Join us as we celebrate the queer trailblazers making waves across industries
BY ELLA GAUCI
DIVAs, it’s that time of the year again – the DIVA Awards 2025 shortlist is here! As LGBTQIA women and non-binary people continue to make waves in entertainment, politics, business, and beyond, the DIVA Awards stand as a beacon of recognition, celebrating those who inspire, uplift, and break boundaries.
This year’s celebration is set to be the biggest yet, with 15 outstanding categories spotlighting excellence across various fields. From choosing our Actor of the Year to honouring Diversity Champions, each category highlights the incredible contributions of our community. Among the nominees are game-changing musicians, inspirational role models, and tireless campaigners who are shaping a more inclusive world.
Since its establishment in 2017 by LGBTQIA activist and trailblazer Linda Riley, the DIVA Awards have played a vital role in championing queer visibility. DIVA Magazine, founded in 1994, remains committed to its mission: celebrating the progress we’ve made while acknowledging the work still ahead. With over three decades of advocacy, the DIVA Awards continue to honour the resilience and brilliance of our community.
Last year’s DIVA Awards saw incredible performances from Lucy Spraggan and Elesha Paul Moses. We honoured icons like Sandi Toksvig, Heather Peace, and Adele Roberts.
Want to have your say about who should be taking home a DIVA Award this year? You can vote now!
Here is the complete shortlist for the DIVA Awards 2025:
Corporate Ally of the Year
Celebrating an individual that actively champions LGBTQIA+ inclusion, demonstrating unwavering support and impactful advocacy.
- Antonia Croke, Hogan Lovells
- Carol Ward, Man Group
- Darsheta Maini, L&G
- Colin Kimber, Pareto Facilities Management Ltd
- Caroline Frankum, Kantar
- Chris O’Shea, Centrica
- Balbir Bakhshi, LSEG
- Anne Aslett, Elton John Aids Foundation
Diversity Champion of the Year
Honouring an individual driving meaningful change, fostering diversity, and ensuring inclusion within their industry or community.
- Rebecca Chalkley KC, Red Lion Chambers
- Hayley Campbell, Hogan Lovells
- Pippa Dale, LSEG
- Lisa Smith, Deloitte Digital
- Laura Rhiannon Thomas, Browne Jacobson
- Maya Jethwa, Moët Hennessy UK
- Emma Palethorpe, St. James’s Place
- Natalie Hatton, HSBC
- Valeria Piaggio, Kantar
- Deborah Proud, WHSmith
Future Leader of the Year
Recognising an emerging LGBTQIA+ leader making waves with their vision, passion, and commitment to equality.
- Zareen Roy-Macauley, Clifford Chance
- Georgina Hayes, L&G
- Emma Appleby, Open for Business
- Bruna Gil, LinkedIn
- Joani Green, S-RM
- Alessia Cavallini, Kantar
- Deborah Mills-Burns, Momentum Personal Solutions
- Angela Li, Mace Group
Inspirational Role Model of the Year
Awarded to an individual whose influence, resilience, and advocacy inspire others within the LGBTQIA+ community.
- Claudia Tribe, Google
- Jade McDermid, Baker Hughes
- Chloe Hawes, England Boxing Ltd
- Alice Claronino, HSBC
- Saba Ali, Public Speaker & Critical Friend
- Liz Ward, Public Speaker, Facilitator & Consultant
- Claire Skinner Kennedy, Mercer
- Kerrie Braithwaite, McCann Demand
- Winnie King, Mace Group
- Charlotte Weatherall, Corinthia London
- Leigh Kelly Andrews, Kantar
LGBTQIA Network of the Year
Celebrating an outstanding employee network driving LGBTQIA+ inclusion and support.
- L&GBT+Allies Network, L&G
- Pride@Kantar, Kantar
- Pride at Pandora, Pandora
- Pride Matters, Colt Technology Services
- LGBTQ+ Supporters Network, EDF
- Pride Colleague Community, Ardonagh Advisory
- Unity, EY
- Proud iNetwork, Kearney
- Pride Network, Amey
- dbPride UKI, Deutsche Bank
- Pride Network, BT Group
- +, Centrica
Head of Diversity of the Year
Recognising a leader who champions inclusivity, shaping policies and initiatives that drive meaningful progress.
