From global activists to industry leaders, LGBTQIA+ women and non-binary people are challenging inequality, driving accountability and helping build a fairer, more inclusive world.
Lesbian Visibility Week is more than a moment of recognition – it is a global movement grounded in history, courage and collective action. Celebrated from 20-26 April, this year’s theme revolves around health and wellbeing.
Founded by inclusion and belonging champion Linda Riley, it has grown from a UK initiative into an international platform amplifying lesbian voices, leadership and impact across across sectors and continents.
LEADERSHIP & SOLIDARITY
Did you know that lesbians are often placed first in the LGBTQIA+ acronym as a tribute to their leadership and solidarity during the HIV/AIDS crisis of the 1980s? At a time marked by fear, stigma and widespread neglect, many in the lesbian community mobilised to support those affected – providing care, organising grassroots responses, advocating for proper medical attention and challenging discrimination when others turned away.
Today, that same commitment continues. Lesbian and queer women – alongside non-binary people within this community – are at the forefront of movements for equality, challenging bias, dismantling systemic barriers and holding institutions to account. Across sectors and continents, they are driving change, shaping policy, influencing culture and creating more inclusive spaces for future generations.
The list below represents just a fraction of this diverse, global community of leaders, advocates and changemakers who are helping to level the playing field through representation, equity and action.
Please note names are listed alphabetically by first name within each section category.
HUMAN RIGHTS & GLOBAL ADVOCACY
Aderonke Apata (UK/Nigeria)
A barrister and founder of African Rainbow Family, Aderonke Apata advocates for LGBTQ+ asylum seekers navigating complex immigration systems. Her work challenges discriminatory policies, provides vital community support, and centres intersectional justice.
Alice Nkom (Cameroon)
One of Cameroon’s first female lawyers, Alice Nkom founded ADEFHO to defend LGBTQ+ people in a country where same-sex relationships remain criminalised. She has spent decades advocating for legal protection, dignity and human rights.
Dalia Al-Faghal (Egypt/Sweden)
A writer and activist, Dalia Al-Faghal was one of the first women to come out publicly in Egypt. She now works internationally to create dialogue around LGBTQ+ identity and women’s rights across the Middle East.
Jean Chong (Singapore)
Co-founder of Sayoni, Jean Chong has played a key role in advancing LGBTQIA+ rights in Southeast Asia. Her work contributed to the repeal of Section 377A in Singapore and continues to push for broader reform.
Kasha Jacqueline Nabagesera (Uganda)
Founder of FARUG, Kasha Jacqueline Nabagesera has spent decades advocating for LGBTQ+ rights in Uganda despite severe personal risk. Her courage and resilience have made her a globally recognised voice for equality.
Li Tingting (China)
A feminist and LGBTQ+ activist, Li Tingting challenges discrimination and gender inequality in China. Despite state pressure and detention, she continues to advocate for systemic change and greater visibility.
Monica Tabengwa (Botswana)
A human rights lawyer and co-founder of LEGABIBO, Monica Tabengwa played a central role in decriminalising homosexuality in Botswana. She now works internationally to advance LGBTQIA+ inclusion across Africa and beyond.
Rasha Younes (Lebanon/Africa)
A researcher and advocate at Human Rights Watch, Rasha Younes focuses on LGBTQ+ rights in the Middle East and North Africa. Her work challenges legal inequality and documents human rights abuses.
Rosanna Flamer-Caldera (Sri Lanka)
Founder of EQUAL GROUND, Rosanna Flamer-Caldera led a landmark UN case affirming that criminalising same-sex relationships violates human rights. Her advocacy continues to influence legal reform in Sri Lanka and internationally.
LEADERSHIP, BUSINESS & ECONOMIC INCLUSION
Arlan Hamilton (USA)
Founder of Backstage Capital, Arlan Hamilton invests in underrepresented founders, including LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs. Her work is reshaping access to funding, visibility and opportunity across the business world.
Beth Ford (USA)
As CEO of Land O’Lakes, Beth Ford became the first openly gay woman to lead a Fortune 500 company. She is a strong advocate for inclusion, representation and economic equity.
