When we invited you to vote for your fave queeroes, we were inundated with responses. It was incredibly moving to see your enthusiasm and passion for the leading lights of our community. It was also a potent reminder of just how much representation matters.

While there may be more out publicfigures than ever before, even in 2019 our voices are still far too often marginalised, discriminated against or silenced altogether. That’s why it’s so important to celebrate our own. It’s why DIVA has been here, shouting loudly and proudly about queer female excellence for 25 years – and counting!

It’s also why we decided to unveil our brand new Power List on 26 April, aka Lesbian Day of Visibility. This year, we wanted to shine the spotlight extra brightly on the brilliant LGBTQI+ women and non-binary people making the world a better, more hopeful place for all of us. So without further ado, here’s our gloriously gay countdown of the ultimate movers and shakers of 2019.

1 SANDI TOKSVIG

She had big boots to ill, taking over Bake Of presenting duties from the much-loved Mel and Sue, but boy did Sandi rise to the challenge…(buh-dum-dum-tsh!) Her onscreen partnership with Noel Fielding was such a hit that Channel 4 kept them on – and we can’t wait to see what delicious treats the celebrity #GBBO contestants have in store for us in the upcoming 2019 final. Author, comedian, oicial “National Trevor” and joint founder of the Women’s Equality Party, Sandi has received numerous awards in her career, including Broadcaster of the Year at the Stonewall Awards and Lifetime Achievement award at the British LGBT Awards in 2018. She’s also a founding member of the recently announced, Primadonna Festival. @sanditoksvig

2 ROSE & ROSIE

YouTube stars Rose and Rosie have had another incredible year, releasing their long-awaited autobiography Overshare: Love, Laughs, Sexuality And Secrets in 2018. The married comedy duo are bonaide superstars, and as well as their hilarious videos, the adorable pair also use their platform to address important LGBTQI issues. They have worked with Netflix, BBC and Sony Pictures, and are three-time DIVA cover stars. @RoseEllenDix & @Roxetera