November 28 2025, 08:15 A non-profit behind a major trans research collective is hosting a fundraiser dedicated to its late chair and trustee.
UK-based trans charity Beyond Reflections is set to host its latest annual trans fundraising ball on 8 December.
The end-of-year fundraiser, which aims to raise money for the non-profit’s services and campaigns supporting the trans community, boasts an evening of dancing and celebrations for trans people and allies.
Organisers said this year’s event is dedicated to Beyond Reflections chair and trustee Paul Draycott, who passed away in 2024 and left the charity a “generous bequest” in his will.
“Paul had a deep love of music, which is why we’ve made it central to the evening,” trustee Gillian Russell told PinkNews. “This event celebrates both his memory and the ongoing work of allies and trans+ individuals making a real difference.”
The annual event, which is set to take place in Eastleigh, will also feature an awards ceremony recognising trans people and the allies who have worked to “make a difference” for the community in the UK.
The two awards up for grabs are the Paul Draycott Award for allies – with nominees including Jodie Hughes, Zoe Grant, Gender Plus, Ioannis Ntanos, Coffee Woolston, and William Smith – and the Trans+ Award – nominees including Petra Wenham, Lexi Webster, Eva Echo, Joanne Lockwood, and SEE Change Happen.
Nominations for both awards are currently open at the time of reporting in the online survey linked here.
“While raising funds for Beyond Reflections is essential, we also want to create a space that uplifts our community,” Dr Russell said. “The event is an opportunity to recognise achievements, celebrate resilience, and focus on positive progress rather than just the challenges we face.
“It’s about bringing people together to acknowledge the good work being done and the people making it happen.”
Fundraiser will raise money for major trans research hub
Earlier this year, the charity announced the Trans+ Research Hub – a collaborative network for researchers working on trans-related projects.
The collective allows academics to share and receive unique feedback on data based on the lived experience of fellow trans academics.
Speaking to PinkNews at Beyond Reflections’ Trans+ Research Conference in May, Dr Russell said the hub could revolutionise research on every aspect of trans existence, from healthcare to lived experience.
The fundraiser, she says, will hopefully highlight this and other programmes Beyond Reflections are working on, while giving the community the chance to celebrate.
“Attendees can look forward to an inclusive, celebratory evening that recognises some of the people who’ve made a genuine impact in supporting the trans+ community,” she said. “There’ll be good food, music for those who want to dance, and we’re also hoping to feature performances by trans+ musicians.
“It’s an evening to connect, celebrate, and enjoy being part of a supportive community.”
Beyond Reflections’ Annual Fundraiser and Awards Ceremony will take place in Eastleigh on Monday 8 December from 7:00pm GMT. The exact location will be confirmed upon ticket purchase. Tickets are available here.
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