HR Insight Analyst, Whitbread

“It’s such a fab feeling being selected as Checking-IN’s LGBTQ+ Hospitality Champions for 2026 - My job is a lot of behind the scenes & enabling other people to do the best they can with our data, so getting nominated (let alone actually chosen) as a champion for our community is huge. We spend so much of our time at work, that it only makes sense to make it a more comfortable place to be yourself, and if my work this year has helped just one person be more authentically themselves at work, that’s a win. Knowing that progress starts with small changes means that making a meaningful difference is within all our reach.”

Resourcing Manager, BaxterStorey

“I’m extremely proud to be an ambassador for more inclusive workplaces and to support greater visibility, safety, and belonging for the LGBTQ+ community. At the same time, we should all look forward to the day when this kind of advocacy is no longer necessary — because inclusion, respect, and equal opportunity are simply embedded in every workplace and experienced by everyone.

Meaningful change grows through visibility, ongoing action, and collective care. I’m passionate about contributing, even in a small way, to building a community where everyone feels safe, welcomed, valued, and empowered to be themselves authentically.

I remain committed to, and focussed on, using my voice to help create safer, more inclusive spaces by amplifying perspectives that deserve to be heard and standing alongside others as an active ally and advocate.”

CEO, Milli Group

“I’ve always believed hospitality is about more than serving drinks or selling tickets - it’s about creating spaces where people feel seen. As a queer venue operator and producer, my work has focused on building inclusive spaces that champion LGBTQ+ voices, from comedy stages to nightlife and community events. Through Milli Group, The Queer Comedy Club and Betty & Joan’s, we’ve worked to create environments where queer people can work, perform, socialise and celebrate without having to shrink themselves.

At a time when queer spaces continue to disappear, I’m proud to be part of creating venues and experiences that bring people together and celebrate LGBTQ+ culture loudly and unapologetically. It’s a real honour to be recognised by Checking-IN as one of their 2026 Hospitality Champions.”

Independent Business Operations Consultant & Interim Pub Manager, The Priory Arms

“I’m incredibly grateful (and still rather shocked) to have been included in this list alongside so many brilliant people across the hospitality industry. The sheer amount of work people put into making hospitality more welcoming for LGBT+ people is inspiring, and it means a lot to have my own contribution recognised.

Having somewhere to relax and enjoy a pint or glass of wine in peace is something many people understandably take for granted. For many within our community though, walking into a venue can still involve making a quiet assessment about how much of themselves they feel comfortable showing.

One of the greatest privileges of my career has been welcoming the LGBT+ community of Nine Elms and Stockwell to The Priory Arms as a visibly LGBT-friendly venue. Seeing longtime regulars embrace it, with new friendships forming in the pub, has made it all the more worthwhile. Over the past 12 months, through a series of LGBTQ-themed events, we’ve also raised more than £1,700 for London Friend, a charity supporting the health and wellbeing of the LGBTQ+ community across the UK.

A huge thank you to the owner Tom and previous managers James and Dan for backing the vision from the outset, and especially to customers and colleagues at the pub for all their support.”

Marketing Manager - Creative & Content EMEA - Marriott Hotels

"I am truly honoured to be named one of Checking-IN's 10 LGBTQ+ Hospitality Champions for 2026. Hospitality is the industry that shaped me, it gave me a career, a community, and incredible leaders who believed in my growth and pushed me to be the best version of myself. Along the way, I have had the privilege of crossing paths with some truly inspiring LGBTQ+ figures in our industry. They weren't always my direct managers, but their leadership, authenticity, and the sense of belonging they created left a lasting mark on me. They showed me what it looks like to lead with purpose, and to make space for others to thrive.

It is a privilege to now carry that forward. I am proud to be a visible example within my role and organisation, and I hope that in some small way I can inspire others to show up as their true selves, and to build the kind of inclusive, welcoming spaces our industry is capable of creating.”

Training Coordinator, Kerb

“I am truly honoured to be named one of the Checking-IN 10 LGBTQ+ Hospitality Champions 2026 and humbled to be recognised alongside so many incredible people.

Being part of KERB’s Pride Committee over the last two years has been such a rewarding experience. I’ve had the privilege to help create advocacy events and spotlight LGBTQ+ initiatives that make a genuine impact within our community.

What drew me to this work was the importance of creating meaningful change by actively supporting and championing inclusivity in hospitality. I’m proud to be part of a committee that is committed to making a difference, and it’s been amazing to see our efforts lead to meaningful fundraising and support for our impact partners.

I hope to continue making a positive impact in the LGBTQ+ hospitality space by championing what true inclusivity looks like. Thank you again for this recognition, it truly means a lot.”

Senior Marketing Manager, Membership & Growth, World Rainbow Hotels

It means a great deal to be recognised as a 2026 LGBTQ+ Hospitality Champion.

Hospitality has always been about inclusion in principle but seeing that actively reflected in our workplaces and leadership is what really matters.

This recognition isn’t just personal, it reflects the people and teams I’ve been fortunate to work with who are committed to making our industry more open, supportive, and representative. There’s still more to do, but it’s encouraging to see the momentum building.

People Business Partner, Whitbread

“It’s an absolute honour and privilege to even be considered for this incredible achievement. I’m an incredibly proud ally and so proud to be part of our GLOW network. I hope that by being a good ally I can support my LGBTQIA+ colleagues in every way I can.”

Director of Food & Beverage, Westin London City

“It is a privilege to have been chosen by the committee of Checking-IN as one of 2026’s LGBTQ+ Hospitality Champions alongside others in this wonderful industry of ours. The word ‘hospitality’ embodies inclusiveness and its etymology in the Latin ‘Hospes’ means to take care of all; be they friend, newcomer or outlander. Therefore, by its very definition our industry should espouse the values of inclusivity, acceptance and care for all. We have made great strides towards this aspiration in the last two decades, however there is more work to do. In an increasingly fragmented global society which faces great political, economic and societal pressures, our human necessity to be an industry bulwark for not just equality but equity is greater than ever.

I have been lucky in my career and personal life to have always had the ability to be who I truly am on my journey. Today, it is an honour to be able to collaborate with and mentor others who are also on their path whilst working alongside a magnificent team who support a pluralist working environment. The more such approaches are adopted, the more it will undoubtedly make us a stronger and more resilient industry, both socially and economically; by providing opportunity, supporting diversity and creating inclusive spaces which allow all to be the best possible versions of themselves every day, both within and without the workplace.”

Head Chef, Imma Group

“To me, being a Champion for Checking-in this year means ensuring that the hospitality industry is a place where identity is celebrated, not hidden. There is a profound link between personal freedom and professional excellence; you cannot create at the highest level, push boundaries, or master a craft if you are using your energy to hide who you are. True hospitality is built on the diversity of its people. As a champion, my goal is to foster environments where every individual feels safe, seen, and liberated to bring their whole self to the bench or the floor. When people are free to be exactly who they are, they are free to excel.”