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heatherpaterson.co.uk
Heather Paterson
@heatherpaterson.co.uk
150K followers 130K following 1.9K posts
Head of Partnerships and Development @consortium.lgbt‬ | Chair @proudchangemakers.bsky.social | LGBTQ+ Columnist Exposed Magazine #LGBWithTheT Proud Queer 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ www.heatherpaterson.co.uk
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Heather Paterson @heatherpaterson.co.uk · 7d
My column for October’s Exposed Magazine LGBTQ+ October Events in Sheffield'

www.exposedmagazine.co.uk/lgbtq/lgbtq-...

#LGBTQ #Sheffield #SheffieldIsSuper #SheffEvents #LWithTheT 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️
LGBTQ+ October Events in Sheffield | Exposed Magazine
Spooky season is upon us, and Sheffield’s LGBTQ+ scene is gearing up for a jam-packed October full of events. Whether you’re into all-night dance parties, low-key social meetups, drag performances, cr...
www.exposedmagazine.co.uk
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Reposted by Heather Paterson
proudchangemakers.bsky.social
Proud Changemakers 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ @proudchangemakers.bsky.social · 7h
Given the rise in tensions lately, particularly towards the trans and non binary communities our trustee, Heather Paterson, has written an article to coincide with Hate Crime Awareness Week. in which they discuss the importance of solidarity.

www.heatherpaterson.co.uk/post/hate-cr...
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Reposted by Heather Paterson
consortium.lgbt
Consortium @consortium.lgbt · 2d
This Black History Month, we're celebrating the power, pride and visibility of Black LGBT+ trailblazers who are shaping culture and breaking boundaries!

In the UK, Black History Month takes place every October.

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consortium.lgbt
Consortium @consortium.lgbt · 2d
Meet five remarkable individuals who continue to inspire through their talent, activism and authenticity:

Known for his breakout role in Sex Education, Rwandan-Scottish actor Ncuti Gatwa is the first Black man to play the Doctor in Doctor Who.

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This image has a black background with white patterns. The image features a colourful, patterned border on the top and bottom, accompanied by an illustration of four hearts. There is an image of a person looking at the camera. The black and white text reads: Black history month 2025 spotlight, Ncuti Gatwa. Ncuti Gatwa is a Rwandan-born Scottish actor. His family fled the country in 1994 during the Rwandan genocide, and arrived in Scotland. They first settled in Edinburgh and then moved to Dunfermline when Gatwa was 15. He studied acting at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow, graduating in 2013. His mainstream breakthrough role came in 2019, when he was cast as Eric Effiong in Netflix’s Sex Education. Playing the British-Ghanaian-Nigerian gay best friend of the protagonist, Otis (Asa Butterfield), the character was praised for the way he transcended stereotypes. In 2022, Gatwa was cast as the 15th Doctor in the BBC’s beloved sci-fi series Doctor Who.
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consortium.lgbt
Consortium @consortium.lgbt · 2d
A singer-songwriter blending pop and R&B with deeply personal lyrics, Cat Burns rose to fame with her viral hit Go. As an openly queer Black woman, she uses her platform to speak openly about mental health and identity.

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This image has a black background with white patterns. The image features a colourful, patterned border on the top and bottom, accompanied by an illustration of four hearts. There is an image of a person looking at the camera. The black and white text reads: Black history month 2025 spotlight, cat burns. Cat Burns’ career trajectory has gone from strength to strength in the past 18 months. From becoming the biggest-selling British female artist of 2022, she’s received several further accolades including three BRIT Award nominations (‘Song of The Year’, ‘Best Pop/R&B’ and Rising Star), BBC Sound Poll 2023 shortlist induction, becoming Spotify’s Global RADAR artist and recently received a nomination for the ‘Rising Star Award’ at this year’s Ivor Novello Awards. Her viral smash ‘go’, now 2x platinum, peaked at #2 on the Official Singles Chart and remained in the Top 10 for 17 weeks. Burns chronicled her experience with coming out to her family in her song "Free”.
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Reposted by Heather Paterson
consortium.lgbt
Consortium @consortium.lgbt · 2d
A writer, director and trans rights advocate, Janet Mock is the bestselling author of Redefining Realness and a ground-breaking producer on Pose. Her work challenges stereotypes and tells powerful trans stories.

