Equality campaigners recognised in Queen’s Birthday Honours List
Several LGBT equality campaigners have been recognised in today’s Queen’s Birthday Honours List.
Transport for London’s Mark Mackenzie has been awarded an MBE for services to equality.
Mackenzie, 38, helped to found TfL’s LGBT+ staff network, and has led support for Pride in London and the Gay Games.
He also represents OutWest – which supports the LGBT community in west London – and has worked with the British Transport Police to produce a Hate Crime Best Practice Guide, which is used to stamp out homophobic and transphobic crime across the transport network.
London’s Transport Commissioner Sir Peter Hendy said: “I would like to congratulate Mark on this special recognition.
“It is well deserved and demonstrates the commitment and passion our staff have for each other and the communities they serve each day.”
Reverend Colin Coward, the founder of Changing Attitude, which campaigns for LGBTI people in the Church of England, was also recognised with an MBE, for services to equality.
Kate Smith, chair of trustees, said: “This is very welcome recognition for Colin’s years of hard work and tenacity in an environment where it sometimes must have felt that nothing would ever change.
“We still have a little way to go, but we are convinced that through his dedication, and that of all our supporters, we will in the end have a more honest, more accepting Church – one that doesn’t stigmatise difference, and is therefore a better place for everyone.
“We really appreciate the encouragement that this recognition from the state brings to Colin and all of us.”
Emily Jayne Mcaulay, the chair of the Devon and Cornwall Gay Police Association also received an MBE, for services to equality and diversity.
She also raises funds for the Jane Tomlinson Appeal, who said in a statement: “Huge congratulations to the fantastic Emily Macaulay, who has received an MBE in the Queens Birthdays Honours list! So thoroughly deserved.”
