Ncuti Gatwa tops Indy’s Pride List

Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa has topped the Independent’s list of the LGBTQ+ people and change-makers who have made the most impact on the community in the past year.

Gatwa, who was born in Rwanda but raised in Scotland, is the first person of colour, and the first openly queer actor, to take on the role of the titular Time Lord.

As well as raising the profile of LGBTQ+ people, Gatwa has also criticised the current government’s anti-trans rhetoric, which has led to an increase in hate crimes against the trans community.

Coming in at Number Two is former professional footballer turned sports presenter Alex Scott. Scott has spoken frankly about the racism and misogyny she has encountered in her career.

The UK’s first trans judge, Victoria McCloud, was considered to be the third most influential LGBTQ+ person in the country.

She is followed by Ripley and Fleabag star Andrew Scott, who has also starred in the critically acclaimed film All of Us Strangers, playing a man coming to terms with being gay during the 80s’ AIDS crisis.

Also making the list are Wes Streeting, currently the shadow secretary of state for health and social care, and broadcaster Crystal, who appeared in the first UK series of RuPaul’s Drag Race. She is joined by Tia Kofi, winner of the second series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK vs. the World.

Comedian Rosie Jones, who has cerebral palsy, and is a regular guest on TV comedy shows, is also on the list.

Other names include the pop stars Pet Shop Boys and Olly Alexander, presenter Rylan, author Juno Dawson, and Doctor Who showrunner and Queer as Folk and It’s A Sin creator and writer Russell T Davies