Chair of LGBTQIA homelessness charity receives MBE in New Year Honours List

Rob Malcomson was awarded the prestigious title due to his work for the queer community at both akt and Manchester Pride 

BY ELLA GAUCI

Rob Malcomson, Chair of Trustees at akt (formerly Albert Kennedy Trust), the UK’s National LGBTQIA Youth Homeless Charity, has been awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours List. He received this prestigious honour for his services to the LGBTQIA community at both akt and during his time as the Treasurer of Manchester Pride. 

Charities like akt are more vital than ever at the moment to protect LGBTQIA youth. In over 30 years, akt has provided more than 250,000 nights off the street and supported over 50,000 LGBTQIA young people at risk of or experiencing homelessness.

Rob Malcomson, Chair of akt, said: “I am incredibly proud to be the Chair of akt and recognised with an MBE for my work with the charity, Manchester Pride and the Civil Service. Akt does vital work to support some of the most vulnerable LGBTQIA youth in our society. I wish I had known about akt’s services when I was a teenager as I would have benefited immensely.”

Carrie Reiner, Deputy CEO, added: “akt has increased services in the face of rising demand, as young people struggle with a severe shortage of affordable housing as well as increased homophobic and transphobic attacks. We are proud to see our Chair honoured in the New Year’s MBE list; Rob goes above and beyond in all he does and his support of akt has been invaluable.”

You can find out more about akt here: https://www.akt.org.uk/

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