Juno Dawson accepts the Culture Award at the Attitude Awards 2026: ‘It’s never too late’
"It's never too late to become the person you're supposed to be," said Dawson as she gave her acceptance speech
By Aaron Sugg
Juno Dawson was the well-deserving recipient of the Culture Award at the Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards 2026, in partnership with M&S and electrified by Polestar.
The multi-award-winning author has been an advocate for the trans community beyond just her work across the page and screen. Coming out as trans in 2015 only honed her craft, as she has since become one of the most articulate voices for LGBTQ+ rights in the UK.
RuPaul’s Drag Race: UK vs. the World winner Tia Kofi was there to mark the occasion, introducing Dawson to the stage to accept her award.
Juno Dawson accepts the Culture Award at the Attitude Awards 2026
With the Culture Award in her hands, Dawson took the opportunity to speak about the importance of representation that goes beyond the trans community.
“This means so much. Those of you that can read might pretend to know me as That Trans Author, but no-one ever really talks about how I am from a really poor family in Bradford.”
She said her success didn’t come easy, having faced “constant rejection” even now. “I’ve had to just keep going,” she said. “I didn’t get my first Sunday Times bestseller until I was 41.”
“It’s never too late to become the person you’re supposed to be” – Dawson speaking to the crowd
Having found widespread recognition after her transition at 30, she spoke to the youth in the audience: “It’s never too late to become the person you’re supposed to be.”
She thanked Attitude for waving the flag for the trans community as a “gay magazine”. “Not just because gay rights will inevitably come under attack if we let trans rights slip; Attitude supports trans people because we are people, and it’s the right thing to do,” explained.
The Attitude Awards, now in its 15th year, brings together a room of LGBTQ+ trailblazers and allies across music, TV, film, sport and beyond.
This year’s ceremony was a standout, with the likes of Donatella Versace, David Furnish, Michael Johnston and more also taking home awards.
The Attitude Awards 2026 issue is available on digital platforms and in print. Print copy available for pre-order here.