An Ambassador is someone who is passionate about embedding inclusion and empathy in the next generation. Ambassadors use their influence and external profile, to represent and build awareness of the work we do to new audiences.
Michael Gunning (he/him)
Michael Gunning is a former Great Britain and Team Jamaica Professional Swimmer, who specialised in the 200M Butterfly events on the world class programme. Gunning attended two World Championships in Budapest and South Korea, and is the current National Record holder in both the 200M Butterfly, 200M Freestyle and 400M Freestyle events.
In 2018, he became the first openly gay athlete on the Jamaican National Team, and his efforts in visualising equality around the globe lead him to winning the Attitude Pride Award in 2019. Since then, Michael is a regular pundit and avid speaker for sport inclusion, and was named as the TV Pundit and Host of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games swimming events, and uses his platform to help inspire audiences around the world.
"I'm thrilled to be joining Diversity Role Models as their first official ambassador and I really can't wait to see what unfolds in the coming months. I've always been extremely passionate about inspiring younger audiences and allowing them to have the confidence to reach their full potential, and combined with my degree in early childhood studies, I look forward to helping both diversity and inclusion thrive in Educational spaces and help create a world where everyone is accepted." – Michael
Ben Pechey (they/them)
Ben is a writer, speaker, content creator, LGBTQIA Advocate, D&I consultant, and Author. They have worked with major brands such as Amazon Prime, Condé Nast, Dr. Martens, The NSPCC, Channel 4 Sales and many more. They uplift and educate through media; with their website benpechey.com, The Happy Place podcast, and legendary Instagram Stories. They have had words in print and online for Cosmopolitan, Women’s Health, Diva and many more. Their debut Book, The Book of Non-Binary Joy, is out now.
"Growing up I never saw or knew anybody like myself. I am now incredibly comfortable with who I am and am visibly present in society – but this has taken a lot of work. The work of DRM supports young people to become their full selves right now, something I wish I could have had. I am a big believer in being the change you need in the world, and so I am excited to be a Diversity Role Models Ambassador as the organisation helps and supports future generations of LGBTQIA+ people to embrace themselves as they are, with no prejudice. I am passionate about creating environments where everyone is safe to be who they have always dreamed of, and so much more…" – Ben
Yasmin Benoit (she/her)
Yasmin Benoit is a British model, asexual activist, writer, and speaker. Described as the "unlikely face of asexuality" by Cosmopolitan Magazine, she quickly became a leading voice for the community after publicly coming out in 2017. She started the #ThisIsWhatAsexualLooksLike movement for diverse asexual visibility and representation and co-founded International Asexuality Day (April 6). Her unconventional approach to activism has been covered throughout British and international press, including Vogue, MTV, Sky News, Paper Magazine, Attitude Magazine and the BBC. In 2022, she launched the UK's first asexual rights initiative - the Stonewall x Yasmin Benoit Ace Project - in partnership with Stonewall and later won 'Campaigner of the Year' at the Rainbow Honours Awards.
"It's an honour to be an Ambassador for Diversity Role Models! Our understanding of sexuality is becoming increasingly diverse and inclusive, but asexuality and aromanticism are still underrepresented in those conversations. I studied during a time when being LGBTQIA+ was more accepted, it was still difficult for people to understand the intersections of being Black, aromantic and asexual, and it made it a lot harder for me to be accepted for who I was. I'm grateful that I now have the opportunity to be the representation I never had and bring about positive change for younger generations. DRM has done such essential work to bring LGBTQIA+ awareness to schools and empower young people. I look forward to seeing what we can accomplish together!" - Yasmin
Eva Echo (she/they)
Eva Echo (she/they) is an activist and public speaker focusing on transgender rights and mental health, using her own experiences to shed light on issues which trans people face. She took legal action against NHS England in the High Court to challenge unlawful waiting times for trans patients. Eva won the DIVA Award for Unsung Hero of the Year 2022 and was named on the DIVA Power List for 2022 and 2023. Eva won Trans In The City's Trans Community Champion award and went on to become a Director there. Eva’s also Director of Innovation at Birmingham Pride and sits on the Crown Prosecution Service’s hate crime panel. Eva’s work has featured at both national and international level, in publications such as Refinery29, Boots Health & Beauty and Cosmopolitan, in addition to numerous TV appearances. Eva co-founded the Trans People Are Loved campaign, to make love the loudest voice.
“It’s important that we empower the next generation of LGBTQ+ people so they can grow up with confidence and pride. I came out late on in life after years of internal conflict which led to so many mental health struggles – mainly because of the lack of acceptance and representation. I couldn’t see a future for myself. I’m proud to work with and support Diversity Role Models so we can pave the way for acceptance, to create safe spaces and opportunities so that future generations can thrive instead of having to go through the struggles that we experienced whilst growing up. We all deserve to shine and to be our own kind of beautiful.”