Attitude celebrates 25th anniversary with big queer bash at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (PICS)

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office got a temporary rainbow makeover on Thursday night (16 May) as it played host to Attitude’s 25th anniversary celebrations.

The reception, hosted by the GREAT Britain campaign, saw LGBTQ stars and community members come together to celebrate a quarter of a century of queer visibility in the pages of Attitude, with performances from Ronan Parke, the London Gay Men’s Chorus and rising stars Bang Bang Romeo.

Among the guests was Minister for Women & Equalities and recently appointed Secretary of State for Defence Penny Mordaunt MP, who spoke to some of the LGBTQ people in attendance who are working tirelessly for the community.

Secretary for Defence and Minister for Women & Equalities Penny Mordaunt MP speaks to Attitude Publisher Darren Styles OBE at Attitude’s 25th anniversary reception at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (Photography: Markus Bidaux)

Others who turned out to celebrate 25 years of Attitude included human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell, former Olympic swimmer Mark Foster, BBC News LGBT Correspondent Ben Hunte, Emily Thornberry MP, Dan Gillespie-Sells, Julien Macdonald and the legendary Sinitta.

Addressing guests in the historic Locarno Suite, Attitude Publisher Darren Styles OBE said: “For 25 years, this very special magazine has given solace to many, provided support for untold thousands and demonstrated in a unique, compelling (and sometimes controversial) way, that the life you deserve is out there.

“There is no reason to waste a moment being anything other than who you are, and the best that you can be.

“For me that means being out, proud and honest about who I am. For Attitude that means being your best friend, your confidante, your style guide, your passport, your inside track.

“We will be here for as long as you’ll have us – thank you for sharing this very special evening.”

Check out all the action from the Attitude’s 25th anniversary reception at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office below: