Meet the gamechangers blazing a trail for LGBTQIA women and non-binary people
As Lesbian Visibility Week 2025 unfolds, DIVA is proud to once again shine a light on the brilliance, resilience, and power of LGBTQIA+ women and non-binary people. The DIVA Power List is a cornerstone of this celebration – a moment to honour 100 trailblazers who inspire us all. Selecting just 100 from a wealth of talent is never easy, and this year was no exception. But what a privilege it is: the challenge of narrowing down the list is itself a testament to the strength and vibrancy of our community. Lesbian Visibility Week is a time for us all to stand a little taller. Too often the stories and achievements of LGBTQIA+ women and non-binary people are overlooked, forgotten, or erased. For decades, the history of our struggle and our success has gone unrecorded, even as we’ve been shaping culture, building families, leading movements, and changing lives. It’s long past time to celebrate that legacy, and the vibrant future we’re creating together.This week, we are reflecting on our rainbow families: those we’re born into, and those we choose and grow. In a world where many still face rejection or hostility, our families are lifelines. They are places of love, affirmation, and deep connection. They are magical and powerful – built by us, for us.As the fight for equality continues, particularly in areas like access to fertility treatment surrogacy reform, and inclusive healthcare, DIVA, now a registered charity, remains fiercely committed to telling your stories, challenging injustice, and creating a world where LGBTQIA+ women and non-binary people are free to rise.To all LGBTQIA+ women and non-binary people, we celebrate you. You are seen, you are valued, and you belong.
– Nancy Kelley, Executive Director, DIVA Charitable Trust
DIVERSITY CHAMPION
Arlene McDermott
Head of Business Management Group Legal and Compliance, LSEG
Arlene is the Head of Business Management Group Legal and Compliance as well as co-chairing the London Stock Exchange Group’s LGBTQ+ network, LSEG Pride, garnering support from the most senior levels of the organisation. She is an Executive Director at Trans in the City.
Claire Ebrey
Director, On The Level
Claire brings expertise in purposeful leadership, diversity and inclusion, and cultivating vibrant professional networks to her Director role. She has over 20 years of experience helping organisations drive meaningful change. Claire also co-founded Pride in Leadership, a network that supports LGBTQ+ leaders across the UK.
Emma Riley
Programme, Governance & Operations Manager, RX Global
Thrown out of the Royal Navy in 1993 for being gay, Emma took the UK to the European Court of Human Rights and helped change the law in 2000 to allow gay people to serve in the military. Emma uses her voice to champion inclusion and diversity at work and in the wider community.
Hannah Collins
Associate, Browne Jacobson
Hannah is passionate about LGBTQ+ visibility and inclusion in the legal sector, and wider society, wanting to show that there is a welcome place for members of our community in both. Hannah is one of the leads for Browne Jacobson’s Pride Network, and a co-founder of the Alliance Network East Midlands.
Kit Morey
Commissioning Editor (VP), Paramount
Kit has worked in television since the late 90s and is currently Commissioning Editor at Paramount. On screen Kit strives to make each programme they commission have inclusive casting and storytelling, giving voices to those too often underrepresented. Off screen Kit is Executive Champion for the PROUD ERG, advocating for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Lynne Nicholls
Director, Leonis Solutions
Lynne is a globally recognised LGBT+ Advocate and top 10 Diversity Hero British LGBT+ Awards 2021. She is active in the LGBT+ community serving as Chair of Trustees for Schools OUT UK. Lynne champions diversity and inclusion throughout the UK social housing and education sectors. She promotes the use of an intersectional approach to D&I.
Maria Patsalos
Partner, Mishcon de Reya
Maria is a Partner at Mishcon de Reya and sits on the firm’s Management Board as Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Partner, responsible for the setting and delivery of the EDI strategy across all EDI strands. Maria founded the immigration element of Pink Law, a free legal advice service for LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Sasha Scott
Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Inclusive Group
Sasha is a globally recognised expert in diversity, unconscious bias, inclusivity, and psychological health, founding the Inclusive Group, a diversity consultancy, in 2001. As an LGBT+ advocate and thought leader, Sasha has been featured in publications such as The Times, The Guardian, and The Lawyer.
