- The British-Iraqi writer, filmmaker, and performer Amrou Al-Kadhi will host 2026 International Pride Awards ceremony
- The International Pride Awards ceremony will be held during the Human Rights Conference at WorldPride Amsterdam on 5 August, live on YouTube and broadcast later on OutTV
- The International Pride Awards are a joint project by the United Nationsan international organisation comprising 193 member States. It has the mission of maintaining peace and security, protecting human rights, providing humanitarian aid and ensuring economic and social development across the globe. It is a network of many different bodies and agencies, each of which has a particular role and responsibility. More Development Programme (UNDP) and ILGA World recognising LGBTIQ+ equality heroes worldwide
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and ILGA World (the International Lesbianadjective/noun to describe a woman whose enduring physical, romantic, and/or emotional attraction is to other women. Women and non-binary people may use this term to describe themselves. More, Gayadjective to describe people whose enduring physical, romantic, and/ or emotional
attractions are to people of the same gender. Men, women and non-binary people may use this
term to describe themselves. More, Bisexualadjective used to describe a person who has the capacity to form enduring physical, romantic, and/ or emotional attractions to those of the same gender or to those of other genders. More, Transadjective/umbrella term to describe a person whose gender identity does not match the sex they were assigned at birth. More and Intersexan umbrella term for the spectrum of variations of sex characteristics that naturally occur within the human species. Intersex people are born with variations of sex characteristics (such as genitals, reproductive organs, hormonal and chromosomal patterns) that are more diverse than stereotypical definitions of male or female bodies. Up to 1.7% of the global population are born with such traits; yet, because their bodies are seen as different, intersex children and adults are often stigmatised and subject to harmful practices – including in medical settings - and discriminated against. More Association) are excited to announce that Amrou Al-Kadhi will host the 2026 International Pride Awards ceremony, set to take place on 5 August during the Human Rights Conference at WorldPride Amsterdam.
Amrou Al-Kadhi (they/them) is a British-Iraqi writer, filmmaker, performer, and leading LGBTIQ+ advocate whose work explores identity, belonging and self-expression. A drag artist known as Glamrou, they have become an acclaimed voice on the intersections of queerness, faith and culture. As Glamrou, they have sold out drag tours in the UK and the US. Their debut feature film, Layla, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2024, earning international recognition for its powerful storytelling. Their memoir, Life As A Unicorn, was awarded the Polari First Book Prize and a Somerset Maugham award. As an author, speaker and broadcaster, Amrou has inspired audiences worldwide with their thoughtful, compassionate and often humorous perspective on equality, authenticity and the importance of creating spaces where everyone can thrive.
The International Pride Awards is a joint project by the UNDP and ILGA World. First established in 2024, the awards shine a light on stories of resilience, solidarity, and progress. The global initiative provides a platform to recognise and uplift those whose leadership strengthens movements, promotes dignity, and expands opportunities, reinforcing the fundamental principle that no one should be left behind.
“I’m so honoured to be hosting the International Pride Awards. We are living in precarious and frightening times — all across the West we are seeing assaults and entrenchment when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights, and continued fraying of democratic norms and civil rights. Given the context, it feels more important than ever to profile extraordinary LGBTIQ+ changemakers fighting to make the world a better place.
Hope and inspiration are a fundamental aspect of my practice as an artist — despite the circumstances we find ourselves in, I still have hope for a better world because of the amazing people fighting to make it so, and believe events like this are vital in inspiring change for a more equal and kinder world.”
Amrou Al-Kadhi
Selected by a committee of experienced LGBTIQ+ campaigners, advocates and human rights leaders from nominations submitted across the globe, this year’s awardees demonstrate the many ways people are building progress — from strengthening grassroots movements and transforming healthcare to preserving community history and expanding political representation.
This year’s award categories are:
- Movement building in the face of hostility
- Celebrating diverse lives
- Emerging leader
- Lifelong pursuit of equality
- Extraordinary allya term used to describe someone who is actively supportive of LGBTI people. It encompasses straight and cisgender allies, as well as LGBTI people who actively support other populations within the community at large. More
The awards will be announced during the ceremony on 5 August 2026 at 15:45 PM CEST (UTC+2).
The event, supported by Deutsche Bank and OutTV, will be broadcast live on YouTube and on OutTV starting 6 August, reaching a truly global audience.
Follow Amrou Al-Kadhi on Instagram and X: @glamrou
Follow the International Pride Awards on YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook
For more information about the awards, please visit https://internationalprideawards.org.