Bristol’s LGBT+ scene is very much alive and thriving – and to kick of LGBT+ History month, we aim to celebrate the individuals who make a positive difference in the community. From activists to artists – here are 10 Bristolian LGBT+ figures you should check out on Instagram.

1. Travis Alabanza

Travis is an award-winning theatre maker, writer and performer who was born and raised in Bristol. The 25-year-old is known for their internationally acclaimed show Burgerz, which used theatre to detail the experiences of being trans in the UK. Their voice on LGBT+ issues has been featured on the BBC, Guardian, Dazed, Vogue and taken them to over 40 universities across the country.

2. Imogen Fox

An influencer and passionate advocate for disabled rights, as well as positive body images, Imogen's inspiring Twitter and Instagram, feeds do not shirk away from confronting realities and putting it how it is.

The blogger made it to the 2019's Bristol Cool List and describes herself as "Queer Disabled Femme serving up radical body politics, anti-diet and non-judgemental compassion" on her Instagram.

3. Carla Denyer

Carla is the Green Party councillor for Clifton Down and the MP Candidate for Bristol West but, before entering politics, the 34-year-old worked as an engineer in the renewable energy industry.

As a member of ‘LGBTIQA+ Greens’ she has campaigned for reform of the Gender Recognition Act to enable a kinder and less bureaucratic process for recognising trans people’s gender.

5. Peta Shillingford

Peta is a core organiser of Kiki Bristol - a social safe space for LGBTQ People of Colour to meet.

The 40-year-old said there was such an inclusive and creative scene in Bristol but that this was not always the case.

"20 years ago when I was just getting used to being out, LGBTQ+ Bristol was a very different scene," she said. "Pride then was a couple of gazebos in a car park and I was often the only person of colour around.

"We have now blossomed into a fantastic scene that innovates and challenges the status quo."

5. Joe Davis

Also known as Jessica Jungle, Joe is a UWE alumni and drag performer who frequently performs as part of Slaughterhouse Bristol alongside 5 other local performers and drag artists.

A monthly cabaret show, Joe states “Slaughterhaus showcases the underground, punk, and queer aspect of drag which is essential as drag becomes ever more mainstream”.

They previously studied a BA (Illustration) at UWE and currently work as a freelance artist and illustrator.

6. Yaz Brien

From drug rehabilitation to Bristol Wood Recycling Project, Shelter to women's refuges, Yaz has worked on some of the city's most demanding social front lines.

As a writer and presenter on Ujima Radio, the 42-year-old brings a queer, anti-racist and feminist perspective grounded in humour and hope.

A key part of grassroots organising for over two decades, they have helped build an activist culture in Bristol.

7. Daryn Carter

CEO of Bristol Pride, Daryn was due to take a step back last year but has stayed in place to support the organisation through the coronavirus pandemic and help deliver Bristol Pride online.

Daryn has lived in Bristol for 17 years and was granted Freedom of the City by the Mayor earlier this year.

He also currently works at UWE Bristol as a Placement Coordinator.

8. Tom Marshman

Tom lives in Old Market, which "is the best place to be as when I pop out for a pint of gay milk I want fun, fun, fun and Old Market provides me with that".

A practising artist for more than two decades who has produced more than 60 projects, Tom now works for Theatre Bristol as a mentor for artists.

Lockdown resorted in Tom conjuring up the spirit of Kenneth William: he appeared in a dream and so Tom has written a play about him and his friendship with Maggie Smith, which was referred to as Shinning Intimacy.

9. Clare Lowe

Clare is the owner and producer of queer arts organisation Wig In a Box Promotions.

The 32-year-old said: "Being part of the LGBTQ+ community simply means being able to be truly myself."

The LGBTQ+ activist feels Bristol is a beautiful, diverse city with communities that are accepting, but said "it's not all rainbows and hearts" and that there is still much work to do.

10. Spencer Blackwell

Spencer Blackwell is an organiser of Trans Pride South West, an annual trans pride based in Bristol. The organisation aims to celebrate the diversity of Transgender, Non-Binary, Intersex, & Gender variant individuals, while actively encouraging awareness, openness & interaction.

He studied Music at the University of Bristol and currently works for the NHS.

Enjoy this list? Don’t forget to check out the full LGBT+ history programme here!