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This image has a black background with white patterns. The image features a colourful, patterned border on the top and bottom, accompanied by an illustration of four hearts. There is an image of a person looking at the camera. The black and white text reads: Black history month 2025 spotlight, Janet Mock. Janet Mock is a writer, director and producer, most known for her path-clearing and historic work on the Peabody and Emmy award-winning series, “Pose.” In 2018, Mock became the first transgender woman of colour to write and direct an episode of television. She is the New York Times bestselling author of two memoirs, Redefining Realness (2014) and Surpassing Certainty (2017) about her journey as a Black and Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian) trans woman. Janet broke ground in 2014 with the release of her pioneering and profound memoir Redefining Realness which was the first biography written from the perspective of a young trans person.
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Reposted by Heather Paterson
consortium.lgbt
Consortium @consortium.lgbt · 2d
A singer, songwriter and producer behind hits for Beyoncé and Madonna, MNEK is also a solo artist with a bold voice and unapologetic style. He advocates for LGBT+ inclusion in the music industry and beyond.

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This image has a black background with white patterns. The image features a colourful, patterned border on the top and bottom, accompanied by an illustration of four hearts. There is an image of a person looking at the camera. The black and white text reads: Black history month 2025 spotlight, MNEK. Uzoechi Osisioma “Uzo” Emenike, professionally known by his stage name MNEK, is a British singer, songwriter and record producer. He rose to fame in 2013 after his collaboration with Duke Dumont and A*M*E on”Need U (100%)”. As a Black gay man in mainstream music, he has consistently used his platform to speak out on race, sexuality and equality, pushing the industry towards greater inclusivity. With credits alongside global icons like Beyoncé and Madonna, MNEK has not only shaped the sound of contemporary pop and R&B but also mentored emerging LGBTQ+ talent, helping to carve out space for the next generation of queer artists.
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Reposted by Heather Paterson
consortium.lgbt
Consortium @consortium.lgbt · 2d
An actor, activist and performer, Marquise Vilsón is known for his roles on shows like Law & Order: SVU and for his powerful advocacy for trans rights, especially for trans men of colour.

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This image has a black background with white patterns. The image features a colourful, patterned border on the top and bottom, accompanied by an illustration of four hearts. There is an image of a person looking at the camera. The black and white text reads: Black history month 2025 spotlight, Marquise Vilsón. Marquise Vilsón Balenciaga (b. 1981) is an actor, activist and member of the House of Balenciaga. Raised in the Bronx during the HIV/AIDS crisis and crack epidemic, he entered the ballroom scene at 15 and quickly found community. Vilsón began walking in GMHC Latex Balls in 1995 and joined the House of Balenciaga, gaining attention for his powerful performances. Aligned with his goal to live fully and be seen, he agreed to document his experience as a young Black man of trans experience from 1997 to 2001. The footage became part of The Aggressives (2005), a film about masculine queer people of colour. A respected leader, he’s received awards for his work in sexual health and trans advocacy. He began acting professionally in 2017 with roles in Charm, Ben is Back, and Law and Order: SVU, and starred in the CW series Tom Swift as Isaac Vega.
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Reposted by Heather Paterson
proudchangemakers.bsky.social
Proud Changemakers 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ @proudchangemakers.bsky.social · 12h
International Lesbian Day is celebrated annually on October 8 to recognise and celebrate lesbian history, culture, and diversity worldwide. The day is an opportunity to promote awareness and understanding of the lesbian community.
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Reposted by Heather Paterson
consortium.lgbt
Consortium @consortium.lgbt · 1d
Today on International Lesbian Day, we’re proud to spotlight six incredible women making powerful contributions to the LGBT+ sector!

Their leadership, advocacy and visibility continue to inspire and drive change across the UK and beyond.

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consortium.lgbt
Consortium @consortium.lgbt · 1d
Aderonke Apata - A human rights activist and founder of African Rainbow Family, Aderonke champions the rights of LGBT+ people seeking asylum in the UK and is a fierce advocate for racial and queer justice.

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This image had an orange, pink and red background. There are illustrations of the lesbian flag and a picture of a person looking at the camera. The white text reads: International Lesbian Day - Aderonke Apata. Aderonke Apata is a Multi-Award-Winning Human Rights Activist. Barrister (Unregistered) with a Master of Laws and an ADR ODR International Accredited Mediator: Civil/Commercial. She’s a feminist, an advocate and campaigner for LGBTIQ+ people seeking asylum. Aderonke founded the African Rainbow Family in 2014 amidst her thirteen-year journey to being granted asylum in the UK. Fleeing Nigeria in 2004 after being sentenced to death for being a lesbian, Aderonke fought hard to be granted her freedom and for other people. Aderonke is an inspirational speaker, passionate about delivering various charity management, EDI, and LGBTIQ+ asylum process training. She also co-Authored a Research Handbook on Asylum and Refugee Policy.
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Reposted by Heather Paterson
consortium.lgbt
Consortium @consortium.lgbt · 1d
Cara McCann - Director of HERe NI, Cara works tirelessly to support lesbian and bisexual women in Northern Ireland. She is a dedicated community builder and outspoken campaigner for equality.

