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Ben Lloyd
Finalist | Iconic Influencer Awards

Ben Lloyd

Commercial Manager at OUT North East

1 to 5 years experience Stanley Events Services Team of 2-10

Turning personal battles into purpose, and using my voice to make sure others feel seen, heard and never alone.

  • Radio Station of the Year

About Ben

I’m Ben Lloyd, Mr Gay Great Britain 2025, a performer, presenter, LGBTQ+ advocate and someone who believes that having a platform means nothing unless you use it to make a difference. My journey hasn’t always been easy. I’ve faced my own battles with mental health, sobriety and self-confidence, but those experiences have shaped who I am today. They’ve taught me the importance of being authentic, speaking openly and reminding others that they are never alone in what they’re going through. From performing on stages around the world to winning Mr Gay Great Britain, my journey has taken me to places I could only have dreamed of. But some of my proudest moments haven’t been in the spotlight. They’ve been the conversations, connections and opportunities to help others feel seen, heard and accepted. Today, I’m proud to work as Commercial Manager for OUT North East and Pride Radio, helping to build partnerships that support our LGBTQ+ community and fund vital services across the North East. I’m passionate about breaking down stigma surrounding men’s mental health, celebrating individuality and showing people that your past doesn’t have to define your future. I don’t believe being an influencer is about having the most followers, the perfect body or the perfect life. It’s about the impact you have on others, the conversations you start and the confidence you give someone else to be themselves. If sharing my story helps even one person feel less alone, that’s what matters.

Ben's video

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Proudest achievements

  • Winning Mr Gay Great Britain 2025, giving me a national platform to champion LGBTQ+ equality, visibility and mental health awareness.
  • Personally raising £3,556.24 for charity, contributing to a combined £36,554.48 raised by the Mr Gay Great Britain finalists.
  • Using my personal experiences with mental health and sobriety to break down stigma, inspire others and encourage open conversations.
  • Becoming Commercial Manager at OUT North East and Pride Radio, building partnerships that generate vital funding for LGBTQ+ services.
  • Being part of OUT North East’s success in winning Small Charity of the Year at the North East Charity Awards 2026.
  • Representing the LGBTQ+ community at Manchester Pride alongside Fighting With Pride and raising awareness through BBC Radio Manchester.
  • Creating my podcast, Don’t Let It Go to Your Head, to encourage honest conversations about mental health, sobriety and personal challenges.
  • Building an international performing career, including Disney, theatre and cruise ships, before becoming Head of Musical Theatre and inspiring the next generation of performers.
  • Supporting LGBTQ+ young people to build confidence, embrace their identities and feel accepted.
  • Turning personal challenges into purpose, using my platform to show others that setbacks don’t define you and that everyone deserves to feel seen, valued and celebrated.

About OUT North East

I’m incredibly proud to be Commercial Manager at OUT North East and Pride Radio, two organisations making a real difference to LGBTQ+ lives. OUT North East is the North East’s dedicated LGBTQ+ community charity, providing vital support, safe spaces, education and opportunities for people to feel accepted, supported and celebrated. At the heart of our work is the ONE Centre in Gateshead, a welcoming LGBTQ+ community hub offering youth groups, wellbeing activities, events and opportunities to connect. In 2026, OUT North East was proudly named Small Charity of the Year at the North East Charity Awards. Pride Radio is the North East’s LGBTQ+ radio station, reaching an estimated 200,000 listeners every week. We’re more than just music and entertainment. We’re a platform for representation, inclusion and giving underrepresented voices the opportunity to be heard. What makes us different is that Pride Radio is owned by OUT North East, meaning the money generated through advertising, sponsorships and commercial partnerships helps fund our charity’s vital work. My role is to bring businesses and communities together, creating partnerships that deliver commercial value while making a genuine social impact. For us, it’s not just about business. It’s about belonging, visibility and changing lives.

About Ben's team

Behind OUT North East and Pride Radio is an incredible team of passionate, dedicated people who genuinely care about making a difference. From our charity leadership, youth workers and community support teams to our Pride Radio presenters, volunteers and commercial team, everyone plays a vital role in creating a more inclusive and accepting North East. What makes our team so special is that we’re not just colleagues. We’re a community, united by a shared passion for supporting LGBTQ+ people, breaking down barriers and creating spaces where everyone feels safe, valued and celebrated. Together, we deliver vital support services, empower young people, organise Pride events, amplify LGBTQ+ voices and build partnerships that help fund our work. In 2026, our dedication was recognised when OUT North East won Small Charity of the Year at the North East Charity Awards, a proud moment for everyone involved. I’m incredibly lucky to work alongside people who lead with kindness, creativity and determination. Every person brings something unique, and together we’re achieving things that genuinely change lives. We’re a small charity with big ambitions, an even bigger heart and a team that proves the power of working together.

The journey

My journey has been anything but straightforward, but every challenge, setback and success has shaped the person I am today. I started my career as a professional performer, training at Laine Theatre Arts before travelling the world, performing for Disney, on cruise ships and in theatre. I later moved into education, becoming Head of Musical Theatre and helping the next generation of performers find their confidence and passion. But behind the achievements, I was facing my own battles with mental health, sobriety and self-worth. There were moments when I questioned myself and my future, but those experiences gave me a purpose far greater than performing. In 2025, I took a leap of faith and entered Mr Gay Great Britain, going on to win the national title. It changed my life, giving me a platform to speak openly about mental health, champion LGBTQ+ equality and encourage others to embrace their authentic selves. Today, as Commercial Manager at OUT North East and Pride Radio, I’ve turned that passion into a career, building partnerships that directly support our LGBTQ+ community. My journey has taught me that success isn’t about having a perfect life. It’s about resilience, growth and what you do with the opportunities you’re given. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, but even more excited about the difference I can still make.

Why your vote matters

Behind every nomination is a journey that people don’t always see. The challenges, the setbacks, the determination to keep showing up and the passion to make a difference. Being nominated for an Iconic Influencer Award means so much to me, not just because of what I’ve achieved, but because of everything it’s taken to get here. From sharing my own mental health journey to championing LGBTQ+ visibility and supporting our community through OUT North East and Pride Radio, I’ve always hoped to use my platform for something bigger than myself. If I’ve ever inspired you, made you smile, helped you feel less alone or simply encouraged you to be yourself, I’d be incredibly grateful for your vote. A few seconds of your time would mean the world to me. Thank you for being part of my journey. We’re only just getting started! ✨ VOTE FOR BEN LLOYD 🏆

People's Choice

Voting has closed. Thank you to everyone who voted.

Ben's road to the ceremony

  1. Nominated

    Nominated on 24 October 2026

  2. People's Choice vote

    Voting opens soon

  3. Finalists announced

    Ben is a finalist

  4. The awards ceremony

    Thursday, 26 November 2026 at National Conference Centre, Birmingham B92 0EJ

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