By Meg Foley Yoder
Leo Varadkar, Senior Fellow at the Carr-Ryan Center for Human Rights, has been awarded the Legion d'Honneur, one of France’s most prestigious distinctions.
The honor is being formally bestowed in Dublin on March 12 by the French ambassador to Ireland, recognizing Varadkar’s contributions to public service and international engagement. Speaking ahead of the ceremony, Varadkar described the recognition as “a huge honour and a privilege.”
The Legion d’Honneur, established in 1802 and headed by French President Emmanuel Macron as Grand Master, recognizes individuals for outstanding achievements and service. While French citizens are full members of the order, distinguished foreign recipients are also honored for their contributions and leadership.
Varadkar joins a distinguished group of Irish figures who have received the award, including former President Mary Robinson, former European Parliament President Pat Cox, and musician Bono.
A former Taoiseach of Ireland, Varadkar is currently a Senior Fellow for the Global LGBTQI+ Human Rights Program at the Carr-Ryan Center for Human Rights, at the Harvard Kennedy School. During the 2025–2026 academic year, he is leading a strategic project titled “The Future of LGBTQI+ Rights in the European Union,” examining how the European Union can strengthen legal protections, uphold equal citizenship, and safeguard democratic values for LGBTQI+ people across its member states. Through research, convenings with policymakers, scholars, and students, the project explores policy benchmarks, the political dynamics shaping LGBTQI+ rights, and strategies to combat stigma and advance inclusion across Europe.
