Our Top 5 Influential People
We’ll start by saying this list has been both easy and difficult to create. There were a couple of immediate YES moments and also realisation that we couldn’t possibly fit every single person/collective we find influential into a list. Especially a list of just five. So, with that in mind and in no particular order.
Lizzo
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll know who Lizzo is. Our love for Lizzo isn’t just because of her recent media attention either. For quite some time we’ve loved her music, all that she is and all that she stands for. Lizzo is proof that you do not have to conform to societies expectations in order to be successful and respected. Not only is Lizzo incredibly talented, she unapologetically loves her body and isn’t afraid to shout about it. That kind of self-love and body positivity is something – we believe – the world needs more of. And, when faced with criticism about her weight, she continues to be a remarkable role model to those that need her. Lizzo teaches us that we are beautiful and worthy no matter our size. And, she isn’t afraid to be sexual with that either – a glorious representation of how we are evolving as a society. Don’t you think?
Let’s not forget she can also play the flute and twerk at the same time. I mean, come on.
Will Young
If you know me (Christina) personally then you’ll know that I have admired (at one point thought I’d marry!) Will Young since I was 12 years old. But, he isn’t just on our list for that reason – I promise. There’s a lot people don’t know about this Pop Idol and I wanted to give him the spot he deserves. For starters, he took Women’s Studies at University and considers himself a feminist – which we love, of course. He also supports and is ambassador for many charities including; Women’s Aid, WWF, Mencap, Catch22 and The Mood Foundation.
Will Young is a leading voice in mental health awareness, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. He has written an accessible A-Z guide on mental health “Be Yourself and Happier” which I’ve read cover to cover and thoroughly recommend. His acclaimed book “To be a Gay Man” also explored mental-health awareness with a focus on gay shame. He also founded the podcast “The Wellbeing Lab”, where he interviews experts on different mental health topics each week.
After years of therapy and self-exploration, Will Young promotes positive well-being with such gentility and kindness. I really do think he is an incredible human. I always will. Lots of his music has made it to my labour playlist too – because who wouldn’t want those silky velvety tones of goodness whilst getting a sweat on with contractions?
Melissa Dawkins
Now, unless you live in our town you may not have heard of this one, which is why we think it’s so important she makes the list! Melissa is such an influential person within our community and probably the most creative and crafty busy-bee we know. Melissa is the founder and director of Craftship Enterprise and Made in Ashford. What’s that I hear you ask? Well, Made in Ashford is a base for creative businesses all over Kent to sell their makes and creations! We sell our products within this beautiful shop and love being part of the MIA community. It’s a welcoming and inclusive place filled to the brim with handmade and locally designed goods. And, just across the street is The Craftship – the ultimate creative hub. Melissa works incredibly hard to ensure The Craftship is a success and it truly is deserving of a place on our high street. The space holds creativity in different forms through a dynamic series of workshops, pop up galleries and community groups. Melissa and her team also work on projects within the community with other local businesses and offer free creativity sessions!
Melissa is a vibrant spark who keeps our town buzzing with creativity, colour and craft! You’ll often see her wearing a huge smile, along with something wonderful and bright, to match her one-of-a-kind soul. Everyone needs a Melissa in their town – but you can’t have this one, she ours! #Ashfame
Guerrilla Girls
Guerrilla Girls is an anonymous group of feminist, female artists devoted to fighting sexism and racism within the art world. The original group formed in New York City in 1985 with the mission of bringing gender and racial inequality into focus within the greater arts community. The group employs culture jamming in the form of posters, books, billboards, and public appearances to expose discrimination and corruption. They also often use humour in their work to make their serious messages engaging. They are known for their "guerrilla" tactics, hence their name, such as hanging up posters or staging surprise exhibitions. To remain anonymous, members don gorilla masks and use pseudonyms that refer to deceased female artists.
Something cool – Hollie actually interviewed the Guerrilla Girls as part of her research role at Tate Exchange, during their workshop in 2016. We admire the difference they have made in the art world for female and black artists, and the bold gestures they have demanded it with. They use facts and shout it clear as day, without permission. They are unapologetically rebels and their guts have since inspired other rebel collectives, such as Pussy Riot – another one of our faves!
Anne Lister
Sometimes described as “the first modern lesbian”, Anne Lister pushed sexuality and gender boundaries of her time. Her entrepreneurial flair, her acquired knowledge over the years of mathematics, geology and engineering and her sharp negotiating skills with her male business rivals made her a formidable businesswoman. She was also a successful landowner. Anne was renowned in her time for dressing in black, without bothering to indulge in the feminine frills like the others of her sex. She was the 19th century equivalent of a “butch” lesbian, and she became known to locals as ‘Gentleman Jack.’ Her lesbian lifestyle, however, was one of the best kept secrets of her time. Anne kept a heavily-coded diary in which she detailed her lesbian romances and affairs. She was strikingly free and easy about her sexuality and her numerous romantic encounters. Slaaaay!
Anne Lister was the first woman in England to openly marry another woman in 1834 – a marriage not technically recognised under law. Anne Lister and Ann Walker exchanged rings and took the sacrament together on Easter Sunday in Holy Trinity Church, Goodramgate, York. Anne Lister was a headstrong and passionate woman. In a time when homosexuality was generally regarded as abhorrent, Anne's unashamed pursuit of female love demonstrates her independence of mind.
When Hollie and I celebrated our first pride together we took to the streets of Brighton dressed as the famous duo – well, our interpretation of…