Sarah Fennell
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Consultant
Sarah is a DEI expert who brings positive cultural change to companies so that everyone feels the benefit of inclusion and knows how to play their part in creating it. Under her leadership, Macquarie became the top ranked company on the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index, as well as a top 10 company (Ethnicity Awards). She takes an intersectional approach, recognising that people have multiple identities and needs.
Spotlight on…
Marie-Helene Tyack
Global Inclusion, Diversity & Belonging Manager, Allianz Commercial
Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of Marie-Helene’s career, and as an out gay woman, inclusion, visibility, and acceptance have always been constant drivers for her. Marie-Helene strives to ensure inclusion, diversity, and belonging are at the forefront of her organisation.
ROLE MODEL
Spotlight on…
Jacqui Rhule-Dagher
Associate, Hogan Lovells International LLP
Jacqui is a trailblazer in the legal industry. She is dedicated to promoting LGBTQIA+ inclusion and raising awareness surrounding intersectionality. In April 2023, Jacqui founded Legally Lesbians. This initiative involved 25 lesbian lawyers writing about their careers and the importance of lesbian visibility.
Bobbi Pickard
Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Trans in the City
Bobbi is a patron of FFLAG, Ambassador for MindOUT, Champion for Stonewall Housing, and a Diversity Role Model. Through Trans in the City, she has positively influenced how trans and non-binary people are viewed in business globally, giving over 60 training sessions around the world.
Cathryn Wright
Managing Director, Sedulo
Cathryn heads up award-winning national advisory firm and investment house Sedulo’s London office. Prior to this, Cathryn was Managing Director of human rights charity Stonewall. She is also a Trustee of Manchester International Festival and Factory International, and is committed to building inclusive working cultures.
Daisy Reeves
Partner, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP
Daisy is one of the world’s most senior lesbian lawyers. She is a long-standing partner at international law firm BCLP and is a trailblazer in her industry and beyond. In 2022 Daisy was ranked as the fifth most influential LGBTQ* Executive in the world, in the globally recognized Outstanding LGBT+ Role Models List.
Deborah Proud
International Operations Director, WHSmith
Deborah has worked her way up the WHSmith ranks from Sales Assistant to International Operations Director, so knows the importance and impact of senior support and visibility to drive change to improve inclusion and value diversity. Deborah is the Executive Sponsor of WHSmith’s LGBTQ+ Network.
Kat Parsons
Group Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Centrica
Kat Parsons is a passionate advocate for D&I, inspiring businesses and society. Authentic, brave, and empathetic, she creates safe spaces for tough conversations, driving action. Her impact spans corporate offices, client sites, and supply chains, offering guidance and support that transforms workplaces and empowers employees.
Dame Julia Hoggett
Chief Executive Officer, London Stock Exchange
Julia joined the London Stock Exchange in 2021 and is its first openly gay CEO. Before this, she held roles at the FCA, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, DEPFA and JPMorgan. Julia led OUTstanding’s 2023 Top 100 LGBTQ+ Executives list and has advocated for diversity and inclusion for two decades. She was appointed a DBE in the June 2024 Birthday Honours for services to finance and business.
Dawn Airey CBE
Chair, Women’s Professional Leagues Limited
A veteran of the media industry, Dawn held senior positions at ITV, Channel 5 and BSKYB. Previously CEO of Getty Images, she now chairs the Women’s Professional Leagues Limited and National Youth Theatre, is a Non-Executive director for Grosvenor Estates, and Non-Executive Deputy Chair for Channel Four. Dawn also serves as Chancellor of Edge Hill University. In the 2024 Birthday Honours she was awarded a CBE for services to theatre and to charity.
Nicola Butler
Owner, NoteWorthy
Nicola is the owner and Managing Director of NoteWorthy, an exquisite travel experiences company, specialising in travel experiences for the ultra-high net worth US leisure visitor to the UK, Ireland, Paris and Normandy. Nicola works closely with charities and generates £700,000 per year to various causes with the visits from her US clientele.
Tolu Osinubi
Director, Deloitte
Tolu is the co-chair of Proud at Deloitte. She successfully implemented her vision on scaling cross-network initiatives, providing members opportunities to build community and connection. Tolu is a sought-after keynote speaker, and guest panellist, on the Black experience in the UK, representing her multiple intersections as a Black LGBTQ+ role model working in technology.
