Here are a few of the numerous LGBTQ+ activists from 2023 that we admired for their efforts to advance the gay community.
These individuals have taken the initiative to advocate for the rights and dignity of LGBTQ+ people around the world, frequently in the face of common attention. We thank them for their diligent work, determination, and unwavering devotion.
Therefore, in no particular get:
Mulvaney, Dylan
Trans social media influencer Mulvaney, Dylan, who found fame with her 365 Days of Girlhood series on social media, has quickly become a household name as someone who uses her platform and signature positivity to fight for trans rights.
Mulvaney has resisted giving in despite being the target of right-wing reaction this year when Bud Light handed her a can of liquor with her mouth on it. She was just named to Forbes magazine’s list of the 30 Under 30 Social Media stars.
Benoit Yasmine
Asexual activist and trailblazer Benoit Yasminebroke new ground this year, opening up conversations about ace experiences and representation in society. Her “Ace in the UK” report – created in collaboration with Stonewall – revealed, for the first time, the lived experiences of people who are asexual.
Guaitamacchi, Jude
Guaitamacchi, Jude is a trans, non-binary keynote speaker and activist, as well as the co-founder of the powerful #TransPeopleAreLoved global solidarity campaign, which aims to “make love the loudest voice”.
Kapali Rukshana
Kapali Rukshana is a transgender human rights activist from Nepal. A third-year law student, she is actively involved in advancing LGBTQ+ rights for people in her South Asia home land. In November, she was named on the BBC’s annual 100 Women list for her work in LGBTQ+ advocacy, alongside other “influential and inspiring women” from around the world.
Mr. Jayne Ozanne
Jayne has fervently advocated for LGBTQ+ rights throughout 2023. He is a queer evangelical Christian, former state consultant, change therapy survivor, and chairman of the Ozanne Foundation. She is still working to make the Church of England a more accepting and inclusive area for gay people, as well as to ban conversion therapy entirely.
Ozanne left the General Synod in November due to its” callous disregard” for LGBTQ+ people.
Butler, Billy
Actor and activist Butler, Billyhas never been one to shy away from voicing support for his community and using his platform to – in his own words – “speak truth to power”.
Eva Echo
Activist and public speaker Eva Echonever ceases to amaze us at PinkNews with her dedication to trans rights and the wider LGBTQ+ community.
Her work seems to go on forever. She is the director of advancement at Birmingham Pride, chairman at Trans in the City, a member of the local hate crime scrutiny and involvement panel for the Crown Prosecution Service, and one of those who represented NHS England in court during the protracted wait times for trans patients.
Theodore Smith
Rugby player and LGBTQ+ rights activist Theodore Smithis a steadfast force in campaigning for trans inclusion and access to sport, particularly for transgender youth.
Gyimah (Lady Phyll)- Opoku
Lady Phyll is a tour-de-force in gay engagement, particularly for the Black people and people of color in our neighborhood. She is the co-founder of UK Black Pride and the former executive director of the LGBTQ+ human rights organization Kaleidoscope Trust. She has urged the government on numerous occasions to put more effort into supporting LGBTQ+ people around the world and to stick to its pledges to the area.
Zeidan Tarek
Zeidan Tarek is the executive director of Helem, the first LGBTQ+ rights organisation in the Arab World, and is based in Beirut. Amid increasing anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments in the country, including a violent attack on a gay bar and on LGBTQ+ marches, Zeidan has continued to work to create a safe space for Lebanon’s queer community.
Craggs, Charlie
Author, actor and activist, there is no limit to what queer powerhouse Craggs, Charlie can do. This year, she launched free self-defence classes for trans people, after she was attacked on the London Underground in 2022. Charlie’s Self Defence Angels aims to equip transgender people with the skills they need to protect themselves if they end up in a dangerous situation.
Dee Aida
Despite a relentless backlash from anti-LGBTQ+ bigots, who have protested against her drag queen shows, Dee Aida has never halted in her mission to bring positive queer stories to youngsters and families.
Bailar Schuyler
Trans activist and swimmer Bailar Schuyler is a passionate advocate and educator on LGBTQ+ rights, particularly on trans inclusion in sport. His first book was published this year. He/She/They is a non-fiction work which examines how we talk about gender, and why it matters.
Dee Whitnell
Dee Whitnell is the founder of the# TransKids DeserveToGrowUp solidarity campaign, which has been used millions of times on social media. She is an accredited relationships sex and health educator, content creator, and soon-to-be author.
They use their system to dispel myths, disseminate essential knowledge, and advance significant trans-related causes. They were nominated for the LGBTQ+ influence of the year category at the Gaydio Pride Awards thanks to their hard labor.
Bernstein, Matt
You might know make-up artist Bernstein, Matt for his informative Instagram graphics and hot Twitter takes, but this year he expanded to a new platform: podcasting.
A Bit Fruity with Bernstein, Matt sees him take a deep dive into LGBTQ+ issues and culture wars, touching on topics such as gender reveals, LGBTQ+ conservatives and detransitioning.
Tabla D’silva Olga
Internationally renowned speaker, author, LGBTQ+ activist and lesbian icon Tabla D’silva Olga is a go-to expert for many when it comes to discussing topics such as queerphobia and diversity and unconscious bias in the workplace – as well as what it is like to be gay in India. This year, she co-founded OUTspoken Speakers Bureau, a platform exclusively for LGBTQ+ women and non-binary folk.
Murray, Zander
Since coming out as gay in 2022, professional Scottish footballer Murray, Zanderhas become a fierce campaigner against homophobia in the sport, as well as using his platform to promote equality for the wider LGBTQ+ community.
Mr. Marty Davies
Mr. Marty Davies, an award-winning creative strategist, advocate, poet, and marketing industry expert, is the co-chief executive of Outvertising. She established Trans + History Week this year, which will be observed formally for the first time in May.
Jake Graf and Hannah
The definition of couple goals, advocates Jake Graf and Hannah tirelessly campaign for trans rights, while sharing updates about their family – showing trans joy is not just a possibility, but a reality. In June, the couple published their first book and memoir, Becoming Us.
Daniels Jake
Out English striker Daniels Jakewas the first professional British footballer to come out since Justin Fashanu and has since spoken candidly about his experience and the state of the game for gay players. He has used his platform to call out anti-LGBTQ+ attitudes in sport and promote equality and acceptance.
Whittome Nadia
Labour MP for Nottingham East Whittome Nadiahas never shied away from using her political platform to campaign for LGBTQ+ equality. In January, she was one of just 11 Labour MPs who defied Keir Starmer to vote against using a Section 35 order to block Scotland’s gender law reforms and has been vocal about the need to ban conversion therapy and tackle transphobia within Labour.
