Susan Calman
As well as taking part in one of the most popular
shows on television and inspiring people across the country, Susan Calman achieved a very personal goal in 2017: to feel beautiful. The 43-year-old comedian, writer and TV personality caused some controversy when she signed up for Strictly Come Dancing, with many wanting to see her dance with a woman. But she soon put paid to her detractors with a series of wonderful performances with her dance partner (and new BFF) Kevin Clifton, in what she describes as a “life-changing experience”. |
“I did think about dancing with a woman,” the former DIVA columnist says. “But from the very first moment when I was asked about the show I said I wanted to dance with a man. People can criticise me all they want, but I’ve worked tirelessly for LGBT equality my whole life and right now I would like to dance and
bring entertainment to people by dancing on a Saturday night.” And bring entertainment she did, creating joy in the lives of many, and inspiring even more. “All my life I’ve thought I was fat and ugly,” Susan tweeted during her impressive ten-week run. “I feel beautiful for the first time. Schmaltzy maybe. But true and bloody brilliant. It’s not just about dancing for me. It’s life-changing.” @SusanCalman |
Rose & Rosie
Climbing up three places from last year’s Power List are YouTube stars Rose and Rosie, who have had an incredible 2017. The year has seen them tour the UK and US, interview stars like Camila Cabello and, if that wasn’t enough, they’ve also won several awards, including Summer in the City Vlogger of the Year and a BBC Radio1 Teen Award for Best British Vlogger. We
can only imagine what 2018 will bring. @RoseEllenDix @RoxeteraRibbons |
Heather PeaceDIVA’s music editor and Radio DIVA co-host and co-producer, musician and actor Heather Peace is also patron of Diversity Role Models, Albert Kennedy Trust and Manchester Pride. This year, she and wife Ellie brought home two special gifts for their two-year-old Annie: twin girls Jessie and Lola.
@heatherpeace |
Munroe BergdorfShe might have been dropped as the face of L’Oreal due to comments on social media reported out of context by the Daily Mail, but social activist and model Munroe
Bergdorf has emerged victorious, landing a deal with British make-up firm Illamasqua, as well as columns with publications including the Evening Standard and DIVA. @MunroeBergdorf |
Phyll Opoku-Gyimah
As well as being a much-loved DIVA columnist, “Lady” Phyll Opoku-Gyimah juggles her day job at PCS Union with her responsibilities as executive director of UK Black Pride and trustee of Stonewall. The last year saw her hard work recognised at the European Diversity Awards in November, where she picked up the Vodafone Campaigner of the Year award.
@MsLadyPhyll |
Kezia Dugdale MSPThe former leader of the Scottish Labour Party hit the headlines several times this year, most recently for her decision to head into the jungle as a contestant on ITV’s I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here. Dugdale responded to the criticism, explaining the opportunity to speak to people who might not previously have engaged with politics was too good to pass up, and pledged to donate her salary for the time she was down under to the Rock Trust, a charity working with homeless young people. @kezdugdale
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Nicola AdamsLast year was a good one for Nicola Adams, but 2017 has been arguably even better. Not only has the double Olympic gold medalist gone professional, winning her first bout over Argentina’s Virginia Carcamo 40-36, she’s also written a book, signed a deal with skincare brand E45 and got engaged to fellow boxer Marlen Esparza. And if that wasn’t enough, the “smiling assassin” also bagged an OBE for services to boxing. Well done that woman. @NicolaAdamsOBE
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Lucy SpragganWhen she’s not been on the road touring her brilliant album, Dear You, former X Factor contestant and two-time DIVA cover star Lucy Spraggan has spent much of the year at home with wife Georgina and their foster children. Earlier this year, she told us that she’s managed to convert them all into fans, and that everyone who has come to stay with them has “left with a signed album”. Winning! @lspraggan
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Claire Harvey
In February 2017, paralympian and inclusion expert Claire Harvey took over from Suran Dickson as the chief executive of Diversity Role Models, beating off competition from over 70 candidates. On her appointment, Harvey said: “This is more than a job role for me. It is a tangible chance to make a better future for the young people within our LGBT community.”