ACTOR
Spotlight on…
Yasmin Finney
Actor
Yasmin Finney is a British actor who rose to fame playing Elle Argent in Netflix’s hit show Heartstopper. She has also been cast in Doctor Who, making history as one of the franchise’s first out trans actors. Yasmin uses her platform to advocate for better trans visibility in the entertainment industry.
Abigail Thorn
Actor
Abigail Thorn is a British actor and writer, best known for playing Sharako Lohar in House Of The Dragon and Eurus in The Acolyte. Abigail uses her platform to advocate for trans rights and the wider LGBTQIA+ community, notably through her successful YouTube channel Philosophy Tube and her own screenwriting.
Bronwyn James
Actor
Bronwyn James is a talented British actor who rose to fame last year for her role in the screen adaptation of the LGBTQIA-beloved musical Wicked. Bronwyn is also known for her roles in Harlots and The Dig. She is an advocate for queer representation, embracing powerful and diverse roles.
Cynthia Erivo
Actor
Cynthia Erivo is an award-winning actor and singer, known for starring as Elphaba in the Oscar-nominated screen adaptation of Wicked. She’s also gained acclaim for her performance as Harriet Tubman in the biopic Harriet. The openly queer star has championed LGBTQIA+ rights in productions like The Color Purple.
Erin Doherty
Actor
Erin Doherty came to our screens as Princess Anne in The Crown, and has since gone on to star in shows like A Thousand Blows and Adolescence. Erin uses her platform to provide vital visibility for LGBTQIA+ people everywhere, advocating for more representation on screen.
Heather Peace
Actor, Singer and Songwriter
Heather Peace is a singer-songwriter and actor, best known for playing the iconic role of Eve in EastEnders. Throughout her career, Heather has been a vocal lesbian rights advocate and LGBTQIA+ icon, starring in the show Lip Service as Detective Sergeant Sam Murray.
Jade Anouka
Actor
Jade Anouka is a dynamic actor who came to the big screen last year for her role in Dune: Prophecy. She has also gained acclaim from her role in His Dark Materials and The Phlebotomist. Jade is openly queer and she uses poetry and acting to amplify LGBTQIA+ voices.
Golda Rosheuvel
Actor
Known for her roles in Bridgerton and Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, Golda has been a champion of LGBTQIA+ rights throughout her career. Set to star in the new play Superwoman Schema later this year, Golda is no stranger to bringing LGBTQIA+ representation to the stage, having famously played a lesbian version of Othello in 2018.
Jessica Gunning
Actor
Jessica Gunning is the breakout star of Baby Reindeer, known for her commanding presence and versatile performances. Last year she came out, openly embracing her queer identity and provided much needed representation within the community. Since then she has advocated for LGBTQIA+ organisations and initiatives including the Hackney Showroom where she is a patron.
Pearl Mackie
Actor
Pearl Mackie is renowned for playing Bill Potts in Doctor Who, the show’s first openly lesbian companion. She has also starred in The Diplomat and the stage production of Ballet Shoes. She remains an advocate for LGBTQIA+ representation in the arts, ensuring that queer characters continue to be visible on screen.
COMMUNITY
Laïla El-Métoui
Founder and CEO, LEM Education
Laïla El-Métoui is an Equity and Wellbeing Consultant with 30+ years of experience in inclusion advocacy. As a disabled Arab lesbian, she founded Pride in Education and Educating Out Racism. She supports LGBTQIA+ networks, raises funds for charities, and delivers impactful training. Recognised with multiple awards, she champions diversity and equity.
Aisha Shaibu-Lenoir
Director, The Common Press CIC
Aisha Shaibu-Lenoir is an entrepreneur and activist, director at The Common Press, founder of Moonlight Experiences and Head of Community at UK Black Pride. All of Aisha’s work celebrates the diversity of queer culture, providing representation for LGBTQIA+ people of colour and a safe space to enjoy literature, travel and Pride.
Caroline Paige MBE
Chief Executive, Fighting With Pride
Caroline Paige MBE served 35 years in the RAF as a navigator on fast jets and helicopters, becoming the first out transgender officer in 1999. Despite opposition, she earned commendations for service in Iraq and Afghanistan. Post-retirement, she champions diversity through her work at Fighting With Pride.
Michelle Ross
Founder, CliniQ
Michelle Ross is the founder of CliniQ and director of holistic wellbeing services. With over 34 years in sexual health, HIV, and wellbeing, she advocates globally for trans rights. Through CliniQ, Michelle pioneers trans-led healthcare, offering inclusive, confidential support in the UK for trans, non-binary, and gender-diverse individuals.
