DIVA Publisher Linda Riley attended alongside Val McDermid, Suranne Jones, Leah Williamson and many more
BY DIVA STAFF
Last night, the likes of UK Black Pride organiser Lady Phyll, Nicola Sturgeon, and our very own Publisher Linda Riley attended the 23rd annual Stonewall Equality Dinner hosted by comedian and broadcaster Sandi Toksvig. The dinner was held to “celebrate the progress we have made together in our struggle for LGBTQIA people’s human rights in the UK and across the world”.
Also in attendance was Gentleman Jack’s Suranne Jones, Scottish crime writer Val McDermid, Lionness star Leah Williamson, footballer Lianne Sanderson, and casting director Kelly Valentine Hendry. The sold out event hosted over 400 guests who listened to a brilliant selection of speakers across the evening.
Our Publisher Linda Riley said: “It was great to see so many heartfelt stories from members of the community, including a rousing speech from Stonewall Vice Chair Cat Dixon who talked movingly about her time in the armed forces when it was illegal to be gay.”
Queer influencers Whitney and Megan Bacon-Evans spoke about their baby journey while campaigning for fertility equality. The night also featured a vital discussion about Section 28. This year marks 20 years since the repeal of the ban on the “promotion of homosexuality” in schools.
Swimmer Michael Gunning spoke about LGBTQIA people in sports saying that “in sports, there are so many different pressures. There are so many different eyes looking at you.”
LGBTQIA campaigners Lisa Power and Jayne Ozanne gave also gave brilliant speeches about lesbian representation.
Drag queen Bimini finished off the night with an amazing performance.
The work of Stonewall is vitally important in our current climate, and the organisation recently launched their campaign in response to Rishi Sunak delaying the passing of laws which would ban conversion therapy. Through Stonewall, over 2,000 people sent postcards to Rishi Sunak to ask that he ban conversion therapy once and for all.
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.