- Amber Sorrell, Haleon
- Rachel Collins, Colt Technology Services
- Alexis Curtis-Harris, Penna
- Daisy Reeves, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP
- Manuela Sforza, Avanade
- Kate Aldridge, England & Wales Cricket Board
- Megan Cross, Kantar
- Naheed Nazir, Manchester Metropolitan University
Brand of the Year
Honouring a brand that authentically supports and uplifts the LGBTQIA+ community through advocacy, representation, and impact.
- Paramount
- Kearney
- WHSmith
- Virgin Media O2
- Pandora
- BT Group
- London Women’s Clinic
- L&G
Sports Personality of the Year
Celebrating an LGBTQIA+ athlete or ally who has made a significant impact in sports through performance, visibility, or advocacy.
- Alex Scott
- Beth Mead
- Charlie Martin
- Celia Quansah
- Jess Carter
- Lauren Rowles
- Adele Roberts
- Emma Wiggs
Campaigner of the Year
Honouring an individual leading powerful initiatives for LGBTQIA+ rights, driving change through activism and advocacy.
- Jude Guaitamacchi
- Yasmin Benoit
- Esther Ghey
- Megan and Whitney
- Munroe Bergdorf
- Lady Phyll
- Ellen Jones
- Carla Denyer
Charity or Community Project of the Year
Recognising an outstanding initiative or organization dedicated to supporting and uplifting the LGBTQIA+ community.
- TransActual
- Trans+ History Week
- Glitter Cymru
- Just Like Us
- African Rainbow Family
- Fighting with Pride
- London Dyke March
- Queercircle’s trans plinth by Teresa Margolles
Celebrity Ally of the Year
Awarded to a public figure who uses their platform to champion LGBTQIA+ rights and visibility.
- Michelle Visage
- Dannii Minogue
- David Tennant
- Lorraine Kelly
- Rachel Shelley
- Suranne Jones
- Vicky Myers
- Hannah Waddingham
Actor of the Year
Celebrating an LGBTQIA+ actor or ally whose performance has made a meaningful impact on representation in film, TV, or theatre.
- Abigail Thorn
- Alison King
- Yasmin Finney
- Bronwyn James
- Fiona Shaw
- Jessica Gunning
- Pearl Mackie
- Bella Ramsey
Influencer of the Year
Recognising a digital creator using their platform to inspire, educate, and advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community.
- Anthony Lexa
- Janay Dawes – CurvyBlackWitch
- G K Barry
- Lesbian Supper Club
- Bimini
- Eleanor Medhurst
- Ben Pechey
- Eva Echo
Writer of the Year
Honouring an author or journalist whose work amplifies LGBTQIA+ voices, stories, and experiences.
- Alice Oseman
- Clare Lydon
- Juno Dawson
- Val McDermid
- Kae Tempest
- Laura Kay
- Lex Croucher
- Nicola Dinan
Media Moment of the Year
Celebrating a powerful, groundbreaking, or viral moment in media that positively impacted LGBTQIA+ visibility and representation.
- EastEnders – Suki and Eve finally tie the knot
- Traitors – Lesbian icon Leanne wins the intense finale of Traitors
- Coronation Street – Carla and Lisa become fan faves during turbulent times
- Heartstopper – Darcy, played by Kizzy Edgell, comes out as non-binary
- I Kissed A Girl – Groundbreaking sapphic show brings representation onscreen
- Trans Kids Deserve Better – TKDB took trans activism to headlines by occupying NHS England HQ
- House of the Dragon – HOTD sees first sapphic kiss between Mysaria and Rhaenyra
- Nxdia ‘She Likes A Boy’ – Alt-pop sensation Nxdia goes viral with hit song She Likes A Boy
Queer Comedian of the Year
Honouring an LGBTQIA+ comedian who uses humour to entertain, challenge norms, and amplify queer experiences through their work.
- Rosie Jones
- Chloe Petts
- Kate Cheka
- Sophie Duker
- Sarah Keyworth
- Suzi Ruffell
- Zoe Lyons
- Mhairi Black
DIVA magazine celebrates 31 years in print in 2025. If you like what we do, then get behind LGBTQIA media and keep us going for another generation. Your support is invaluable.