Emily Witham
London based Lesbian Artist
Emily Witham is a working-class artist from London who curates and organises The London Dyke Market, promoting queer art and community engagement. Last year, Emily set up the first ever London Dyke Market, and also launched her new exhibition of illustrations for Joelle Taylor’s new novel The Night Alphabet.
Kate O’Donnell
Artistic Director of Trans Creative and Curator, Trans Vegas
Kate O’Donnell is a transgender performer, activist and theatre maker. She founded Trans Creative in 2016 and launched Trans Vegas in 2017. Her acclaimed theatre work includes Big Girl’s Blouse and You’ve Changed. She directs, speaks on panels and was nominated for a 2018 Gay Times Arts and Culture Award.
Laura Mackay
CEO, Just Like Us
Laura Mackay, a research-driven strategic leader in education, EDI, and tackling disadvantage, is the CEO of Just Like Us. A former English teacher, theatre practitioner, and writer, she brings 15 years’ experience to champion inclusive schools. Previously a strategic lead for vulnerable children, she’s passionate about equality and LGBTQIA+ youth support.
Scarlett Langdon & Xandice Armah
Co-founders, Gal Pals
Scarlett Langdon & Xandice Armah are the co-founders of Gal Pals, the initiative creating inclusive events and spaces for queer women, trans, and non-binary individuals. Founded in 2015, Gal Pals have been keeping queer nightlife alive despite the turbulent times for club nights over the last decade.
Tabs Benjamin
Founder, Butch, Please!
Tabs Benjamin is a British musician and club promoter who, in 2015, founded Butch Please, a trans-inclusive London club night celebrating butch lesbian identity. Having hosted over a decade of Butch Please nights, Tabs has created countless safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ people to express themselves authentically, build community and get on the dancefloor.
Spotlight on…
Aderonke Apata
Founder and CEO, African Rainbow Family
Aderonke Apata is a Nigerian-born LGBTQIA+ activist and barrister who founded the African Rainbow Family. After leaving Nigeria due to persecution about her sexuality, she secured UK asylum after a 13-year battle. After starting her formal legal training in 2018, she was called to the bar in 2022.
CAMPAIGNER
Spotlight on…
Jude Guaitamacchi
Founder, Trans+ Solidarity Alliance
Jude is a trans and non-binary advocate, award-winning campaigner, keynote speaker, and model. They are the founder of the Trans+ Solidarity Alliance, an organisation dedicated to advancing the rights and visibility of trans and non-binary individuals. In their advocacy work, Jude chaired the first all-trans expert panel briefing in the UK Parliament.
Carla Denyer
Co-leader, Green Party of England and Wales
Denyer is an environmentalist and LGBTQIA+ advocate, promoting sustainable policies.She has served as the Member of Parliament for Bristol Central since July 2024 and co-leader of the Green Party of England and Wales since October 2021. Denyer is the first openly bisexual MP to serve in Bristol.
Dee Whitnell
LGBTQIA+ Sex Educator
Dee Whitnell is a multi-award-winning non-binary sex educator, content creator, journalist, and trans activist. They are the founder of the solidarity campaign Trans Kids Deserve To Grow Up. Dee is a Young Person Trustee for Brook and an ambassador for The Proud Trust, Just Like Us and Fumble.
Ellen Jones
LGBTQIA+ Campaigner
Ellen Jones is an author, strategist, and award-winning campaigner, renowned for her work in fostering inclusion and advocating for LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent communities. Through her dedication to diversity and inclusion, she has won the MTV EMA Generation Change Award and Stonewall’s Young Campaigner of the Year title.
Jayne Ozanne
Founder, Ozanne Foundation
Jayne founded the Ozanne Foundation in 2017. The foundation works with religious organizations globally to eliminate discrimination based on sexuality or gender. She also founded and chairs the Ban Conversion Therapy Coalition, advocating for legislative measures to prohibit conversion therapy practices. She is a fierce advocate for LGBTQIA+ acceptance within religious communities.
Lady Phyll
Co-Founder, UK Black Pride
Lady Phyll is the co-founder and executive director of UK Black Pride, championing LGBTQIA+ people of colour and advocating for intersectional inclusion.She is a patron of the Kaleidoscope Trust and Micro Rainbow. Lady Phyll has received numerous accolades from the European Diversity Awards to the Black LGBT Community Award.
