LONDON – The annual Sexual Freedom Awards, presented by the Outsiders Trust, is slated to return for its 29th edition on May 11, 2025 at the legendary Heaven Nightclub, one of London’s most storied LGBTQ+ venues, to “honor the achievements and contributions of sex workers, advocates, and allies.”
In addition to the annual awards gala, this year’s event will pay tribute to Dr. Tuppy Owens, founder of the awards and the Outsiders Trust, who sadly passed away late last month.
Founded to “honor those working towards sexual liberation and justice,” the Sexual Freedom Awards “promote excellence in erotic performance and sexual services and celebrates pioneers in the field of sexuality.” Proceeds from the Awards ceremony are used solely to fund the work of the Outsiders Trust, a charity which supports disabled people in their sexual freedom and expression Nominations for the Awards are accepted for individuals, services and organizations.
This year’s ceremony “promises to be a night of recognition, empowerment, and celebration,” the organizers of the Sexual Freedom Awards said in announcing the schedule for this year’s celebration.
“We are thrilled to bring the Sexual Freedom Awards to Heaven Nightclub, a venue synonymous with self-expression and inclusivity,” said Kian de la Cour, Chair of the Judges. “This event is about celebrating the incredible individuals who shape the landscape of sexual freedom and challenging the barriers they face. The venue change shows the growth that the Sexual Freedom Awards is facing, and the increasing awareness we are gaining which is monumental for the sex workers and allies we work with.”
The 2025 Awards are sponsored by handmade sex toy company Hankey’s Toys and relies “solely on volunteers to help make the event happen, including the Outsiders Trust who plan and execute the event, PR and Communications services from Little Leaf Agency and assistance from talent management agency, Lover Management, organizations that actively support sex workers, performers, and those advocating for sexual freedom and rights,” the organizers of the event acknowledged in their announcement.
According to the announcement, the evening will “feature inspiring performances from drag acts, pole dancers and more, and most importantly, the presentation of awards to those who have demonstrated outstanding contributions to sexual freedom and advocacy.” The organizers added that the award categories “will recognize excellence in activism, performance, education, and innovation within the sex industry.”
In recognizing the contributions of Dr. Tuppy Owens, the event’s organizers said Owens was “a true visionary who dedicated her life to the Outsiders Trust.”
“She was a driving force behind groundbreaking initiatives such as the Sexual Freedom Awards, inspiring unwavering loyalty and uniting people from all walks of life in the pursuit of inclusivity and equality,” they added. “A disruptor and pioneer of the sexual revolution, she championed the rights of sex workers and fought for disability-inclusive relationships and sexual expression. Tuppy’s legacy of empowerment and open-mindedness has left an indelible mark on society, and her work has paved the way for lasting change.”
Tickets for the 2025 Sexual Freedom Awards are now available for purchase. For more information, go to the awards show’s website.
