Calling out discrimination and campaigning for justice, these people are bringing people together and fighting for those without a voice
61 Trans Secret Santa UK
Founded in 2015, Think2Speak is an organisation which supports and empowers LGBT+ children, young people and their families by amplifying their voices. In 2023 they launched the inaugural Trans Secret Santa UK initiative, based on a similar project in the US. Raising more than £4,000, the initiative sent out 682 presents to trans youth across the UK in December 2023. Their nominator wrote: “The work of Trans Santa UK is so important in spreading joy at a time when trans youth are being threatened, ostracised and discriminated against in the UK as the government use the trans community to distract from their own mess.”
think2speak.com @think2speak
62 London Irish Centre
Nominated by
Laura Whitmore (right), Irish media personality
The London Irish Centre, based in Camden, enriches lives through Irish community and culture. In 2023 they worked with over 2,000 people and hosted more than 250 social groups. The centre offers hardship funds, hosts a cafe three times a week and has a community fridge that offers free produce and take-home meals on Fridays.
Whitmore said: “They do a lot of great work, particularly when it comes to homelessness. They’ve done a lot for Irish people who came over and got stuck here and couldn’t get home or ended up on the streets.”
londonirishcentre.org @LDNIrishCentre
63 George House Trust
Nominated by
Russell T Davies (above), Doctor Who showrunner
George House Trust in Manchester has been providing HIV support, advice and advocacy since 1985. The trust recently partnered with We Are Survivors to create ‘ON IT’, a new website offering advice on sex, chems, HIV and consent.
Davies said: “I love them. They’re the North West’s HIV and Aidssupporting charity. I was honoured to become their patron but I’m the laziest patron in the world. I always walk in with my head bowed in shame because I’m too busy and don’t do enough for them. But I’m very proud to represent them in the battle to eradicate HIV by 2030 – which they still talk about as possible. I find that amazing. People think charities like that don’t need money any more, which is a profound mistake. There is new scienc