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This image had an orange, pink and red background. There are illustrations of the lesbian flag and a picture of a person looking at the camera. The white text reads: International Lesbian Day - Cara McCann. Cara McCann is from West Belfast and has a degree in Sociology and a Masters degree in Gender Studies. She is the Director of Here NI, a community organisation that empowers, supports and advocates for all lesbian and bisexual women and their families. Cara has many years experience in the community development field and has also taught Sociology, Social Policy and Gender studies at Queens University. Cara is mum of a son, lives in Belfast with her wife, dog and cat. In her spare time she loves to play guitar, harp, sing and read.
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Reposted by Heather Paterson
consortium.lgbt
Consortium @consortium.lgbt · 1d
Moud Goba - A pioneering LGBT+ rights activist and refugee advocate, Moud is the National Director of Micro Rainbow and has been instrumental in supporting queer people of colour and people seeking asylum.

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This image had an orange, pink and red background. There are illustrations of the lesbian flag and a picture of a person looking at the camera. The white text reads: International Lesbian Day - Moud Goba. Moud Goba is Micro Rainbow’s National Director. Her work with LGBTQI refugees and asylum seekers is inspired by her own background. Moud is a lesbian woman and fled Zimbabwe in the early 00s to find safety in the UK. Moud has long been an advocate for the LGBTQI community but began her professional involvement with LGBTQI asylum seekers after she received refugee status in the UK. In 2013 she joined the Micro Rainbow team and brings her lived experience of being both an asylum seeker and refugee to the organisation to her work.
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Reposted by Heather Paterson
consortium.lgbt
Consortium @consortium.lgbt · 1d
Nancy Kelley - A leading human rights and social justice campaigner, Nancy is part of the team at Trans+ Solidarity Alliance and has worked on LGBTQIA+ rights, refugee protection, and tackling inequality. She brings a powerful voice to global and national efforts for change.

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This image had an orange, pink and red background. There are illustrations of the lesbian flag and a picture of a person looking at the camera. The white text reads: International Lesbian Day - Nancy Kelley. Nancy Kelley is an award-winning human rights and social justice campaigner who has worked in fields ranging from LGBTQIA+ rights and refugee protection to poverty and inequality. Nancy is currently Director at Trans Solidarity Alliance. She served as CEO of Stonewall between 2020 and 2023, and prior to this, Nancy was Deputy Chief Executive at the National Centre for Social Research. Nancy is passionate about telling stories and asking questions that have the power to change our world for the better. Her changemaking experience spans working with global human rights organisations and human rights defenders, as well as domestic and international decision-makers and some of the world’s most influential companies.
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Reposted by Heather Paterson
consortium.lgbt
Consortium @consortium.lgbt · 1d
Lady Phyll - Co-founder of UK Black Pride and a leading voice for LGBT+ people of colour, Lady Phyll is known for her fearless advocacy, unapologetic visibility and commitment to intersectional equality.

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This image had an orange, pink and red background. There are illustrations of the lesbian flag and a picture of a person looking at the camera. The white text reads: International Lesbian Day - Lady Phyll. Phyllis Akua Opoku-Gyimah – widely known as Lady Phyll – is a pioneering LGBTQ+ rights and anti-racism campaigner who’s dedicated her life to fighting injustice and uplifting communities. Lady Phyll is a powerhouse of an activist and community organiser. Born in Islington to Ghanaian parents, Lady Phyll found her activist voice in her youth and has tirelessly advocated for racial, gender, class and LGBTQ+ equality ever since. She co-founded UK Black Pride, now the world’s largest celebration for LGBTQ+ people of African, Asian, Caribbean, Middle Eastern and Latin American descent. She’s also been a leading figure in a number of charities and organisations and has won many accolades for her work.
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Reposted by Heather Paterson
consortium.lgbt
Consortium @consortium.lgbt · 1d
Roxy Bourdillon - Editor-in-Chief at DIVA Magazine, Roxy uses her platform to amplify lesbian voices and stories, driving representation and visibility in the media.

#InternationalLesbianDay

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This image had an orange, pink and red background. There are illustrations of the lesbian flag and a picture of a person looking at the camera. The white text reads: International Lesbian Day - Roxy Bourdillon. Roxy Bourdillon is an award-winning journalist and the editor-in-chief of DIVA magazine. Her work in the media has earned her a place in both the Pride Power List and the Attitude 101: LGBTQ+ Trailblazers Changing the World. Her debut book, What A Girl Wants: A (True) Story of Sexuality and Self-Discovery was published by Bluebird Pan Macmillan on 17th April 2025. She has spoken at iconic venues and events, including The British Library, Soho Theatre, BFI Southbank, The Coast Is Queer and Iris Prize Film Festival. She has also written for publications including Cosmopolitan, Woman&Home, The Guardian, The Bookseller and Attitude.
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heatherpaterson.co.uk
Heather Paterson @heatherpaterson.co.uk · 12h
Ultrabeat - Pretty Green Eyes
Ultrabeat - Pretty Green Eyes
YouTube video by UltrabeatVEVO
www.youtube.com
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heatherpaterson.co.uk
Heather Paterson @heatherpaterson.co.uk · 1d
Green Day - Wake Me Up When September Ends
Green Day - Wake Me Up When September Ends (Official Audio)
YouTube video by Green Day
www.youtube.com
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Reposted by Heather Paterson
lgbtfunduk.bsky.social
LGBT+ Fund @lgbtfunduk.bsky.social · 1d
We are the LGBT+ Fund, powered by @consortium.lgbt
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heatherpaterson.co.uk
Heather Paterson @heatherpaterson.co.uk · 1d
Happy #InternationalLesbianDay! 🏳️‍🌈💖 from this proud queer woman to all my fellow femmes, thems, butches, studs, dykes, queers & women-loving-women

