News · 5 Aug 2026

International Pride Awards honour five equality champions

The people who make the rooms safe deserve a round of applause too. On 5 August 2026, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and ILGA World presented the International Pride Awards to five equality champions. The ceremony took place during the WorldPride Human Rights Conference in Amsterdam. The awards are a joint project of UNDP and ILGA World, recognising individuals and organisations whose courage, leadership and commitment are advancing equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex and queer people around the world. This year's honourees are South African deputy minister Mmapaseka Steve Letsike; the Dutch human rights organisation COC Nederland; long-standing Chilean activist Marcela Dimonty; Ugandan trans pastor Aggie Dennett Harmon; and Dr Satendra Singh, a disability rights advocate and LGBTIQ+ ally from India. It is a notable moment for the host city. Having COC Nederland among the awardees puts a Dutch organisation alongside advocates whose work spans very different legal and social realities, and it happened while Amsterdam was hosting WorldPride. For us at Vibra, this is a useful reminder of what sits underneath a good night out. The dancefloors, bars and parties of LGBTQ+ Amsterdam exist because communities fought for the freedom to gather, and that work continues well beyond the city's borders. Supporting the venues and promoters who keep those spaces open is one practical way to carry it forward. That is the idea behind Vibra: one place to find your people, book tickets for LGBTQ+ nights in Amsterdam, and earn Pulse points for showing up and coming back. Loyalty to the scene is how it stays alive, and we are glad to be part of it. Source: ILGA World — 2026 International Pride Awards honour five LGBTIQ+ equality champions at WorldPride Amsterdam (5 August 2026)