Dame Inga Beale (UK)
Former CEO of Lloyd’s of London, Dame Inga Beale transformed culture in a traditionally conservative industry. She championed diversity and inclusion at the highest levels of global business.
Dame Julia Hoggett (UK)
CEO of the London Stock Exchange, Dame Julia Hoggett is a trailblazer in global finance. She champions diversity, inclusion and transparency while using her platform to promote equality in a traditionally male-dominated sector.
Kat Parsons (UK)
As CEO of Diversity Umbrella, Kat Parsons leads the organisation behind the British Diversity Awards, Rainbow Honours and the Employee Network Awards. Her work has been widely recognised for advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace.
Leanne Pittsford (US)
Founder of Lesbians Who Tech & Allies, Leanne Pittsford has built one of the world’s largest LGBTQ+ tech communities. Her work supports representation, career progression and visibility across the industry.
Margot Slattery (Ireland)
Marie-Hélène Tyack (France/UK)
A global inclusion, diversity and belonging leader in the insurance sector, Marie-Hélène Tyack champions safe and brave spaces for LGBTQ+ people and other marginalised communities. She is also Chair of the DIVA Charitable Trust and founder of Lesbian History Day.
Marta Herraiz Fernández (Spain)
Founder of LesWorking and co-general director of REDI, Marta Herraiz Fernández has built international professional networks for lesbian women. Her work also supports LGBTQIA+ rights across Europe and Central Asia through EL*C.
Rosalind Campion (UK)
As Chief Executive of the Academy of Medical Sciences, Rosalind Campion brings senior leadership experience across law, government and diplomacy. She has also been a visible champion for LGBTQIA+ inclusion across public institutions.
Shamina Singh (US)
President of the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, Shamina Singh leads global initiatives focused on economic and financial inclusion. Her work connects corporate strategy with social impact, aligning profit with purpose.
POLICY, POLITICS & PUBLIC LEADERSHIP
Angela Eagle (UK)
A long-standing Labour MP and one of the UK’s first openly lesbian politicians, Angela Eagle has played a key role in advancing equality legislation. She remains an influential voice in Parliament on social justice and inclusion.
Annise Parker (USA)
Former mayor of Houston, Annise Parker was one of the first openly lesbian leaders of a major US city. Her leadership helped advance equality and inclusion at a citywide level.
Janet Rice (Australia)
An openly lesbian Greens Senator, Janet Rice has been a consistent advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights, climate justice and social equity. Her work connects policy reform with community impact.
Kate Osborne MP (UK)
A Labour MP and one of the UK’s openly lesbian parliamentarians, Kate Osborne is a vocal advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights, workers’ rights and social justice. She uses her platform to challenge inequality, push for inclusive policy and represent underrepresented communities in Parliament.
Laphonza Butler (USA)
A political leader and advocate, Laphonza Butler focuses on economic justice and workers’ rights. She continues to champion LGBTQ+ inclusion within public policy and civic leadership.
Louisa Wall (New Zealand)
An Olympian and former MP, Louisa Wall introduced New Zealand’s marriage equality legislation. She continues to advocate for human rights, inclusion and representation across sport and politics.
Lupe Valdez (USA)
The first Latina sheriff of Dallas County, Lupe Valdez combined public service with advocacy for marginalised communities. Her career challenged systemic barriers in law enforcement and politics.
Oscar Davies (UK)
The first openly non-binary barrister in the UK, Oscar Davies is helping to reshape the legal profession through visibility and advocacy. Their work promotes inclusion for gender-diverse people within legal systems and public life.
Petra De Sutter (Belgium)
A transgender politician and Deputy Prime Minister of Belgium, Petra De Sutter is one of the highest-ranking trans leaders globally. Her work focuses on equality, ethics and inclusive governance.
Ruth Davidson (UK)
Former leader of the Scottish Conservatives and openly lesbian politician, Ruth Davidson has been a visible LGBTQ+ figure in UK politics. She has used her platform to advocate for inclusion and representation.
