The trailblazing human rights champion, activist and community leader is set to take DIVA into its new chapter
BY DIVA STAFF, IMAGE BY BRETT COVE
Trailblazing activist Dr Lady Phyll will be joining the DIVA Charitable Trust (DCT) team as its new executive director, marking a defining moment for lesbian, bisexual, trans women and non-binary communities. Founded last year, DCT exists to make sure LGBTQIA+ women and non-binary people are seen, heard and celebrated. It drives change through media, events, research and partnerships, building visibility, representation and community across every part of society.
As co-founder and chief executive of UK Black Pride and former executive director of Kaleidoscope Trust, Dr Lady Phyll has proudly and tirelessly campaigned for LGBTQIA+ rights around the world. Through her two decades of leadership spanning public service, trade unionism and international human rights, Dr Lady Phyll will now be at the forefront of DIVA’s mission to raise visibility, inclusivity and diversity at a time where queer rights around the world are being threatened.
Speaking on her appointment, Dr Lady Phyll said: “DIVA has always been more than a magazine, it is a political home, a cultural archive and a living testament to the power of LGBTQIA+ women and non-binary people telling our own stories.”
“As a Black African woman, I understand deeply what it means to fight for voice and agency,” she continued. “I am honoured to bring my experience, relationships and strategic focus to DIVA Charitable Trust, at a time when trans women in particular are under sustained attack. This role is about building power with care, protecting hard-won spaces, and ensuring our communities are not just seen, but supported and able to thrive.”
Alongside her community leadership, Dr Lady Phyll is pro-chancellor of the University of Northampton, a member of SKY’s Diversity Advisory Council (DAC), a patron of Micro Rainbow and an ambassador for the Vagina Museum. In her new role at DIVA, Dr Lady Phyll will champion key moments such as Lesbian Visibility Week, making sure that DIVA continues to champion the community it has represented for the last three decades.
Roxy Bourdillon, editor-in-chief of DIVA magazine, said: “Having worked closely with Dr Lady Phyll in the past, I am excited about the abundance of experience, expertise and passion that she brings to this pivotal role. As we embark on a new chapter for DIVA Charitable Trust with Dr Lady Phyll at the helm, we can impact the lives of even more people in our beautiful, diverse community, shaping a brighter future for us all.”
In this new role, Dr Lady Phyll aims to build a platform where LGBTQIA+ women and non-binary people are not only visible but heard, valued and resourced across generations, identities and lived experiences.
Marie-Hélène Tyack, Chair of the DIVA Charitable Trust, said: “On behalf of the board of trustees, we are thrilled with the appointment of Dr Lady Phyll as the executive director of DIVA Charitable Trust. Her unwavering commitment to social justice and her exemplary leadership in advocating for marginalised communities align perfectly with our mission of making DIVA Charitable Trust the leading charity for LGBTQIA+ women and non-binary people in the UK. We are confident that under her guidance, DIVA Charitable Trust will make significant strides in empowering the community we serve and fostering positive change. We look forward to the impactful journey ahead with Dr Lady Phyll at the helm.”
Dr Lady Phyll will continue in her role as CEO of UK Black Pride following a new succession process which has introduced two new co-deputy CEOs.
Love media made by and for LGBTQIA+ women and gender diverse people? Then you’ll love DIVA. We’ve been spotlighting the community for over 30 years. Here’s how you can get behind queer media and keep us going for another generation: linkin.bio/ig-divamagazine
Did you know that DIVA has now become a charity? Our magazine is published by the DIVA Charitable Trust. You can find out more about the organisation and how you can offer your support here: divacharitabletrust.com