@harveysprout |
Sandi ToksvigShe had big boots to fill – taking over Bake Off presenting duties from the much-loved duo Mel and Sue, but boy did Sandi Toksvig rise to the challenge. Her on-screen partnership with Noel Fielding was such a hit that Channel 4 has signed them on for another year, and we’re already excited to see what delicious treats they have in store for us next time.
@sanditoksvig |
Mhari BlackThe member of parliament for Paisley and Renfrewshire South has had a strong year both in and out of Westminster. Passionate and outspoken, she is never afraid to criticise the government or the opposition, and has been tipped as the next Nicola Sturgeon. While she says it’s not a future she sees for herself, people from across the political spectrum were delighted to see her return to parliament after June’s
surprise general election, with a majority of 2,541. @MhairiBlack |
Clare BaldingBona fide national treasure Clare Balding sees out 2017 with some new accolades under her belt: British LGBT Awards Broadcaster of the Year being one of them. On her win, Balding, who was also named in the top 10 most influential women in sport, told DIVA: “As a community, as a family, as a group of friends, I think it’s really important that we support each other. And if one can do that with champagne and
glitzy dresses then hey, great.” @clarebalding |
Adele Roberts
BBC Radio 1 DJ Adele Roberts has had an active year. Not only did she run the London Marathon in an incredible three hours and 36 minutes, she also took part in the UK’s highest freefall abseil from the ArcelorMittal Orbit in London’s Olympic Park alongside girlfriend Kate Holderness to raise money for Barnardo’s. Following the nail-biting 80 metre descent, Roberts said: “I went from feeling terrified to feeling exhilarated. It was incredible.”
@AdeleRoberts |
Jane HillBBC newsreader Jane Hill has barely stopped in 2017. As well as her day job as one of the main presenters on BBC One and the BBC News Channel, she’s been busy hosting events including the Diversity In Media Awards and writing a column in DIVA. Her hard work was recognised in April 2017, when she won Broadcaster of the Year at the DIVA 250 Awards.
@JaneHillNews |
Sue PerkinsShe might have chosen not to “follow the dough” to Channel 4, but 2017 has still been jam-packed for Sue Perkins. As well as presenting shows, including The Big Spell and Chimp Rehab, she also wowed audiences with her trip to the Ganges and 2018 promises to be just as fruitful after it was announced she and Mel would be fronting a remake of The Generation Game.
@sueperkins |
Sarah GarrettCEO of SPM Group, Sarah Garrett is the co-founder of the hugely successful British LGBT Awards. Her commitment to diversity and inclusion was recognised in January 2017 when she received an MBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List.
@SarahGarrettSPM |
Kiki Archer
If 2017 is anything to go by, the future is bright for best-selling lesfic author Kiki Archer. As well as ranking in the Guardian’s Pride Power List and being named as a finalist in the Lambda Literary Awards and the DIVA 250 Awards, she also won the DIVA Literary Award for Romance and has set up a new production company with fellow lesfic author Jade Winters. We can’t wait to see what they have up their sleeves.
@Kikiarcherbooks |
Val McDermidCelebrated crime writer Val McDermid’s newest book hit the shelves in 2017. The latest in the Tony Hill and Carol Jordan series, Insidious Intent has been described as the best-selling author’s most expressive and emotional novel to date and saw the Scottish novelist receive a well-deserved gong at the DIVA Literary Awards in Birmingham back in November.
@valmcdermid |
Hannah Bardell MSPPinkNews’ Politician of the Year, Hannah Bardell also picked up a commendation for Politician of the Year at Scotland’s ICON Awards. As well as standing up for LGBT people in parliament, the Livingston MP also hosted a documentary for the BBC’s Victoria Derbyshire show to mark 50 years since the partial decriminalisation of homosexuality in England and Wales.