Today we celebrate our rich history, fierce diversity & unbreakable solidarity. You are seen, valid & loved. 💜👭

❤️🧡💛💚💙💜 #LWithTheT #ILD2025
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Reposted by Heather Paterson
alicemydaughter.bsky.social
Caroline Litman @alicemydaughter.bsky.social · 2d
More 💩from transphobes. Falsely claiming research supports conversion practices, when the research explicitly condemns conversion therapy as "psychologically damaging" and linked to suicide.

“This is the most upsetting use of my scholarship in my career ...It's lethally dangerous to LGBTQ+ kids"
samtlevin.bsky.social
Sam Levin @samtlevin.bsky.social · 2d
NEW: Christian legal group Alliance Defending Freedom "deceived" the Supreme Court + "profoundly misrepresented" LGBTQ+ research, according to scholars cited by ADF.

Quoted experts speak out about ADF's "distortions" + "false evidence" in major case, on deck tomorrow, to revive "conversion therapy"
Christian group ‘deceived’ supreme court about LGBTQ+ research, cited scholars say
Exclusive: Experts say Alliance Defending Freedom, arguing to revive conversion therapy, ‘profoundly misrepresented’ their work in case threatening trans and queer youth
www.theguardian.com
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Reposted by Heather Paterson
alizaadi.bsky.social
Aliza Adi (she/her) @alizaadi.bsky.social · 2d
Let’s be honest - @theguardian.com and much of the legacy media have spent years dressing up anti-Trans+ rhetoric as “fact”

They too have helped deceive the US and UK Supreme Courts

They share responsibility for the erosion of basic individual rights, including the right to control one’s own body
alizaadi.bsky.social
Aliza Adi (she/her) @alizaadi.bsky.social · 2d
From Christian Concern and Sex Matters to the LGB Alliance, UK anti-Trans+ groups share ideological and strategic links with US organisations like ADF and the Heritage Foundation

What’s unfolding is a coordinated global effort to erode individual freedom, crush liberation, and control our bodies
samtlevin.bsky.social
Sam Levin @samtlevin.bsky.social · 2d
NEW: Christian legal group Alliance Defending Freedom "deceived" the Supreme Court + "profoundly misrepresented" LGBTQ+ research, according to scholars cited by ADF.

Quoted experts speak out about ADF's "distortions" + "false evidence" in major case, on deck tomorrow, to revive "conversion therapy"
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Reposted by Heather Paterson
tacc.org.uk
TACC @tacc.org.uk · 3d
REPORT - INFORM - DEFEND The UK's only global LGBTQI+ rights summit is back this October reportout.org/so/8aPZOVXa6...
REPORT - INFORM - DEFEND
We are a registered charity in England and Wales: 1185887
reportout.org
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Reposted by Heather Paterson
wearequeeraf.com
QueerAF @wearequeeraf.com · 3d
When we understand that our history is diverse, it changes our outlook. I hope that this Black History Month, we all take the time to uncover the history lessons we were denied in school

https://www.wearequeeraf.com/how-many-more-generations-will-be-denied-black-queer-history-before-we-take-action/
How many more generations will be denied Black queer history before we take action?
When we understand that our history is diverse, it changes our outlook. I hope that this Black History Month, we all take the time to uncover the history lessons we were denied in school
www.wearequeeraf.com
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heatherpaterson.co.uk
Heather Paterson @heatherpaterson.co.uk · 2d
7 Seconds of Love - Submarine
Submarine by 7 Seconds Of Love
YouTube video by Rathergood
www.youtube.com
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heatherpaterson.co.uk
Heather Paterson @heatherpaterson.co.uk · 2d
Judith Butler warns that society must resist right-wing transphobia, or else…
Judith Butler warns that society must resist right-wing transphobia, or else... - LGBTQ Nation
Transphobia is a form of fascism, the nonbinary queer theorist said in a recent talk.
www.lgbtqnation.com
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