The award ceremony | Photo: Provided/GSN
Diva magazine hosted its annual awards ceremony in London this evening. The event took place at the Hilton Waldorf in central London
Among those named as winners were Sandi Toksvig, who took home the Broadcaster of the Year award. Toksvig took has had a consistent presence on UK TV and radio since the 1980s. She took over presenting duties of the Great British Bake Off when it moved from the BBC to Channel 4 last year.
Although unable to be present to collect the award, Toksvig recorded a video message, saying it was a ‘particular honor’ to win.
Other winners included boxer Nicola Adams (Sports Personality of the Year), Dawn Butler MP (Ally of the Year), Dr Elly Barnes MBE (Activist of the Year) and Heather Peace (Entertainment Personality of the Year).
The evening was hosted by Rachel Shelley.
In a statement, Linda Riley, founder of Barclays DIVA Awards said: ‘The DIVA Awards is a fantastic event that honours those who are committed to raising awareness for the lesbian, trans and bisexual communities.
‘We’re proud of everyone who won big tonight and all of the shortlisters involved – each and every one of them make a difference to the LGBTQ+ community.’
Labour Party Leader attends
Jeremy Corbyn, Leader of the Labor Party, was also in attendance and seen here in this video posted by Diva.
Rosie and Rosie with Jeremy Corbin
Posted by DIVA Magazine on Friday, June 8, 2018
He presented Ally of the Year to Butler, a fellow Labour MP and member of the Shadow Cabinet. Corbyn said he was very proud to present the award to her, and that she has always championed LGBTI rights ‘in our country and around the world’.
Butler, in her acceptance speech, said she’s going to keep the award on her desk.
She also added that whenever she goes to Corbyn, about the ‘kick the arse of the Tories… he says “go for it”‘.
GSN journalist Charlie Mathers with Corbyn | Photo: Provided
Recognition for LGBT rights
Hannah Bardell, a member of the Scottish National Party, won Politician of the Year.
When asked by GSN if she expected her win, she had this to say: ‘No, I really wasn’t. Although I did put my lipstick on at the last minute just in case and then was pleasantly surprised. It was a really tough field, there are some incredible politicians.’
Bardell giving her speech | Photo: Provided/GSN
As for what the win means, Bardell appreciates the recognition.
‘For me it means that there’s recognition that I’ve stood up for LGBT rights, which I have tried to do since I got elected. I didn’t actually come out until just after I was elected in 2015. It’s still new for me, but I was very clear at the time that whilst I didn’t have to say anything, I wanted to. As a woman and an LGBT woman, you’re a role model, whether you like it or not, and it’s important to embrace that.
‘LGBT people face discrimination and we have to stand up for them.’
‘Stay angry’
Trans woman and activist Charlie Craggs accepted the award for Milli-on-air Rising Star of the Year.
Craggs accepting her award | Photo: Provided/GSN
She used her speech to remind people of the 2017 Grenfell Tower Fire and said her best friend died in the fire.
‘Stay angry,’ she concluded.
The full list of winners of the Barclays Diva Awards
Outnews Global Journalist of the Year 2018:
Winner: Emily Reynolds
Radio Diva Politician of the Year 2018:
Winner: Hannah Bardell MP
Barclays Diversity Champion of the Year 2018:
Winner: Francesca Harris
Jackdaw Media Author of the Year 2018:
Winner: Kiki Archer
Royal Navy Sports Personality of the Year 2018:
Winner: Nicola Adams
PWC Business Leader of the Year 2018:
Winner: Dawn Airey
The Centre For Reproductive & Genetic Health Ally of the Year 2018:
Winner: Dawn Butler MP
Milli-on-air Rising Star of the Year 2018:
Winner: Charlie Craggs
My G Work LGBT Network Group of the Year 2018:
Winner: Barclays – Spectrum Network
Bloom & Cadogan Activist of the Year 2018:
Winner: Dr Elly Barnes MBE
Lesbian Box Office Inspirational Role Model of the Year 2018:
Winner: Sophie Ward
P&G Community Champion of the Year 2018:
Winner: Sally Edwards
Heathrow Entertainment Personality of the Year 2018:
Winner: Heather Peace
Brand of the Year 2018:
Winner: Tesco
Pride In London LGBT Series/Storyline of the Year 2018:
Winner: Holby City
DIVA Music Festival Musician of the Year 2018:
Winner: Lucy Spraggan
UK Black Pride Online Influencer of the Year 2018:
Winner: Rose & Rosie
Emerald Waterways Broadcaster/Presenter of the Year 2018:
Winner: Sandi Toksvig
DIVA Choice Award 2018:
Winner: Jacquie Lawrence
DIVA Hall of Fame 2018:
Winner: Horse McDonald
See also
Evan Davis, Clare Balding and Sandi Toksvig speak out on gender pay gap scandal at BBC
