The annual ceremony celebrates LGBTQIA women and non-binary people, and their allies
BY DIVA STAFF, IMAGES BY GETTY
On 28 April, as part of Lesbian Visibility Week (24-30 April), the annual DIVA Awards, headline sponsored by London Stock Exchange Group, took place at No 8 Northumberland Avenue, London. The hotly anticipated ceremony was bigger than ever. To mark the occasion, internationally renowned singer-songwriter Emeli Sandé performed during the awards.
The DIVA Awards is an annual event that celebrates the contributions and achievements of LGBTQIA women and non-binary people, and their allies, across business, media, politics, charity and community sectors. Over 400 guests attended the awards that attracted a host of celebrities and the after party featured a performance by singer Keeana Kee.
LGBTQIA women and non-binary people are becoming increasingly visible, with politicians, media stars, authors and business leaders all demonstrating that determination and talent can overcome prejudice. These amazing people serve as role models to the generations who follow them, and everyone at DIVA is delighted that clued-up corporates recognise the value and importance of the DIVA demographic.
Attendees such as Lucy Spraggan, Grace Petrie, Heather Peace, Lianne Sanderson, Sophie Ward, Val McDermid, Nadia Whittome MP, Dawn Butler MP and Rachel Shelley celebrated the achievements of the shortlisted nominees and winners.
And these are the winners who took home prizes at this year’s ceremony…
Kantar Inspirational Role Model of the Year: Moud Goba – Micro Rainbow
Brand or Organisation of the Year: Channel 4
BNP Paribas Corporate Ally of the Year: Commodore Mel Robinson CBE ADC RNR
Centrica Charity or Community Project of the Year: Stonewall UK
Deliveroo Diversity Champion of the Year: Dr Pip Gardner – The Kite Trust
COREcruitment Influencer of the Year: Megan Jayne Crabbe
EY Head of Diversity of the Year: Kat Parsons – ISS
LGBTQIA Network of the Year: Pride – BT Group
myGwork Young Entrepreneur of the Year: Alexandra D’Sa
LSEG Media Moment of the Year: Alex Scott MBE
DIVA Choice Award: Kelly Simmons OBE
Actor of the Year: Heather Peace
LGBTQIA Scene Event of the Year: Butch, Please!
Musician of the Year: Emeli Sandé MBE
Sports Personality of the Year: Lianne Sanderson
Unsung Hero of the Year: Nadia Whittome MP
NoteWorthy Celebrity Ally of the Year: Sinitta
The Dorchester Collection Author of the Year: Sophie Ward
Citi Media Personality of the Year: Dame Kelly Holmes
Lifetime Achievement Award: Val McDermid
Founded in 2017 by publisher Linda Riley, the DIVA Awards form an important chapter in DIVA’s history. The DIVA Awards celebrate every step in DIVA’s journey, honouring its special history while looking to the future of queer visibility, celebrating the changemakers that make the world a better place for people like us.
Linda shared the following statement: “It’s a huge honour to see both Lesbian Visibility Week and the DIVA Awards continue to grow each year. Congratulations to all the winners and shortlisted nominees, and thank you for all that you do for the LGBTQIA community. A huge thank you to our sponsors, who this would be impossible to achieve without. I’m already excited for next year’s Lesbian Visibility Week.”
DIVA magazine celebrates 29 years in print in 2023. If you like what we do, then get behind LGBTQIA media and keep us going for another generation. Your support is invaluable.
