Freemason Dr Alexander Rhys Awarded OBE
Many congratulations to W Bro Dr Alexander Rhys, who has been appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the New Year Honours List 2026, for services to healthcare and the LGBTQ+ community.
Bro Dr Rhys was initiated, passed and raised in St Alphege Lodge 4095 at the age of 21 as part of the Universities Scheme; and previously served as Assistant Secretary of the Universities Scheme. He holds both London Grand Rank and London Grand Chapter Rank, having served as Metropolitan Grand Steward in both the Craft and Chapter. He is also a Past Provincial Junior Grand Deacon in the Province of Somerset.
Dr Rhys currently serves as CEO of two organisations: the Infection Prevention Society, a professional membership organisation with over 2,050 members working to reduce healthcare-associated infections, and It Gets Better UK, a charity he founded in 2017 that has reached over 2.5 million LGBTQ+ young people through crisis intervention and support programmes.
"I'm deeply honoured by this recognition," said Dr Rhys. "The principles of Freemasonry – brotherly love, relief, and truth – have guided my approach to both my healthcare work and my advocacy for LGBTQ+ young people. Whether working to protect patients from infections or supporting young people in crisis, I've been driven by a commitment to serve others and act with integrity."
Dr Rhys's healthcare career includes leading the regulatory education arrangements that enabled the emergency deployment of 43,000 student nurses during the COVID pandemic across all four UK nations. It Gets Better UK, which he founded as part of a global movement, has twice been named one of the top 10 charities of the year at the British LGBT Awards. Dr Rhys has also been recognised as one of the top 10 outstanding contributors to LGBT life at the same awards.
This article is part of Arena Magazine Issue 60 – Spring 2026.
Arena Magazine is the official online magazine of the London Freemasons – Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.
Read more articles in Arena Issue 60 here.
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