Rita Ora, Sue Perkins and Munroe Bergdorf also named in the annual celebration of LGBTQI+ achievement
BY DIVA STAFF
DIVA, Europe’s leading magazine for lesbians and bisexual women, has revealed its annual DIVA Power List and Great British Bake Off host Sandi Toksvig is in first place.
Every year, DIVA’s countdown recognises the out and proud public figures doing their bit to make the world a little brighter for the lesbian, bisexual, trans and intersex communities. 2019’s list, unveiled on Friday 26 April to coincide with Lesbian Day of Visibility, is bigger and better than ever.
In fact, this time it’s extra special because 2019 marks DIVA magazine’s 25th anniversary.
That’s right. Since 1994, DIVA has been celebrating, showcasing and representing the queer female community.
DIVA readers voted in droves for their favourite icons and their top 10 includes international pop star Rita Ora, YouTube super couple Rose and Rosie, groundbreaking activist Munroe Bergdorf and comedian and broadcaster Sue Perkins.
Boxer Nicola Adams, Queen of Shops Mary Portas, business leader Inga Beale and SNP MP Joanna Cherry also made the list, as well as Valentino Vecchietti, an activist leading the charge for greater visibility for intersex people.
While lesbian, bisexual, queer, trans and intersex people are more visible than they were 25 years ago – whether that’s within the realm of business, politics, the arts, the media, sport or anywhere else – in some circles, their voices remain marginalised, and their life experiences dismissed. Too many from this community have to work doubly hard to smash through those still-present glass ceilings.
That’s why DIVA publishes the DIVA Power List each year, to celebrate some of the leading lights of the LGBTQI+ community.
Happy #LDOV everyone!
Want to see the full list? Visit divapowerlist.com
Only reading DIVA online? You’re missing out. For more news, reviews and commentary, check out the latest issue. It’s pretty badass, if we do say so ourselves.
divadigital.co.uk // divadirect.co.uk // divasub.co.uk
