City for LGBT+ 2026 Raises Over £125,000 for LGBTQI Rights

An extraordinary evening of generosity and solidarity has raised over £125,000 to support LGBTQI organisations in Malaysia, the Caribbean and the UK.

On Wednesday 14 October, GiveOut brought together London’s LGBTQI community and corporate allies for the eighth edition of City for LGBT+, our annual live crowdfunding event, generously hosted by Macquarie in partnership with The Funding Network.

With every donation matched by Macquarie, the evening raised over £125,000 for three inspiring organisations working to defend LGBTQI rights, strengthen communities and create lasting change.

Three inspiring organisations, one powerful evening

At the heart of City for LGBT+ were three powerful pitches from LGBTQI activists working on the frontlines of change.

  • Legal Dignity (Malaysia): Executive Director Andi Suraidah shared how Legal Dignity is providing legal aid, defending LGBTQI people in Malaysia’s courts and building a network of lawyers committed to advancing equality. 
  • Consortium (United Kingdom): Head of Partnerships Heather Paterson highlighted the vital role of grassroots LGBTQI organisations across the UK, many operating with extremely limited resources. Funds raised will help establish a new LGBT+ Campaigning Fund to strengthen community-led advocacy. 
  • United Caribbean Trans Network (UCTRANS) (Caribbean): Executive Director Alexus D’Marco spoke about the challenges facing trans communities across the Caribbean, from discrimination and barriers to healthcare to the disproportionate impact of natural disasters. Funding will support trans-led advocacy, research and community resilience across the region. 

Their stories were a powerful reminder of why sustained funding and international solidarity are so important, and what becomes possible when communities and allies come together.

From Left to Right: Alexus D’Marco, Heather Paterson, Andi Suraidah.

Solidarity Driving Hope

The evening also featured an inspiring panel discussion on the theme Solidarity Driving Hope, bringing together Radhika Piramal (GiveOut Trustee), Ben Parsons (LSEG), Aditi Kapoor (A&O Shearman), Olivia Campbell-Cavendish (Trans Legal Clinic) and Liam Rezende (EY and founder of the Caribbean LGBTQI Fund).

Together, they explored the importance of solidarity in action, the role of businesses and individuals in supporting LGBTQI movements, and why standing alongside communities in the UK and around the world must go hand in hand.

The discussion set the stage for an energetic live crowdfunding session, with guests coming together to pledge their support for all three organisations.

From Left to Right: Radhika Piramal, Olivia Campbell-Cavendish, Liam Rezende, Aditi Kapoor, Ben Parsons.

Over £658,000 raised since 2019

Since its launch in 2019, City for LGBT+ has now raised £658,000 for 23 LGBTQI organisations, providing vital resources for activists and community groups working to advance equality around the world.

This year’s extraordinary result demonstrates what can be achieved when the LGBTQI community and our allies come together, turning solidarity into meaningful financial support for those working to protect and advance our rights.

A huge thank you to Macquarie, our founding sponsor and generous host, for matching every donation, to The Funding Network for partnering with us to deliver the event, and to our headline sponsor A&O Shearman for its continued support.

Most importantly, thank you to every guest, donor, panellist, speaker and supporter who helped make City for LGBT+ 2026 such a success.

Together, we’re helping build a world where LGBTQI people everywhere can live freely, safely and with dignity.

Interested in sponsoring City for LGBT+ 2027? Sponsorship is a fantastic opportunity to bring together your LGBTQI employee network, colleagues and clients for an inspiring evening of collective giving, while demonstrating your organisation’s commitment to LGBTQI rights.

To find out more about sponsorship opportunities for 2027, contact us at give@giveout.org.

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