@HannahB4LiviMP |
21 - Amy Lamé
London’s Night Czar published her book this year: From Prejudice To Pride: A History Of LGBTQ+ Movement. @amylame |
22 - Paris Lees
Currently writing her memoir which is due to be published by Penguin. @parislees |
23 - Sophie Ward
Actor currently starring in the theatre adaptation of A Judgement In Stone. @sophieannaward |
24 - Victoria Broom
Different For Girls star who will be appearing in the ITV drama Marcella in 2018. @victoriabroom |
25 -Ruth Hunt
Chief executive of Stonewall and vice chair and trustee of Shelter. @ruth_hunt |
26 - Tanita Tikaram
Singer-songwriter who appeared on the cover of DIVA in February 2017. @tanita_tikaram |
27 - Elly Barnes
Founder of Educate And Celebrate who received an MBE in 2016. @elly_barnes |
28 - Vicky Beeching
Writer, broadcaster and former DIVA columnist, currently writing her memoir. @vickybeeching |
29 - Jacquie Lawrence
Writer and producer of Different For Girls. @jac_lawrence |
30 - Mary Portas
Broadcaster, presenter and author. @maryportas |
31 - Jacqui Gavin
Diversity and inclusion lead at the Department for International Trade. @jacqui_gavin |
32 - Reeta Loi
Co-founder of Gaysians, publishing director at Burnt Roti and DIVA columnist. @r_e_e_t_a_ |
37 - Rosie Wilby
Writer, comedian and Radio DIVA co-producer and co-host. @rosiewilby |
38 - Kayza Rose
Executive director of BlackOutLDN and head of media production at UK Black Pride. @KayzaRose |
39 - Horse McDonald
Singer-songwriter and patron of Switchboard LGBT. @horsemusic |
40 - Cindy Edwards
Founder and director of L Fest. #CindyEdwards @LFestEvents |
41 - Lots Holloway
Singer-songwriter who released her debut EP in 2017. @lotsholloway |
42 - Joanna Cherry MP
MP for Edinburgh South West and SNP spokesperson for Justice and Home Affairs. @joannaccherry |
43 - Juno Roche
Writer, activist and patron of Clini_Q. Juno’s book, Queer Sex, is out in 2018. @JustJuno1 |
44 - Stella Duffy
Award-winning novelist and co-director of the arts initiative, Fun Palaces. @stellduffy |
45 - Dawn Airey
CEO of Getty Images and chair of the National Youth Theatre. @dawn_airey |
46 - Polly Shute
Development and partnership director at Pride In London. @shute_polly |
47 - Shura
Singer-songwriter who won the Rising Star award at DIVA 250 in April 2017. @weareshura |
48 - Sam Fox
Singer-songwriter, TV personality and former glamour model. @SamFoxCom |
49 - Sarah Graham
Intersex activist and counsellor specialising in drug addiction. @AddictionExpert |
50 - Alicya Eyo
Former soap actor who recently starred in Theatre503’s In Event Of Moone Disaster. @Alicya75 |
51 - Luisa Bradshaw-White
Actor who plays Tina Carter in EastEnders. Previously in Bad Girls and Holby City. @BLuisaW |
52 - Chardine Taylor Stone
Won a British LGBT Award in 2017 for Outstanding Contribution to LGBT+ life. @misschazmatazz |
53 - Jen Brister
Comedian, writer, actor and Radio DIVA guest presenter. @JenBrister |
54 - Justine Greening MP
Putney MP. Also the education secretary and minister for women and equalities. @JustineGreening |
55 - Libby Baxter-Williams
Bi activist and editor of Biscuit, a mixed-purpose organisation for bisexual women. @monstrousfemme |
56 - Angela Eagle MP
Labour MP for Wallasey since 1992. @angelaeagle |
57 - Sarah Waters
DIVA 250 Author of the Year 2017. #SarahWaters |
58 - Carol Ann Duffy
Playwright and Poet Laureate. #CarolAnnDuffy |
