 march through the city. After last summer’s unforgettable display of love, unity and resilience, our team and young people will be leading the march front and centre; an amazing opportunity to demonstrate our LGBTQ+ youth work’s deep roots in Liverpool. Putting this all together was a tireless team effort, and as Chris rightly added: “Brilliant work from Meg and the team to get all this booked in”.
We’ll be sharing more details on how you can march with us very soon. In the meantime, you can look back at the joy of last year’s Pride HERE. Here’s to an unforgettable Pride Month, and to everything still to come.