Baroness Ruth Hunt (UK)
Former CEO of Stonewall and now a member of the House of Lords, Ruth Hunt has been a leading figure in shaping LGBTQIA+ equality policy in the UK. Her work bridges activism, politics and institutional change.
Sharice Davids (USA)
One of the first openly LGBTQIA+ Native American members of Congress, Sharice Davids represents intersectional leadership at the highest level. Her work reflects the importance of inclusive policy and representation.
Tammy Baldwin (USA)
The first openly LGBTQIA+ US Senator, Tammy Baldwin has played a key role in advancing civil rights and equality legislation. Her leadership continues to shape national policy and visibility.
EDUCATION, VISIBILITY & SOCIAL CHANGE
Char Bailey (UK)
A DEI leader and neurodiversity advocate, Char Bailey works at the intersection of LGBTQIA+ inclusion and neurodivergent visibility. She promotes more inclusive ways of thinking, working and leading.
Cynthia Fortlage (UK)
A global educator, consultant and writer, Cynthia Fortlage supports organisations in building equitable and inclusive cultures. Through leadership development, mentoring and advisory work, she helps embed belonging into decision-making and workplace practice.
Eboné Bell (USA)
Eboné Bell is a Black entrepreneur, international speaker and founder of Tagg Magazine, an award-winning media company serving LGBTQ+ women. She has been widely recognised for advancing inclusion, visibility and LGBTQIA+ advocacy.
Jacqui Rhule-Dagher (UK)
An associate at Hogan Lovells and founder of Legally Queerly, Jacqui Rhule-Dagher is helping improve visibility for lesbians and queer people in the legal profession. Her initiative creates space for career storytelling, representation and community within law.
Laïla El-Métoui (UK)
Founder and CEO of Pride in Education, Laïla El-Métoui is an LGBTQIA+ equity educator and motivational speaker. Drawing on her experience as an Arab lesbian, she champions visibility, intersectionality and inclusive policy across education and public life.
Laura-Rose Thorogood (UK)
Founder of LGBT Mummies and CEO of Make Birth Better, Laura-Rose Thorogood advocates for LGBTQIA+ equality in fertility and maternity spaces. Her work supports tens of thousands globally and challenges inequity in reproductive healthcare.
Layla McCay (UK)
A leader in health and inclusion, Layla McCay focuses on addressing inequalities affecting LGBTQ+ communities. Her work spans research, policy and leadership, with a strong emphasis on wellbeing.
Rachel Reese (UK)
Founder of Global Butterflies, Rachel Reese works with organisations to embed trans and non-binary inclusion into workplace culture. Her work focuses on education, policy and meaningful organisational change.
Roxy Bourdillon (UK)
An award-winning writer and Editor-in-Chief of DIVA, Roxy Bourdillon is a leading voice in LGBTQIA+ media and storytelling. Through her journalism and her book What A Girl Wants, she amplifies lesbian and queer women’s voices, shaping visibility and representation in mainstream media.
Saima Razzaq (UK)
A diversity and inclusion leader, Saima Razzaq advocates for intersectional equity across race, gender and sexuality. She works to amplify underrepresented voices and strengthen inclusive cultures.
Sarah Garrett (UK)
Founder of the British LGBT Awards, Ethnicity Awards and related initiatives, Sarah Garrett has created influential platforms celebrating inclusion and diverse leadership. Her work elevates visibility, recognition and impact.
Sarah Kate Ellis (USA)
As CEO of GLAAD, Sarah Kate Ellis leads global media advocacy for LGBTQ+ representation. Her work continues to shape how LGBTQ+ people are seen across entertainment, journalism and culture.
Professor Emeritus Sue Sanders (UK)
A pioneering educator and activist, Professor Emeritus Sue Sanders is the co-founder of LGBT+ History Month UK and CEO of Schools OUT UK. For over four decades, she has worked to embed LGBTQIA+ inclusion into education, developing resources and training that make schools more representative, inclusive and safe for all students. Her work has had a lasting impact on curriculum, policy and visibility across the UK and beyond.
