DIVA wins important Magazine of The Year Award

In January 2014  DIVA was named National LGBT Magazine of the Year in the Co-operative Bank’s Respect ‘Loved by You’ Awards 2013.
The awards were an opportunity for people from all over the UK (anyone in the world could vote too) to vote for their favourites in 27 diverse categories. Categories ranged from ‘LGBT Charity of the Year’ to ‘Inclusive Event of the Year’ and the bank worked hard to ensure all areas of life and interests were covered in the categories, and to ensure they had a real community feel.
Since communicating the‘Respect ‘Loved by You’ Awards’ four weeks ago Co-operative Bank have been amazed by the positive response. The awards have generated lots of interest and 8,753 nominations were received and the awards have reached over 2.5 million people on Twitter with lots of support from community groups, celebrities and charities. The winners of the awards are those that received the most nominations.
Co-operative Bank Respect LGBT Network Steering Group believe the awards offer a rare opportunity for the smallest community groups and events to be celebrated alongside the biggest. “ We don’t think there are enough opportunities to celebrate the inspiring work and positive impact of more isolated and community based groups, events and initiatives. We can’t wait to announce our winners!” Co-Op Rescpect Co-Chair Thomas Anderson said.
DIVA Editor Jane Czyzselska’s reaction to this important win was “We’re absolutely thrilled and delighted to have won this coveted award. The fact that we were voted for by members of the public makes the prize even sweeter! Thank you!”

DIVA was launched in March 1994 and is Europe’s leading magazine and mail order business aimed at LGBT women.
Respect is the Co-Operative banks Diversity & Inclusion steering group

MPG highly recognised in Inde Pink List 2013

It has been a great year for MPG in the 2013 Independent on Sunday’s Pink List published 13 October 2013, honoring the most influential LGBT men and women of the year.

Simon Topham CEO, was credited as a new entry in 39th place, one of the highest places for a business person and well deserved after 20 years of effective top level management, of this business and the changes he has made to culture and direction of the company in his new role.

In response to the news Simon remarked, “ I am absolutely delighted to be recognized in such an important year for LGBT rights and the gay business community.”

Pink List winner Paris Lees writes for DIVA, Gay Times and launched META as a digital magazine with joint backing from MPG last year. High praise as Peter Tatchell, Human Rights activist was placed second with Clare Balding OBE.

Jane Cyzselska Editor of DIVA is a re-entry after two years judging the list at number 33, the highest placed LGBT magazine editor. As well as Paris, comedian and DIVA contributor Susan Calman was also honored at number 70.

Darren Scott GT Editor was also a new entry, after appearing on the journalist side bar last year, at 98th place. Former GT journalists Patrick Strudwick and Tris Reid-Smith were also honored and Paul Burston featured in the National Treasures list.

Kim Watson Media Director, joined the IoS editorial team on the panel of judges for the first time, along with Strategic Equality and Inclusion professional Christine Burns . Their influence made a difference to the variety, diversity and inclusiveness of this list, which saw a greater balance of gender, ethnicity, disability trans and bisexuality. 2013 featured many new faces as MPs and well known celebrities were given their own side bar tributes, thus a rise in recognition of some important organizations, campaigners and community groups is noticeable. (Ben Summerskill and Heather Peace sent their nominations via e-mail as they were unable to attend this panel session). There was also a section for newcomers to watch out for and top Internationals were also credited.
See the full list here http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/news/the-independent-on-sundays-pink-list-2013-8876183.html IoS Pink List 2013