Heather Paterson
Nominee Profile
Location: Rotherham
Heather Paterson is a passionate LGBTQ+ activist, community leader, and advocate with over two decades of experience championing equality, human rights, and social justice. Originally from Liverpool, she moved to Sheffield in 1999 to attend Sheffield Hallam University, where she was elected LGB Officer, marking the start of her lifelong commitment to LGBTQ+ rights.
Heather has played a key role in shaping Sheffield’s LGBTQ+ landscape, co-founding the city’s first Pride event and working with the Sheffield LGB Youth Initiative. She later became CEO of SAYiT, leading efforts to support LGBTQ+ youth and those affected by HIV.
Now, as Head of Partnerships and Development at Consortium, the UK’s leading infrastructure body for LGBT+ voluntary organisations, Heather works to strengthen, fund, and connect grassroots LGBT+ groups. She also serves as Chair of Proud Changemakers, amplifying marginalised voices and driving social change.
Her activism extends into writing, research, and public engagement. She writes the LGBTQ+ column for Exposed Magazine and co-authored Supporting Neurodiverse LGBTQ+ Students to Thrive in Relational Practice: New Approaches to Mental Health and Wellbeing in Schools. She regularly speaks at events on LGBTQ+ rights and uses her sizeable online platforms to campaign for LGBTQ+ inclusion.
Heather also performs as her drag alter ego, Anna Kissed, creating safe spaces and fundraising for LGBTQ+ causes. She is currently working on a series of music releases raising funds for GLAD Law, recently releasing You Can't Spell Stonewall Without The T.
A relentless advocate for LGBTQ+ equality, Heather continues to fight for inclusion, empowerment, and visibility, making the UK a more inclusive place for LGBTQ+ people.
Heather has played a key role in shaping Sheffield’s LGBTQ+ landscape, co-founding the city’s first Pride event and working with the Sheffield LGB Youth Initiative. She later became CEO of SAYiT, leading efforts to support LGBTQ+ youth and those affected by HIV.
Now, as Head of Partnerships and Development at Consortium, the UK’s leading infrastructure body for LGBT+ voluntary organisations, Heather works to strengthen, fund, and connect grassroots LGBT+ groups. She also serves as Chair of Proud Changemakers, amplifying marginalised voices and driving social change.
Her activism extends into writing, research, and public engagement. She writes the LGBTQ+ column for Exposed Magazine and co-authored Supporting Neurodiverse LGBTQ+ Students to Thrive in Relational Practice: New Approaches to Mental Health and Wellbeing in Schools. She regularly speaks at events on LGBTQ+ rights and uses her sizeable online platforms to campaign for LGBTQ+ inclusion.
Heather also performs as her drag alter ego, Anna Kissed, creating safe spaces and fundraising for LGBTQ+ causes. She is currently working on a series of music releases raising funds for GLAD Law, recently releasing You Can't Spell Stonewall Without The T.
A relentless advocate for LGBTQ+ equality, Heather continues to fight for inclusion, empowerment, and visibility, making the UK a more inclusive place for LGBTQ+ people.