Rosie gets an honorary degree

Rosie Jones has been awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Bradford in recognition of her contribution to LGBTQ+ and disability rights. 

On reviving the degree, the commend said: ‘What I champion and talk a lot openly about… it’s not about "well done, you’re disabled" but recognising how hard it is for disabled people to buck societal norms. For me, it’s about living my life as joyfully and as authentically as possible.’

She added that ‘the most important thing I’ve done’ was  launching her own foundation in April 2025 to support people with cerebral palsy. 

Jones said: ‘To be able to give others someone to talk to with the same lived experience, to be able to offer them support and empower them, is an absolute game changer and a breath of fresh air."

And asked for her advice for this year’s graduates from Bradford, she said: ‘Don’t limit yourself. 

‘Of course, dream big and write those dreams down. In tandem, don’t put a time limit on those dreams – just give yourself a moment to celebrate what you have achieved. Then, in your own time, start that next chapter.’

Published: 18 Jul 2026