Laura-Rose Thorogood
Founder, LGBT Mummies
Laura-Rose is an activist and educator dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ women and individuals on their path to parenthood. She founded LGBT Mummies, an organisation dedicated to “Educate, Share, & Celebrate” LGBTQ+ women and people worldwide. She has worked with entities such as the UK Government, NHS England and more to implement change.
Marty Davies
Founder, Smarty Pants Consultancy
Marty is the Founder of Smarty Pants Consultancy and Trans+ History Week, a new globally recognised week in the calendar to celebrate the history of trans+ people. Marty has been the recipient of numerous accolades throughout their career, and in 2023 was appointed Campaign Magazine’s first transgender columnist.
Munroe Bergdorf
Campaigner and Activist
Model and activist, Munroe is a prominent voice on transgender rights, racial justice, and inclusivity in the fashion industry. She is a former advisor to the Labour Party, and more recently in 2023 UN Women named her as its first UK Champion. Munroe is also a contributing editor to British Vogue.
Yasmin Benoit
Asexual Activist
Yasmin Benoit’s work focuses on challenging stereotypes surrounding asexuality and aromanticism, advocating for greater understanding and representation. Her work has been recognised with multiple nominations and awards, including an Attitude Pride Award. She was later named a celebrity ambassador for The Prince’s Trust. In 2021, she co-founded International Asexuality Day.
MUSICIAN
Anthony Lexa
Singer-Songwriter
A talented singer-songwriter and actor, Anthony Lexa brings trans visibility to music and screen. Through her indie pop music and role as Abbi in Netflix’s Sex Education, she has been a strong example of trans representation in the arts. Alongside this, Anthony has been vocal about trans rights.
Arlo Parks
Mercury Prize-winning Artist
Mercury Prize-winning artist Arlo Parks is a singer-songwriter, known best for her debut album, Collapsed In Sunbeams, which reached number three on the UK album chart and earned several Brit Award nominations. Her deeply personal and poetic lyrics have made Arlo a favourite among LGBTQIA+ audiences.
Beth McCarthy
Singer-Songwriter
Beth McCarthy’s music explores queer love, heartbreak, and identity, resonating deeply with LGBTQIA+ audiences. After going viral on TikTok for her song IDK How To Talk To Girls, Beth has cultivated a strong following and continues to use her music and social media to highlight her queer friendships.
Cat Burns
Singer
A queer Black British singer, Cat Burns indie music been nominated for three Brit Awards. She has spoken openly about her experience as a queer woman of colour and the lack of representation she had growing up. Via her music, she is making Black queer women more visible.
Grace Petrie
Folk Singer-Songwriter
Folk singer-songwriter and guitarist, Grace Petrie’s protest songs tackle political issues, LGBTQIA+ rights, and social justice. She has been using her music to comment on issues in the UK for over 10 years. With her most recent album, Build Something Better, Grace has reached her highest chart placing to date.
Horse
Scottish Music Icon
Scottish music icon, Horse McDonald is known for her powerful, soulful voice and decades of advocacy for LGBTQIA+ equality. She has been making music for over 30 years, including appearing on a charity single It Does Get Better, created by The L Project in response to the increasingly poor mental health of LGBTQIA+ teenagers.
Jess Glynne
Musician
Rising to prominence after featuring on Grammy Award-winning track Rather Be, Jess Glynne has become one of the most beloved LGBTQIA+ musicians in the UK. Her distinctive voice and emotional lyrics have made her incredibly popular and her deeply personal third album, Jess, has achieved over 1 billion streams.
Lucy Spraggan
Singer-Songwriter
Lucy Spraggan’s music blends folk and pop, touching on themes of identity, resilience, and personal growth. An out queer singer-songwriter, Lucy has been instrumental in keeping queer representation growing in the music industry and an inspiration for those trying to be their most authentic self.
The Last Dinner Party
Queer-Inclusive Band
This Brit-Award winning queer-inclusive band have quickly become a staunch favourite among LGBTQIA+ women and non-binary people. Their theatrical baroque rock and evocative storytelling resonates with queer Fans worldwide. A fan favourite is Sinner, a song written by guitarist Lizzie Mayland about their experiences growing up queer in a socially small-minded place.
