THE LIST 2017

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 Peace

DIVA’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 Bergdorf

She 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 MSP

The 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

Nicola Adams

Last 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

Lucy Spraggan

When 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

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 Toksvig

She 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 Black

The 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 Balding

Bona 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 Hill

BBC 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 Perkins

She 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 Garrett

CEO 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 McDermid

Celebrated 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 MSP

PinkNews’ 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_

33 - Ruth Davidson MSP
Leader of the Scottish Conservative Party.
@RuthDavidsonMSP

34 - Liz Carr
Actor, comedian and disability rights activist.
@thelizcarr

35 - Alison Camps
Co-chair of Pride In London.
@AliCamps

36 - Lianne Sanderson
Award-winning footballer.
@liannesanderson

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

70 - Inga Beale
CEO of Lloyd’s of London who advocates bringing your whole self to work.
@IngaBeale

71 - Alice Arnold
Former BBC Radio 4 newsreader and wife of Clare Balding.
@alicearnold1

72 - Ali Berryman
Chief operating officer at Barclaycard UK and Diversity Role Models trustee.
@beenaberry75

73 - Zoe Lyons
Stand up comedian and panel show regular.
@zoelyons

74 - Pratibha Parmar
Award-winning writer, director and film producer.
@kalifilms

75/76 - Helen and Kate
Hockey playing couple
Rio.
@h_richardson8

Richardson-Walsh
who won gold together at

@katewalsh11

77 - Nicole Faraday
Actor, best known for playing Snowball Merriman in the ITV drama Bad Girls.
@Nickyfar

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

2017