Stonewall CEO on the next steps for LGBTQIA+ equality: 'The UK must deliver on its commitments in 2026'

Simon Blake has been the CEO of Stonewall, Europe’s largest LGBTQIA+ charity, since September 2024. Previously he was the CEO of Mental Health First Aid England, and from 2015 to 2021, a trustee of Stonewall and has a long history of campaigning for LGBTQ+ rights.

Stonewall was founded in 1989, in response to Section 28 of the Local Government Act (1988). Stonewall has been at the forefront of the campaigns for liberation and equality, securing legislative change and much more. However, in this time of change, many of the hard-won rights we gained are under threat. As Simon leads Stonewall into 2026, I wanted to learn more about his priorities for the year and where there are opportunities for progress.

What has brought you the greatest joy in your role as Stonewall CEO?

Without a doubt it has to be the people, and their passion and desire to make change for our diverse LGBTQIA+ communities. Far beyond ‘Stonewall people’ – the whole movement, the vast ecosystem, both here in the UK and globally. These are people with huge care, resilience, tenacity, determination and solidarity. I have received moral and practical help aplenty – along with challenge – from people keen to help me and Stonewall be a strong and powerful advocate for the community.

Can you expand on this further?

When I joined Stonewall, I was obviously very familiar with the charity and some of our partners, but I hadn’t understood the sheer number of initiatives and people working for LGBTQIA+ equality across the UK and beyond. I hadn’t seen how much energy people give to uplifting and supporting the community. I am privileged to have enormous opportunities to advocate for change. That includes being honest when positions are problematic or discriminatory. Speaking truth to power is an important responsibility that comes with this role. I carry that responsibility incredibly seriously.

Which legislative changes would Stonewall like to see in 2026?

Stonewall’s vision is of a world where everyone, everywhere, has equal rights. We need a comprehensive legislative framework to make that a reality for everyone in the community. We are not a homogenous group. We do not experience protections and empowerment equally. Government must deliver on their manifesto commitments this year: equalising hate crime, so LGBTQIA+ hate crime is an aggravated offence, and banning conversion practices. It is way past time the Conversion Practices Bill was published. Although not strictly legislation, the Code of Conduct from the Equality and Human Rights Commission is so important. The Supreme Court ruling last year made it clear the Equality Act protects trans people from discrimination. We need a Code that starts from a principle of inclusion to make that a reality.

Last year the UK was ranked 22^nd in ILGA-Europe’s Rainbow Index.

Just a decade ago the UK was top of the leader board for LGBTQIA+ rights and freedoms. I want the Prime Minister, Equalities Minister and wider Cabinet to take deliberate action to build trust with the whole LGBTQIA+ community in the UK and to continue its modest but vital investment in global LGBTQIA+ rights. I want to see political courage, and all of us across civil society, the LGBTQIA+ community, the arts, business and parliamentarians working together with a shared vision of LGBTQIA+ equality so everyone can live with dignity, free from prejudice and harm. That would be leadership.

What does Stonewall have planned for LGBT+ History Month?

LGBT+ History Month is such an important initiative. Understanding our history helps us shape our future. We often talk about times being unprecedented. Clearly it is a challenging time, but it has never been an easy ride for our community. And still, we are here. We have a parliamentary event to learn from some of the giants whose shoulders we stand on. We have produced a toolkit for those in our Proud Employers workplace programme, to help them mark the month. It is also an important opportunity to celebrate changemakers, as well as press home time and again through presentations, speeches and panels the importance of taking deliberate action to realise equality.

What coming out advice would you give to your younger self?

When I came out in the 1990s, we were a community defiant in the face of homophobia and the extraordinary toll of the HIV epidemic. Fear and pain lived side by side with immense joy and optimism. Looking back, I would tell myself not to be afraid of who you are. Let people see you so they can love you if they choose to. People that matter will love you. Be bold, follow your heart, don’t let insecurities live rent free in your head and your confidence will grow, but don’t wish for comfortable. Wish for adventures and make them happen. Enjoy the moments, even the difficult ones, because difficult will pass. Don’t take life too seriously. I would also say get used to coming out, it definitely isn’t a one-time thing. You will do it a lot more often than you expect.