DIVA is Europe's leading magazine for lesbians and bisexual women. The magazine contains features on lifestyle issues affecting young women as well as political developments in the gay and lesbian scene. It also contains articles on travel, music and the latest cinema releases in the sector. Published monthly in the United Kingdom, it was first launched in March 1994 by Millivres Ltd, under the editorship of Frances Williams. In 2016, publisher MPG sold the magazine to Twin Media Group owned by Linda Riley. In 2019, an expansion was announced, merging DIVA with Lesbian Box Office under a new company – DIVA Media Group – making DIVA the world's leading media brand for LGBTQI women. When the expansion was announced, DIVA Publisher Linda Riley said “This is a massive step up for DIVA, enabling us to become the world's largest entertainment group for lesbian and bisexual women". DIVA's editor is Carrie Lyell, who has held the position since May 2017, and is the fourth editor in the magazine's history. DIVA features articles by and for lesbians and bisexual women on a range of subjects, from celebrity interviews and in-depth news features, travel pieces and arts reviews. Celebrities including Ellen DeGeneres, Keira Knightley, Samira Wiley and Sarah Paulson have all appeared on the cover. In November 2008, DIVA was published under the name "The Souvenir Issue" for the purpose of celebrating the 150th issue by including the cover pages of every issue that had been published since April 1994. As well as a monthly magazine, the DIVA brand now includes Radio DIVA, DIVA Literary Festival, DIVA Awards, and DIVA Music Festival. DIVA have also previously sponsored the Pride in London Women's Stage in Leicester Square. In 2020, DIVA launched the first ever DIVA Pride on the 11 July. An online event, live-streamed that day featured a range of messages and performances from members of the LGBTQI+ community.
The DIVA Awards
The annual DIVA Awards acknowledge and recognise individuals, charities and brands that support LGBTQI women. The awards celebrate the achievements of LGBTQI women and non-binary people – and their allies – across business, the media, politics and sport. Previous winners include Lauren Jauregui, Sandi Toksvig and Michelle Hardwick, as well as brands such as Disney and Netflix.
Lesbian Visibility Week
In 2020 DIVA Media Group introduced the Inaugural Lesbian Visibility Week. Lesbian Visibility Day has been recognised since 2008, but in 2020 DIVA Media Group wanted to build on this, running a dedicated week to Lesbian Visibility from 20 April – 26 April 2020 to celebrate and support lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer women across the UK and beyond to be their true selves, at home and socially. Recent research has shown that gay women are almost twice as unlikely to be out in the workplace as gay male colleagues and DIVA Media Group has found that LGBTQI women feel that they are misunderstood and under supported. Launching at the Houses of Parliament on Monday 20 April 2020, the week will celebrate all LBTQ+ women.
Rainbow Honours
Rainbow Honours were launched in 2019 by DIVA Media Group to “shine a light on those unsung heroes and sheroes: those who strive to make the workplace a better place for LGBTQ employees and those who give up their spare time to volunteer” The first ceremony took place at Madame Tussauds, and was hosted by drag queen Courtney Act and Duncan James. Winners at the ceremony included: presenter Sue Perkins; Mayor of LondonSadiq Khan; and activist Sue Sanders, who was presented with the Lifetime Achievement.
DIVA Box Office
On the 26th of April 2019 DIVA magazine together with Lesbian Box Office launched Europe's first lesbian TV channel. Shows on the channel include: The 2 part chat and music show - Heather Peace at the Bedford The interview series - DIVA Box Office Exclusive with... Suranne Jones The documentary - Power Lesbians presented by Rebecca Loos The 3 part drama series - Different for Girls.