Nxdia
Musician
An Egyptian-Sudanese artist, Nxdia’s genre-blending music reflects their queer identity, cultural roots, and emotional storytelling through alternative pop sounds. Through their highly popular TikTok platform and debut album, the artist has spoken openly about their gender journey and road to becoming the best version of themself.
Writer
Spotlight on…
Kae Tempest
Spoken Word Performer and Novelist
Kae Tempest is an English spoken word performer, poet, novelist, playwright and recording artist. A BRIT School graduate, they won the 2013 Ted Hughes Award for Brand New Ancients. Known for tackling themes of poverty, identity and consumerism, Kae is one of Britain’s most acclaimed performance poets.
Alice Oseman
Author
This award-winning author is the creator of YA graphic novel series Heartstopper, which has been adapted into an Emmy-winning Netflix show. Alice’s work explores LGBTQIA+ identity with nuance and joy, making millions of readers feel seen. Their book Loveless was inspired by their experiences as an asexual, aromantic person.
Jane Traies
Author and Researcher
Writer, researcher and storyteller Jane is the author of four books exploring lesbian lives and history, including bestseller Now You See Me. This year saw the publication of her latest work, 3000 Lesbians Go To York, documenting the fascinating story of queer arts festivals Libertas and YLAF.
Joelle Taylor
Poet and Author
The poet, author and performer’s debut novel, The Night Alphabet, was published last year, delighting critics and readers alike. Joelle’s groundbreaking collection, C+NTO & Othered Poems won both the T.S Eliot Prize and the Polari Book Prize. Joelle was honoured at the 2024 DIVA Awards for her outstanding contribution to the community.
Laura Kay
Author and Journalist
Laura Kay is an East London-based author and journalist known for her queer rom-coms. Her novels include Making It, Wild Things, Tell Me Everything and The Split, which was longlisted for the Polari First Novel Prize. She writes for The Guardian, DIVA Magazine, and Stylist, often exploring LGBTQIA+ stories and themes.
Juno Dawson
Novelist, Screenwriter and Journalist
Juno Dawson is a bestselling novelist, screenwriter, and journalist. Her books include This Book Is Gay, Clean and Her Majesty’s Royal Coven. She won the 2020 YA Book Prize for Meat Market. Juno also writes for TV, created Doctor Who: Redacted and has acted in BBC productions like the hit series I May Destroy You.
Lex Croucher
Author and Activist
Lex Croucher is a bestselling author, YouTuber and activist known for their historical rom-coms and YA fantasy. Their books include Gwen & Art Are Not In Love, Reputation and Not For The Faint Of Heart. A former YouTube creator, they advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights and diversity in media.
Lotte Jeffs
Writer and Podcaster
Lotte Jeffs is an award-winning writer, editor and podcaster. A contributing editor for Grazia and former ELLE deputy editor, they co-authored The Queer Parent and wrote My Magic Family. Their novel This Love was acclaimed for its portrayal of unconventional family and the many forms love can take.
Rachel Dawson
Author
Rachel Dawson is a Welsh writer whose debut novel Neon Roses was shortlisted for the Polari First Book Prize and Wales Book of the Year. As a 2024 Hay Festival Writer at Work, they mentor emerging writers and advocate for LGBTQIA+ voices. Alongside writing, Rachel is also a founder member of Songbirds Choir for LGBTQIA+ people.
Shon Faye
Author and Journalist
Shon Faye is a bestselling author, journalist, and advocate for trans liberation. Her groundbreaking book The Transgender Issue sparked vital conversations on trans life and justice. She writes Dear Shon for Vogue and hosts the Call Me Mother podcast. Her latest book, Love In Exile, was released earlier this year.
SPORT
Adele Roberts
Former BBC Radio 1 Presenter and Marathon Runner
Adele is a well-known marathon runner and former BBC Radio 1 presenter. She is known for advocating LGBTQIA+ rights and raising awareness about health and diversity. Roberts set the Guinness World Record for the fastest London marathon time by a woman with a stoma and last year competed on Dancing On Ice.
Alex Scott MBE
Ex-professional Footballer
Alex is an ex-professional footballer and broadcaster, championing LGBTQIA+ representation while breaking barriers for women in sports media. She played for Arsenal Women and had 140 appearances on the England team. In 2017, Scott was awarded an MBE for services to football and has presented Football Focus since 2021.