Tammi Wallace (Canada)
A global DEI leader and co-chair of LGBTQ+ Corporate Directors Canada, Tammi Wallace champions representation at executive and board level. Her work focuses on governance, leadership and structural inclusion.
INCLUSION IN SPORTS
Anne Onwusiri (UK)
Founder of The Black Rugby Community and Black Girls Ruck, Anne Onwusiri is creating safer and more inclusive spaces for Black women and non-binary people in rugby. Her work is helping make sport more equitable, visible and welcoming.
Casey Stoney (UK)
Former England football captain and current football manager, Casey Stoney has been a visible advocate for LGBTQIA+ inclusion in sport. She has helped push conversations around equality and representation in football.
Charlie Martin (UK)
A racing driver and trans rights advocate, Charlie Martin is breaking barriers in motorsport. She promotes inclusion and visibility for trans athletes while challenging stereotypes in elite sport.
Claire Harvey (UK)
A former Paralympian and founder of Not In Our Name, Claire Harvey is a diversity and inclusion specialist using sport as a platform for change. Her work challenges discrimination and promotes dignity, safety and equality for trans communities.
Dame Kelly Holmes (UK)
An Olympic champion, Dame Kelly Holmes advocates for LGBTQ+ inclusion and mental health. Her work supports athletes, veterans and others navigating identity, visibility and wellbeing.
Dutee Chand (India)
An elite sprinter and India’s first openly queer athlete, Dutee Chand has challenged both homophobia and restrictive sporting policies. She has become a visible advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in South Asia.
Joanie Evans (UK)
A former member of the trailblazing Hackney Women’s Football Club, Joanie Evans is co-president of the Federation of Gay Games. Her work champions inclusive sporting spaces worldwide and helps ensure LGBTQ+ athletes can participate safely and fully.
Lianne Sanderson (UK)
A former England international footballer, Lianne Sanderson uses her platform to advocate for LGBTQIA+ inclusion in sport. She is a prominent voice on representation, honesty and equality in football.
Lou Englefield (UK)
Founding Director of Pride Sports, Lou Englefield leads global LGBTQIA+ inclusion work across sport. Her work spans policy, education and campaigns including Football v Homophobia.
Nikki Symmons (Ireland & Switzerland)
Athlete, speaker and inclusion leader, Nikki Symmons (also a former professional hockey player), bridges sport and corporate advocacy. Alongside her role at PMI, where she co-founded and leads the company’s global LGBTQIA+ ERG, STRIPES, she works to create safer and more inclusive environments on and off the pitch.
RACE, GENDER & INTERSECTIONALITY
Ben Pechey (UK)
A non-binary writer, presenter and educator, Ben Pechey advocates for gender diversity and inclusion. Their work focuses on visibility, education and the celebration of non-binary joy.
Diamond Stylz (USA)
Founder of Black Trans Women Inc and host of Marsha’s Plate, Diamond Stylz advocates for Black trans women through media, storytelling and community action. Her work centres visibility, dignity and support.
Marty Davies (UK)
Founder of Trans+ History Week, Marty Davies is a writer, artist, campaigner and strategist working to increase visibility for gender-diverse communities. Through creative and consultancy work, Marty helps organisations engage more authentically with LGBTQIA+ inclusion.
Munroe Bergdorf (UK)
A model, author and activist, Munroe Bergdorf is a leading voice on race, gender and LGBTQIA+ equality. Her work challenges societal norms and drives international conversations on justice and representation.
Nikki Phinyapincha (Thailand)
Founder of Transtalents Consulting Group, Nikki Phinyapincha works to build a more inclusive business ecosystem for marginalised and untapped talent. Through mentorship, workshops and corporate partnerships, she advances transgender leadership, workplace inclusion and LGBTQIA+ economic empowerment in Thailand and beyond.
Olga Custodio (Puerto Rico/USA)
A trailblazing aviator and openly lesbian Latina leader, Olga Custodio was the first Hispanic female military pilot in the US Air Force. She advocates for diversity, inclusion and representation in aviation and STEM.
