Donatella Versace makes a strong statement at the 2026 Attitude Awards in support of the LGBTQ+ community, telling attendees that bigotry and violence must not be allowed to undermine people's confidence or sense of identity. The fashion designer received the Icon Award at the 15th annual Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards, held at London's Roundhouse on Wednesday, 7 October.
The award recognised her longstanding relationship with the LGBTQ+ community and her work as an ally. Presented with the honour by Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa and model Natasha Poly, Versace said she was proud to share the award with the community that had supported her throughout her life.
Donatella Versace Takes a Stand Against Bigotry
During her acceptance speech, Versace addressed the challenges facing LGBTQ+ people, particularly physical violence and attacks on identity. She said she was proud to be an ally and stressed that violence against members of the community should not go unpunished. She also rejected the influence of right-wing extremists over discussions surrounding identity.
'We can never be defeated by bigots,' Versace said, adding that their words should not be allowed to affect people's confidence, self-belief or individuality. Her remarks came as the designer was being recognised for a career in which her relationship with the LGBTQ+ community has remained a prominent part of her public work.
Versace also thanked the community for supporting her during difficult periods in her life, as well as celebrating the happier moments with her. 'Every one of you is iconic,' she told the audience before dedicating the award to the people gathered at the ceremony.
Versace Highlights Violence Against Trans Women
The designer's comments at the awards followed an interview with Attitude in which she discussed the specific difficulties faced by trans people. Versace said the violence and persecution experienced by trans women 'shakes me to my core'. She praised the strength of trans people who continue to live openly and stand up for themselves despite what she described as significant adversity.
She also recalled meeting members of the trans community at a private round table in New York, saying that hearing about their experiences had left a strong impression on her. Versace said she had heard 'terrible stories' while also meeting 'amazing trans women' who continued to fight for themselves and their community. She added that she wanted to support that fight in any way she could.
A Long History of LGBTQ+ Advocacy
Versace's support for LGBTQ+ rights extends beyond the 2026 Attitude Awards. She was named a Stonewall ambassador in 2019 and has supported HIV/AIDS charities for decades. In 2023, she became co-chair of the Elton John AIDS Foundation's Rocket Fund, which supports HIV prevention, testing, treatment and efforts to reduce stigma affecting LGBTQ+ communities.
That year, Versace also spoke publicly about LGBTQ+ rights during an awards ceremony at Milan's La Scala. She criticised restrictions affecting LGBTQ+ people in Italy and called for greater protection of freedom and equality. Her advocacy has continued alongside her fashion career.
Versace stepped down as Versace's chief creative officer in 2025 and became the fashion house's chief brand ambassador. In September 2026, she was also announced as chief creative officer at REVOLVE.
Donatella Versace Says LGBTQ+ Community Brings Hope
In her Attitude interview, Versace also spoke about what she sees as the positive influence of the LGBTQ+ community despite growing pressure around equality and acceptance. She said the community continues to bring 'light, colour, optimism and laughter' to the world, while calling on allies to protect people who may be particularly vulnerable to fear and prejudice.
Her message at the Attitude Awards echoed that position, with the designer urging the community not to allow hostility to diminish its confidence. The 2026 Attitude Awards brought together figures from fashion, music, television, film and activism to celebrate LGBTQ+ stars, allies and organisations. Other winners included David Furnish, Juno Dawson, Sugababes, Jordan Stephens, Alison Hammond and the Pet Shop Boys.
For Versace, however, the Icon Award was also an opportunity to reinforce a message she has delivered throughout her career. LGBTQ+ people should be able to live openly, confidently and without fear of violence or discrimination.