Beth Mead MBE
England Footballer
Beth is an England footballer, European champion and advocate for LGBTQIA+ visibility in women’s football. After the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 she was awarded the Golden Boot as the tournament’s top scorer and named Player of the Tournament. In 2023 she was given an MBE for her services to football.
Celia Quansah
Rugby Sevens Player
Celia is a rugby sevens player representing England she uses her platform to support LGBTQIA+ inclusion and diversity in sports. In 2021 she made her Olympic debut at the Tokyo Games as part of Team GB’s rugby sevens squad and competed for the England team at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Cindy Ngamba
Olympic Boxer
Cindy is a boxer representing refugees, promoting LGBTQIA+ and migrant athlete rights while competing at the highest levels. After winning bronze in the women’s 75kg boxing category at the 2024 Summer Olympics, she became the first-ever medallist for the Refugee Olympic Team. In January, she became a professional boxer.
Jill Scott MBE
Former England Footballer
Jill is a former England footballer and European champion, making over 150 appearances for the team. She is an outspoken advocate for women’s sports and LGBTQIA+ inclusion. In the 2020 New Year Honours, her contributions to the sport were recognised and she was awarded an MBE for services to football.
Lauren Rowles OBE
Paralympic Rowing Champion
Lauren is a paralympic rowing champion, proudly representing LGBTQIA+ athletes and advocating for disability and gender inclusivity in sports. She triumphed at the 2016, 2020 and 2024 Paralympic Games, becoming the first woman to achieve three rowing golds. In 2025 she was awarded an OBE for services to rowing.
Lianne Sanderson
Former England Footballer
As a former England footballer, Lianne has been a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility in sports, using her platform to promote inclusivity and support for LGBTQ+ athletes. During her career she has represented England in major tournaments worldwide and is now a broadcaster, often speaking on talkSPORT and other media outlets.
Lou Englefield
Founding Director, Pride Sports
Lou is a leading LGBTQIA+ sports rights activist. She has been a trusted voice on LGBTQIA+ inclusion in sports for more than 20 years. Lou is a founding Director of Pride Sports and directs the international Football v Homophobia campaign which has become a leading authority on LGBTQIA+ inclusion in football.
Spotlight on…
Dame Kelly Holmes
Olympic Champion
Dame Kelly is a multi-award-winning Olympic champion in middle-distance running. She established the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust in 2008. The charity works to empower young athletes and individuals facing adversity through coaching and mentoring. She came out publicly in 2022 and has inspired LGBTQIA+ athletes to embrace their identity.
MEDIA
Spotlight on…
Chloe Petts
Comedian
Queer comedian Chloe Petts is known for her sharp wit and unique perspective on identity. As co-founder of the LOL Word, a collective of queer and non-binary comedians, Chloe has pushed for better representation in comedy. She has been featured on Hannah Gadsby’s Gender Agenda and panel shows like Have I Got News For You.
Ali Bromley
2024 Winner, Big Brother UK
Ali Bromley is a forensic psychologist and 2024’s winner of Big Brother UK. She is the first ever out lesbian housemate to win the show since it began over 25 years ago. While on the show, Ali opened up about her experience coming out as a lesbian later in life.
Ella Morgan
Trans Advocate and TV Personality
Award-winning trans advocate and TV personality, Ella Morgan made history as the first trans bride on Married At First Sight UK. She opened up about her experiences as a trans person on the show and has continued to be a strong voice for the community.
Charley Marlowe
Comedian and Narrator
Comedian and narrator of I Kissed A Girl, Charley Marlowe is known for her hilarious skits and interviews on TikTok. Charley narrated the first season of sapphic reality dating show I Kissed A Girl, taking over from Layton Williams who narrated I Kissed A Boy the year before.
GK Barry
Podcaster and Influencer
GK Barry is an internet personality, podcaster and social media influencer. She began posting on TikTok in 2020 and soon gained over one million followers. GK started interviewing celebrities on her podcast Saving Grace a few years later and went on to become the youngest regular panellist on Loose Women.
Kate Brooks
Filmmaker and Producer
Producer and filmmaker, Kate Brooks has focused on telling diverse, empowering stories that reflect the LGBTQIA+ community in some of the UK’s favourite soaps. She is the current producer of Coronation Street, which has recently featured a powerful sapphic storyline between Carla Connor and Lisa Swain.
