Terrence Higgins Trust was awarded Charity of the Year at this year’s Rainbow Honours.
The Rainbow Honours focus on shining a light on those unsung in the LGBTQIA+ community. The ceremony is an evening of celebration and solidarity, as well as a time to focus on the challenges still ahead.
Voted for by the public, we were awarded Charity of the Year in recognition of our work at the forefront of the fight against HIV. Providing support, driving awareness and advocating for change.
Eugene Lynch, Director of Delivery at Terrence Higgins Trust, picked up the award at the ceremony in London.
They said: 'When I was at my lowest after my HIV diagnosis, Terrence Higgins Trust was there to give me support and counselling. It’s our privilege to be able to deliver that support to people living with HIV all across the UK.
'We are in a category tonight with a lot of amazing organisations and they do such fantastic work and need your support. We want to play particular tribute to the organisations working with the trans community in such a hostile environment at the moment.
'This week would’ve been Terry Higgins’ 81st birthday. On the 4 July at Pride in London, we will be commemorating the anniversary of his death in 1982 – aged 37. Terry was the first of a generation of queer people that we lost to the HIV epidemic.
At Terrence Higgins Trust, we are working – and we need all of your support – to ensure our generation is the last to lose anyone from HIV. Thank you so much.'
You can see all the winners on the Rainbow Honours 2026 website.
There was a lot of love for Russell T Davies’ latest drama Tip Toe at the awards, including in rousing speeches from actor Denise Welch and our long-time supporter Dr Ranj.
If you watched the show, order your very own Spit & Polish T-shirt and support HIV charities Terrence Higgins Trust and George House Trust.