59 - Charlie Craggs
Trans activist and author whose book, To My Trans Sisters, came out this autumn. @Charlie_Craggs |
60 - VG Lee
Award-winning author who has published five books and various short stories. @vglee_lee |
61/62 - Megan and Whitney Bacon-Evans
Bloggers and YouTubers who married in September 2017. @whatwegandid |
63 - Ruby Tandoh
Baker and writer whose third book, Eat Up, will be published in 2018. @rubytandoh |
64 - Shelley Silas
Playwright and patron of Diversity Role Models. @shelleysilas |
65 - Rebecca Root
Best known for playing Judy in the BBC Two sitcom Boy Meets Girl. @rebeccaroot1969 |
66 - Cathryn Wright
Managing director of Stonewall. #CathrynWright @stonewalluk |
67 - Anna Richardson
TV presenter, best known for fronting Supershoppers and Naked Attraction. @AnnaRichardso |
68 - Julie Wilson
CEO of Optimus Cards, which won a Startup of the Year award in 2016. #JulieWilson |
69 - Kaite Welsh
Journalist, author and DIVA books editor who published The Wages Of Sin in 2017. @kaitewelsh |
78 - Suzi Ruffell
Comedian and podcaster, who hosts Like Minded Friends alongside Tom Allen. @suziruffell |
79 - Sara Geater
Chief operating officer at All3Media and chair of the Pact Council. @geater_sara |
80 - Moud Goba
One of the founding members of UK Black Pride. @MsMGoba |
81 - Baroness Barker
Liberal Democrat peer and House of Lords LGBT spokesperson. @LizBarkerLords |
82 - Margot James MP
The first openly lesbian MP in the Conservatives, representing Stourbridge. @margot_james_mp |
83 - Sam Truelove
Lieutenant commander in the Royal Navy. @samfish01 |
84 - Jordan Gray
Writer and aspiring comedian who appeared on The Voice in 2016. @Talldarkfriend |
85 - Meg-John Barker
Writer, therapist, activist and academic specialising in sex, gender and relationships. @megjohnbarker |
86 - Annie Wallace
Award-winning trans actor, best known for playing Sally St Claire in Hollyoaks. @anniewallace |
87 - Trudy Howson
LGBT Poet Laureate, highly commended at the DIVA Literary Awards 2017. @lgbtpoetlaureat |
88 - Daisy Reeves
Banking partner and LGBT champion at Berwin Leighton Paisner. #DaisyReeves @BLPLaw |
89 - MIRI
Singer-songwriter, live music promoter and activist. @miriofficialuk |
90 - Boom Macleod
Former editor of g3 magazine. Now operations and events director for SPM Group. @that_boom_ting |
91 - Melanie Rickey
Fashion editor and consultant, married to Mary Portas. @fashedatlarge |
92 - Michelle Hardwick
Soap actor who plays Vanessa Woodfield in Emmerdale. @ChelleHardwick |
93 - Justine Smithies
Trans activist, patron of the LGBT History Project and co-chair of Grampian Pride. @JustineSmithies |
94 - Cressida Dick
Commissioner of the Met Police, and the first woman to take charge of the service. #CressidaDick @metpoliceuk |
95 - Sue Sanders
LGBT campaigner and chair of Schools Out and LGBT History Month. @suesanders03 |
96 - Vicky Jones
Ex-Royal Navy, songwriter, and bestselling author of Meet Me At 10. @VickyJones7 |
97 - Wanda Goldwag
Non executive chair for the Office of Legal Complaints, LSE @wandagoldwag |
98 - Fizz Milton
Former BBC producer, now working on the hit web series Different For Girls. @fmiltonw3 |
99 - Kelly Hendry
Casting director for film and TV who has worked on shows including Lip Service and Broadchurch. @KVHendry |
100 - Emma Woollcott
Legal director at Reputation Protection, Mishcon de Reya LLP. @ecwoollcott |