DIVA Magazine celebrates trailblazers at annual DIVA Awards 2025

DIVA Magazine marked its annual DIVA Awards during Lesbian Visibility Week (21–27 April), with a glittering ceremony held on Friday, 25 April, proudly headline sponsored by the London Stock Exchange Group.

Hosted by Char Bailey and Megan Jayne Crabbe, the event featured a dynamic performance from The Cocoa Butter Club and celebrated the outstanding contributions of LGBTQ+ women and non-binary people. Among the star-studded attendees were Dame Kelly Holmes, Adolescence actor Faye Marsay, and House of the Dragon icon Abigail Thorn.

“The DIVA Awards offer a vital opportunity to celebrate the remarkable achievements of LGBTQIA+ women, non-binary people, and our allies,” said Nancy Kelley, Executive Director of the DIVA Charitable Trust. “In a world where our voices aren't always heard, and during a time when LGBTQIA+ rights can feel under threat, these award winners bring us hope, joy, and a vision for a better future where all LGBTQIA+ people live life to the fullest.”

This year, myGwork proudly sponsored the LGBTQIA Network of the Year award, which was awarded to Colt Technology Services' Pride Matters. EDF’s employee resource group LGBTQ+ Supporters Network also received a high commendation.

Here’s the full list of this year’s outstanding winners and highly commended by category:

Centrica Charity or Community Project of the Year
Winner: Just Like Us
Highly Commended: TransActual

myGwork LGBTQIA Network of the Year
Winner: Pride Matters, Colt Technology Services
Highly Commended: LGBTQ+ Supporters Network, EDF (UK)

Dorchester Collection Campaigner of the Year
Winner: Whitney and Megan Bacon-Evans
Highly Commended: Esther Ghey

Kantar Inspirational Role Model of the Year
Winner: Saba Ali
Highly Commended: Winnie King, Mace Group

Head of Diversity of the Year
Winner: Alexis Curtis-Harris, Penna
Highly Commended: Rachel Collins, Colt Technology Services

Paramount Influencer of the Year
Winner: Lesbian Supper Club
Highly Commended: CurveyBlackWitch

Brand of the Year
Winner: London Women’s Clinic
Highly Commended: L&G

BNP Paribas Corporate Ally of the Year
Winner: Anne Aslett, Elton John AIDS Foundation
Highly Commended: Antonia Croke, Hogan Lovells

Jackdaw Media Media Moment of the Year
Winner: I Kissed a Girl
Highly Commended: Coronation Street

Deliveroo Diversity Champion of the Year
Winner: Maria Patsalos, Mishcon De Reya
Highly Commended: Emma Palethorpe, St. James’s Place
Highly Commended: Pippa Dale, LSEG

London Women’s Clinic Future Leader of the Year
Winner: Bruna Gil, LinkedIn
Highly Commended: Deborah Mills-Burns, Momentum Personal Solutions

Allianz Commercial Writer of the Year
Winner: Val McDermid
Highly Commended: Clare Lydon

Celebrity Ally of the Year
Winner: Vicky Myers
Highly Commended: David Tennant

LSEG Queer Comedian of the Year
Winner: Rosie Jones
Highly Commended: Suzi Ruffell

Sports Personality of the Year
Winner: Adele Roberts
Highly Commended: Alex Scott MBE

Actor of the Year
Winner: Pearl Mackie
Highly Commended: Abigail Thorn

Sedulo Lifetime Achievement Award
Winner: LGBTQIA Veterans