Yasmin Benoit (UK)
A model, writer, researcher and activist, Yasmin Benoit is a leading voice for asexual visibility and intersectional inclusion. Through campaigns, research and public advocacy, she continues to challenge misconceptions and expand understanding of ace identities.
Zanele Muholi (South Africa)
An internationally acclaimed visual activist and photographer, Zanele Muholi documents and celebrates Black LGBTQIA+ lives. Their work challenges erasure and reclaims narrative through powerful imagery.
ENTERTAINMENT & MUSIC
Alok Vaid-Menon (India/USA)
A non-binary writer, performer and public speaker, Alok is a leading global voice on gender, identity and expression. Their work challenges societal norms and promotes inclusion through art and education.
Ana Carolina (Brazil)
A celebrated singer-songwriter, Ana Carolina has been openly queer throughout her career. Her visibility has helped normalise LGBTQ+ identities in mainstream Latin American media.
Clare Balding (UK)
A broadcaster and author, Clare Balding is one of the UK’s most visible lesbian public figures. She has consistently used her platform to promote inclusion, representation and LGBTQIA+ visibility in mainstream media.
Daniela Vega (Chile)
An award-winning actress and activist, Daniela Vega became internationally known for her role in A Fantastic Woman. She uses her platform to advocate for trans representation in film and society.
Emma Knyckare (Sweden)
A comedian and activist, Emma Knyckare gained international attention for launching a women-only music festival in response to sexual violence at mainstream events. Her work challenges gender inequality in culture and entertainment.
Georgie Stone (Australia)
A trans activist and actor, Georgie Stone has been instrumental in changing laws affecting trans youth in Australia. Her advocacy helped remove court requirements for gender-affirming care for young people, creating lasting systemic impact.
Hayley Kiyoko (USA)
A singer, songwriter and actor, Hayley Kiyoko is known for championing lesbian visibility in mainstream music. Her work centres authentic LGBTQIA+ storytelling and representation.
Janelle Monáe (USA)
A globally recognised artist and activist, Janelle Monáe uses music, film and public advocacy to challenge norms around gender, race and sexuality. Their work has made a major impact on global culture.
Jenny Hval (Norway)
An artist, musician and writer, Jenny Hval explores gender, sexuality and identity through her work. She challenges societal norms and expands queer representation through culture and storytelling.
Juno Dawson (UK)
A bestselling author and trans woman, Juno Dawson writes widely on gender, identity and LGBTQIA+ inclusion. Her work has had significant cultural and educational impact in the UK and beyond.
Magda Szubanski (Australia)
Actor, writer and activist, Magda Szubanski played a major role in Australia’s marriage equality campaign. She continues to advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights, mental health awareness and social inclusion.
Michelle “Michi” Raymond (Spain/USA)
Alongside her work as a workplace diversity and inclusion specialist, Michelle “Michi” Raymond is also a music artist, singer and songwriter. Her creative and professional work both promote equality and inclusion across multiple dimensions of diversity.
Rina Sawayama (Japan/UK)
A globally recognised artist and actor, Rina Sawayama explores identity, belonging and cultural hybridity through her work. She has also been vocal about inclusion and representation in the entertainment industry.
Rosie Jones (UK)
A comedian and writer, Rosie Jones challenges stereotypes through humour and sharp cultural commentary. Her work brings greater visibility to disability, LGBTQIA+ identity and intersectional representation.
Sandi Toksvig (UK/Denmark)
A comedian, writer and activist, Sandi Toksvig has long championed women’s rights and LGBTQIA+ equality. She co-founded the Women’s Equality Party and remains a powerful cultural and political voice.
Silvana Imam (Sweden)
A rapper and activist, Silvana Imam uses her platform to advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights, feminism and anti-racism. Her work has made her one of the most influential queer cultural voices in Europe.
Thandiswa Mazwai (South Africa)
A musician and cultural icon, Thandiswa Mazwai blends music with activism and storytelling. Her work reflects identity, resistance and social change within African cultural life.
