Shoppers and readers celebrated as the DIVA Awards returned on 24 April, gathering LGBTQIA+ women and non-binary leaders for a night of performances, speeches and prizes that matter , from Lionesses’ sport victory to Club Kali’s recognition, the ceremony kept visibility practical, joyful and proudly political.

  • Star host: Deborah Frances-White led the evening with humour and warmth, setting an upbeat tone.
  • Memorable performances: Horse, Heather Peace and Sans Soucis delivered soulful moments, including a stirring duet that felt intimate and grand.
  • Big winners: Lionesses (Diversity Umbrella Sport Award), Club Kali’s Rita Hirani & DJ Ritu (Jackdaw Media Icon Award) and Mzz Kimberley (Lifetime Achievement).
  • Community focus: DIVA Charitable Trust used the night to push for visibility that translates into policy and everyday change.
  • Feel of the room: Glamorous, emotional and purpose-driven , the ceremony married celebration with campaigning.

A host who mixed wit with purpose

Deborah Frances-White’s presence made headlines before the event and she didn’t disappoint on the night, balancing sharp jokes with earnest introductions. The tone she set felt like being at a friends’ reunion where everyone’s speaking truth to power. According to earlier DIVA coverage, her role had been teased in February, and she brought that pre-event buzz into a room full of familiar faces and proud newcomers.

Backstory: organisers leaned into the host’s comic and political instincts to keep things lively between awards. For attendees it was a relief , a light touch that still left room for serious speeches.

Practical take: if you want to catch the show next year, expect a blend of entertainment and advocacy, not a standard red-carpet spiel. It’s designed to be both fun and meaningful.

Performances that landed , and stayed with you

Musical spots from Sans Soucis, Horse and Heather Peace felt intentionally curated to underscore the evening’s emotional beats. The standout was Horse joining Heather Peace for a powerful take on Donna Summer’s No More Tears, a moment that had the room leaning in and, for many, felt quietly galvanising.

Context: the organisers announced the lineup in March, signalling they wanted artists who represent different corners of the community. That mix gave the evening a warm, eclectic soundscape.

Practical insight: performances were short but well-placed, punctuating awards rather than overshadowing them. If you love live music with a message, this is a ceremony that delivers.

Awards that mapped today’s queer landscape

Winners ranged from corporate inclusion champions to grass-roots activists, reflecting how activism and visibility now work in parallel. Lionesses won the Diversity Umbrella Sport Award, while Club Kali’s Rita Hirani & DJ Ritu took home the Jackdaw Media Icon Award , both choices summed up a year where sport and culture made large strides for representation.

Backstory: the DIVA Awards spotlighted achievements across workplaces, festivals and media, and the list of highly commended finalists showed depth , from corporate network champions to community groups like Glitter Cymru.

How to read it: the awards are signalling which kinds of work are gaining traction , institutional change, creative platforms and community organising. If you’re building visibility, think cross-sector partnerships.

Voices and speeches that reminded everyone why visibility matters

Lady Phyll, DCT’s executive director, and DIVA editor-in-chief Roxy Bourdillon framed the night with purpose. Lady Phyll’s speech underlined that visibility needs to be practical , it must change culture, policy and the small daily things that make life safer for LGBTQIA+ women and non-binary people.

Context: DIVA has recently formalised its charitable work through the DIVA Charitable Trust, and the awards night doubled as a call-to-action to support queer media and services.

Practical takeaway: supporting queer media isn’t just about clicks; it’s about sustaining platforms that campaign, fundraise and create safe spaces. Consider donating, subscribing or sharing trusted coverage.

Highlights, winners and what they mean next

The list of winners reads like a snapshot of where momentum is building: Alessia Cavallini and Tolu Osinubi among corporate champions, Jessica Kellgren-Fozard as a creator recognised by London Women’s Clinic, and Claire Harvey MBE named a commercial changemaker. Mzz Kimberley’s Lifetime Achievement award closed the night with a sense of continuity , celebrating elders who’ve paved the way.

Trends to watch: expect continued attention on sports, festivals and independent queer media in the year ahead. Organisations that translate visibility into policy wins will likely be the next wave of award contenders.

Practical tips: if you’re nominating or entering next year, highlight measurable impact , who you reached, what changed, and how your work improves everyday lives.

It's a small change that can make every celebration count.

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