Winner of Independent's Pink List 2011

The Independent on Sunday readers were asked to nominate their unsung heroes and heroines who make life as a lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender person better – as well as the celebrities who make the world a more entertaining place. Readers responded by sending in more than 1,500 nominations, which boiled down to about 300 separate names.
These were poured over by their panel of expert judges, including two who represented their parties in parliament, two who have represented their countries at sports, a magazine editor, a comedian, four tireless campaigners and a HM Procurator-General.

This years winner was Music teacher, Elly Barnes
Dozens of people emailed The IoS to tell them about Elly Barnes, the teacher who claims the exceptional achievement of eradicating homophobia in her school, and is now helping others to do the same. Some of those who nominated Barnes had worked with her on her "Educate and Celebrate" course for teachers, PGCE students and psychologists, run under the auspices of Ofsted; others are students, past and present. One former pupil said this woman changed her life.

Elly Barnes is so articulate and lively, and so dedicated to educating young people about the importance of accepting ourselves as we are, that it was only a matter of time before she made national headlines.

As music teacher and LGBT (Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender) co-ordinator at Stoke Newington School, she believes that to achieve acceptance, young people need the facts. She says: "It's ignorance that causes homophobia - once educated, attitudes change. Sometimes it's a deep-rooted hatred which can take a long time to change. The best way is to show positive role models."

This can involve using shock tactics, like when she invited black lesbian rapper, Mz.Fontaine to a school assembly. Elly recalls: "She announced straightaway 'I am currently a lesbian and I am transitioning'. "The students were amazed. Mz.Fontaine then spent an afternoon delivering music workshops which were attended by some previously homophobic girls. Together they wrote a 12-minute rap about diversity."

Elly put Hackney's innovative approach to diversity on the national agenda last October when the Guardian ran an article about how lessons on gay history had cut homophobic bullying at the school. "I've been doing this for six years," she says. "When the article came out I got 300 e-mails from schools and parents asking for advice."

Elly has just taken on a new challenge - running diversity sessions for teachers all over the country, helping them to challenge prejudice and celebrate diversity in the classroom.

She adds: "Some schools think they don't have to do it, but they do. Schools have a duty to protect young people and create an environment where staff and students feel safe to be themselves."

Read the names of the other winners and the full Pink List 2011 here

Nominate your chosen person for the 2011 Pink List

Nominate your entry for the IoS 2011 Pink List
The Independent on Sunday's annual Pink List returns next month, celebrating the 101 most influential lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender men and women in Britain.

Since the list was last published in 2010, we can add to the list an England cricketer (Steven Davies), an X Factor winner (Joe McElderry) and a chart-topping singer (Jessie J). But influence is not all about hitting a boundary or appearing at Glastonbury on a gilded throne.

Of course, it takes courage to be gay in the public eye – particularly in the world of sport, for instance, or for women who aspire to thrive in a career in television. Last year, we awarded the joint number one position to the rugby player Gareth Thomas and Mary Portas, the Queen of Shops.

But there are many more people who daily improve life in this country without their work ever receiving applause. Campaigners who effect the first small changes that eventually become written into law. Volunteers who work with young people. They too deserve our garlands of praise.

This year, then, we would like to ask for your help. Do you know an unsung champion whose work promotes real progress and equality in this country? Is there someone whose name should be celebrated alongside national treasures such as Sir Ian McKellen, Alan Bennett, Sue Perkins and Jeanette Winterson? We want you to let us know.

You can send your nominations in the following ways: by email, to pinklist@independent.co.uk; or post your nomination at: www.independent.co.uk/pinklist2011; and by post: Pink List, The Independent on Sunday, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5HF. A panel of high-profile judges will pore over your suggestions and bring you their final 101 on 23 October.

Each year, the Pink List receives its fair share of praise and censure. And the ever-increasing number of worthy nominees proves that being gay is less and less of a defining factor. Here is proof that gay men and women can be sporting legends, or courageous soldiers, or actors, cabinet ministers, judges or dancers – anything at all.

As for the definition of influential – this time, that's up to you. Let us know who inspires you. And if that person happens to be a chart-topping singer or a sporting star – well, we're happy to consider them for the list, too.

Who would you like to see celebrated in the Pink List? Nominate your hero or heroine here. And feel free to vote for famous people, too. Nominations will close on Sunday 16th October.

Follow this link to make your nomination: www.independent.co.uk/pinklist

Gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender? find your parenting match with pride at www.prideangel.com