Tona Brown (USA)
An opera singer, violinist and activist, Tona Brown has broken barriers in classical music as one of the first openly trans women in the field. Her work expands visibility for trans people in the arts.
COMMUNITY, INCLUSION & BELONGING
Amazin LêThị (Vietnam/USA)
A global LGBTQIA+ activist, speaker and community leader, Amazin LêThị is the founder of Amazin LeThi Foundation, an organisation focused on empowering LGBTQIA+ individuals through advocacy, sport and leadership development. A former competitive bodybuilder and martial artist, she uses her platform to promote visibility, wellbeing and inclusion across diverse communities worldwide. Her work centres on creating safe spaces, amplifying underrepresented voices and driving positive social change.
Bobbi Pickard (UK)
Founder and Chief Executive of Trans in the City, Bobbi Pickard established the organisation in 2018 to address the lack of coordinated corporate action for trans and non-binary communities. Her work has helped grow it into a global collaboration of major organisations advancing awareness, inclusion and change.
Elle Hearns (USA)
A transgender activist and co-founder of the Black Lives Matter Global Network, Elle Hearns is also founder and executive director of the Marsha P. Johnson Institute. Her work focuses on training, supporting and advocating for Black trans and gender-nonconforming communities.
Jude Guaitamacchi (UK)
A motivational speaker, award-winning campaigner and founder of the Trans+ Solidarity Alliance, Jude Guaitamacchi has led major campaigns on mental health, LGBTQIA+ inclusion and gender awareness. Their work includes organising large-scale advocacy initiatives and empowering communities through public speaking and education.
Katie Neeves (UK)
Founder of Cool2BTrans, Katie Neeves advocates for trans visibility and acceptance through awareness-building and support. Her work focuses on education, representation and better everyday outcomes for trans people.
Dr Lady Phyll (UK)
Founder of UK Black Pride and Executive Director of the DIVA Charitable Trust, Dr Lady Phyll (Phyll Opoku-Gyimah) is a globally recognised political activist working across racial, gender and LGBTQIA+ equality. With more than two decades of experience, she remains a powerful leader in intersectional community-building.
Linda Riley (UK)
Founder of Lesbian Visibility Week, the DIVA Charitable Trust and The Diversity Umbrella – the organisation behind a range of DEI awards (including the British Diversity Awards, European Diversity Awards, Rainbow Honours and the Employee Network Awards), Linda Riley has been a driving force in LGBTQIA+ visibility for decades. Her work has built platforms celebrating lesbian leadership, community and impact on a global scale.
Nancy Kelley (UK)
Former CEO of Stonewall, Nancy Kelley has been a leading voice in LGBTQIA+ advocacy and policy reform. Her work focuses on structural inequality and advancing rights at a national level.
Polly Shute (UK)
Founder of Out & Wild Festival, Polly Shute created the UK’s largest wellness and community festival for LGBTQIA+ women and non-binary people. Through advocacy, events and leadership, she continues to build belonging and visibility across the community. She is also co-founder at OUTSpokenSpeakers.
Raga D’Silva (UK & India)
A podcaster and human rights activist, Raga D’Silva is the co-founder of OUTspoken Speakers CIC, the UK’s first speaker agency and social enterprise for LGBTQIA+ women, non-binary individuals, and allies. She also hosts the Older Queer Voices Podcast, providing visibility for older queer narratives.
Urooj Arshad (USA & Pakistan)
A diversity advocate and co-founder of the Muslim Alliance for Sexual and Gender Diversity, Urooj Arshad promotes equity and inclusion across communities and sectors. Her work focuses on representation, systemic change and inclusive leadership.
DRIVING FAIRNESS & INCLUSION
Lesbian Visibility Week is both a celebration and a reminder of the leadership, resilience and advocacy that lesbian and queer women – alongside non-binary people within this community – demonstrate every day.
This diverse community continues to challenge inequality and demand accountability across sectors and regions worldwide – driving progress towards a fairer, more inclusive world. And for every name on this list, there are so many more – showing up, supporting others and helping make the world a little fairer, every single day.
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