The Zhoosh! Brighton Blog
The Pink List 2011
The Pink List was finally revealed yesterday. Compiled by readers of the Independent on Sunday; it was whittled down by big names in the LGBT community such as Gareth Thomas (rugby player and Stonewall 2010 Hero of the Year), Stephen K Amos (stand-up comic known for his documentary Batty Man which highlighted homophobia in black British and Jamaican communities), Jane Czyyzselska (Editor of Diva Magazine) and Ben Summerskill (chief exec of Stonewall until 2003, Labour Councillor). It lists 101 heroes and heroines noted for their efforts and achievements in the LGBT community.
Drum roll please for the top five….
1. Elly Barnes. A music teacher, diversity officer and trainer at Stoke Newington School, North London. She has eradicated homophobia in her school and is helping others to follow suit. She came out on Teachers TV and has been running an ‘Educate and Celebrate’ course for teachers, students and psychologists alike . She also runs LGBT History Month every February: “I’ve had pupils say ‘Miss, you are trying to turn us gay’ and I ask them, ‘do you turn black during Black History Month or Turkish during Turkish month?” Point well made.
Elly Barnes
2. Michael Salter. Broadcast adviser to PM. Salter provides advice to the Conservatives (namely David Cameron) on gay issues and is at the heart of most LGBT government policy and debate.
Michael Salter
3. Jessie J. Singer/Songwriter. She is best known for tunes Do it Like a Dude and Price Tag. Her songs explore issues such as gender, materialism and sexuality. She is openly bisexual and stated in an interview: “I’ve never denied it. Whoopie doo guys, yes, I’ve dated girls and I’ve dated boys – get over it.”
Jessie J
3. Clare Balding. Broadcaster. She has made guest appearances on numerous TV shows such as Have I Got News for You, A Question of Sport, Weakest Link and Mastermind. She is remembered for her retort to A A Gills claim that she was a ‘dyke on a bike’ when reviewing her show Britain by Bike. She tweeted: “I usually just put up with it, don’t want to cause a fuss etc but this affects more than just me.” Good on you girl. She is in a civil partnership with radio newsreader Alice Arnold.
Clare Balding
5. Sue Perkins. TV presenter and Comedian. Known for her pairing with Mel Giedroyc; she has brought witticism to the cooking show The Great British Bake Off and is a presenter for Radio 4.
Sue Perkins
Celebrities listed include Antony Cotton, Heather Peace, Scott Mills, John Barrowman, Will Young and Mary Portas.
Among political figures listed are Nick Boles, Jonny Oates, Hick Herbert, Simon Hughes and Julian Glover.
Those noteworthy and admirable include Phyll Opoku-Gyimah the co-founder of Black Pride, solider James Wharton who appeared on the cover of Soldier Magazine alongside the slogan ‘Pride’ and activist Christine Burns; a leading figure in achieving identity recognition such as marriage and passports for trans people.
Congratulations to all those listed. The LGBT community salutes you for bringing visibility as well as promoting forward thinking legislation that will ultimately affect our lives.
For the full Pink List 2011 click here.
