Wes Streeting Places Fifth on The Independent Pride List 2025
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has been named as one of the top five most influential LGBT+ changemakers in The Independent Pride List 2025. The list, which has been published annually since 2000, recognises 50 of the most inspirational trailblazers and LGBTQ+ heroes of the past year.
According to The Pink News, Streeting, who has faced criticism for his views on trans women, was placed fifth on the list, ahead of artist David Hockney, comedian Joe Lycett, and Olympic gold medalist Tom Daley. The publication reports that Streeting has been a vocal advocate for LGBT+ rights, despite his comments on trans women, which have sparked controversy.
The Independent Pride List 2025 was topped by lawyer and former judge Victoria McCloud, who announced in April that she is taking legal action against the UK government over its definition of a woman. The Pink News states that McCloud, 55, was the youngest person and first trans person to be appointed Master in the High Court in 2006, and became a judge in 2010.
As reported by The Pink News, Streeting has faced criticism for his role in the Labour government’s attacks on trans healthcare, including extending the Conservative government’s temporary ban on puberty blockers for trans youth indefinitely. In April, he said he was "genuinely sorry" for the "fear and anxiety" caused by his indefinite ban on puberty blockers for trans youth.
The Independent Pride List 2025 also features other notable figures, including author Juno Dawson, The Last of Us star Bella Ramsey, and Wicked‘s Cynthia Erivo. Chloe Hubbard, UK Editor of The Independent, said that the publisher was "proud to champion our most influential LGBT+ changemakers once again," adding that the list is especially important as "the community has been further marginalised on both sides of the Atlantic."
The list was reported by The Pink News as being a celebration of the most influential LGBT+ people in the UK, and it highlights the achievements of those who have made a significant impact in their respective fields. The publication quotes Victoria McCloud as saying she was "delighted" to be included in the list during "uniquely dark times" for the trans community, adding that "we have been here for centuries; we will be here for centuries to come."
The Independent Pride List 2025 can be viewed in full on The Independent’s website, featuring 50 inspirational LGBT+ changemakers who have made a significant impact in the past year. As The Pink News reports, the list is a testament to the contributions and achievements of the LGBT+ community, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of promoting equality and inclusivity.
The news was sourced from The Pink News: https://www.thepinknews.com/2025/06/07/wes-streeting-the-independent-2025-pride-list/.