Leanne Quigley
TV Personality
Leanne Quigley made waves this year as a strong faithful and one of the winners of The Traitors’ third season. The former soldier opened up on the show about wanting to use the prize money for IVF with her partner Sophie. She provided strong lesbian representation on the show.
Paris Munro
DJ and Broadcaster
DJ and broadcaster Paris Munro has provided the radio waves with strong trans non-binary representation since coming out live on air whilst presenting Gaydio Breakfast in 2022. Paris has continued to speak up for the trans+ community and released a new dance track, Just Wanted To Dance.
Rosie Jones
Comedian, Writer and Actor
Rosie Jones is a comedian, writer and actor, who has incorporated her experience of being a queer woman with cerebral palsy into her comedy. Rosie is one of the most vocal celebrities about the rights of disabled people and has often spoken up about the discrimination they continue to face, particularly post-pandemic.
Sophie Duker
Comedian and Writer
Queer comedian and writer Sophie Duker’s stand-up has often discussed her experiences of being queer and Black in the UK. She set up and hosted comedy night Wacky Racists, where comedians from under-represented communities could perform, and has continually advocated for marginalised groups in comedy.
INFLUENCER
Amy Spalding
TV Personality
Amy Spalding first appeared on screens in sapphic dating show I Kissed A Girl. She founded jewellery brand SLT Studios and has built a strong following on social media platforms. Her popularity on social media has made her a leading figure in the lesbian renaissance.
Char Bailey
LGBTQIA+ and Neurodivergence Advocate
Char Bailey is a renowned LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergence advocate and writer. She uses her platform to encourage representation for everyone and fosters inclusion and diversity. Whether it’s on social media, via the written word or in her role as Director of Birmingham Pride, Char is committed to championing intersectional representation.
Charlie Craggs
Trans Activist
Trans activist and writer Charlie Craggs uses her platform to promote visibility, awareness, and support for trans rights. She founded the Nail Transphobia campaign, which provided free manicures to people while they chatted with a trans person about their experiences. The campaign was instrumental in shining a light on transphobia.
CurvyBlackWitch
Model and Content Creator
A plus-size model and content creator, Janae Owyn (aka @curvyblackwitch) explores self-love, confidence, and spiritual empowerment through an intersectional lens. Her TikTok has gained over 1.3 million followers and she has used the platform to promote body positivity and self-confidence.
Megan Jayne Crabbe
Body-positive influencer, writer, speaker & presenter
Megan is a bestselling author, presenter and host with over a million followers across her social media. Her latest book, We Don’t Make Ourselves Smaller Here, is a call to arms for anyone who has struggled with their image. She is currently the presenter of MTV UK’s show MTV Movies and has worked with brands like Dove and The Body Shop to empower people through self-esteem masterclasses.
Eleanor Medhurst
Historian and Writer
Eleanor Medhurst is a historian and writer who uses her social media platform to talk about the role lesbians have played in fashion history. Her book, Unsuitable: A History Of Lesbian Fashion, discusses the ways style has been used to craft lesbian identities and culture.
Eva Echo
Trans Activist and Public Speaker
Eva Echo is a trans activist, writer and public speaker, known for challenging the unlawful waiting times for trans patients, implemented by NHS England, in the High Court. Eva has used their following on social media to advocate for trans rights, workplace allyship, intersectionality and mental health.
Whitney and Megan Bacon-Evans
Social Media Personalities
Whitney and Megan Bacon-Evans (aka Wegan) are a lesbian couple who use their shared platform to talk about their relationship and lives as LGBTQIA+ women. Their IVF journey has been charted on their social media and encouraged important conversations around equal access to fertility medicine in the UK.
Rose & Rosie
Social Media Personalities and Podcasters
Rose and Rosie Daughton are a married lesbian couple and YouTubers who share their experiences of love, life, and LGBTQIA+ advocacy. Their open dialogue around LGBTQIA+ issues, which was also an aspect of their podcast Parental Guidance, made them firm favourites among queer audiences.
Spotlight on…
Ben Pechey
Non-binary Writer and Content Creator
Non-binary writer and content creator Ben Pechey is a strong advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community, diversity and inclusion. They regularly discuss body positivity, gender and activism, using their own experiences to provide a snapshot of life for trans and non-binary people in the UK. They encourage the community to find joy every day.
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