Hi I’m Ian. I have been working as CEO at Derbyshire LGBT+ since April 2015, and my background is working within various LGBT projects, and running Nottingham Pride.

I am extremely passionate about improving the rights and services for LGBT+ people. There is still a huge amount of work to do before LGBT + people have true equality, and I hope my time here will allow us to work towards that aim.

Hello! My name is Ryan, I am the Manager of Derbyshire LGBT+, I have been working at DLGBT+ since August 2015 and prior to this, I trained in counselling skills in Southampton.

I am passionate about working with the LGBT+ community and being part of the amazing work that DLGBT+ does across the county. Much has changed in the last 50 years, however there is still lots of work to be done in ensuring the safety and rights of LGBT+ people, and here at Derbyshire LGBT+ we are here to help make sure that happens.

I’m often out and about in Derbyshire, training or doing outreach, meeting with partner agencies, so feel free to say hello.

I was born in Manchester then moved to London and stayed there for 32 years. I taught in primary schools for 28 years. I was a Deputy Headteacher in a fantastic small primary school in East London for 10 years. My husband and I adopted two children in 2014 and decided to move up to Derbyshire to give our children a better quality of life. We love it here and cherish the move we made.

Like many LGBT+ people, my experience at school was horrendous. I became a teacher to improve the experiences of any child who felt different to others whether they identified as LGBT+ or not. That continues to drive me now in my work at D+: I want to make a difference. I want to give hope and comfort to that frightened kid (or adult), too scared to be themselves and too worried about what others might think of them. If I can give even a glimmer of hope to someone simply by standing in front of a group of people whether in schools or businesses/organisations and saying, “I’m John and I’m gay”, then I will do that with pride.

I love the team at D+. We’re friends as well as colleagues. I really value the people I work with and am happier here than I’ve ever been. I love the many different people we help and support. I also thrive on the variety of the work I do from supporting different service users to delivering training and providing support in schools.

My kids keep me busy but I also love playing the piano, singing and composing. You can join me for John’s Jingles on the Derbyshire LGBT+ Facebook page on a Monday evening. I love reading, cinema, theatre, cooking and watching TV. We have plans to rescue a dog and as we all love taking long country walks, having a dog with us would be perfect!

I joined Derbyshire LGBT+ in August 2025. I studied in Derby a very long time ago and made contact with the then Derbyshire Friend to support me in coming out.  I have a background of working in the charity sector & NHS, locally, regionally and nationally for last 30 years. Many of the projects have involved community development work, older people, patient involvement or learning and development for staff and volunteers.  Very early on I was involved HIV / AIDS awareness with young people.  

As lead for the History Project, I’ll be delving into LGBT+ history of Derby & Derbyshire and exploring how the area responded to and supported people with HIV & AIDS.  

 I’m a volunteer befriender for Rainbow Call Companions with Re-engage and a volunteer leader with Outdoor Lads where you’ll find me indoor and outdoor climbing or walking across the East Midlands countryside.   es here

Hi, I'm Josh. Born and raised in Chesterfield I've been working with Derbyshire LGBT+ Youth Services since 2025. Growing up in an environment where LGBT+ identities were often minimised or ridiculed I always wanted to help fight for a better world for the queer community. Along the way I have become more confident in my own identity and am now part of an organisation helping to instill pride in the next generation.

Additionally, I'm a film buff who will talk your ear off, inside and outside of work, about everything from big blockbusters to obscure indie and international cinema. I'm a writer, filmmaker and lover of all things David Tennant.

Hi I'm Lucy! I have been a project assistant at DLGBT+ since July 2025. I will be working on the upcoming historical projects to hopefully teach as many people as possible about the lives of LGBTQ people past and present, but more importantly show that we have always been here. I have degrees in Heritage and Theatre. In the past I’ve volunteered at multiple museums and also have had my work presented at places such as Nottingham Castle and Chatsworth House.

When I am not here, I assist in research, finding the best sustainable materials that theatres could use as an alternative. Also, I am in the process of building a photography portfolio for further opportunities.

Hi, I'm Emily!

I joined Derbyshire LGBT+ in January 2025. I am originally from Nottingham where I fell in love with the queer scene and community after being away whilst studying in Lincoln. Upon my return, I was a leading force in setting up the Nottingham Queer Arts Collective in 2021 and directed it until 2024 after which I moved to greener pastures (Derby). I have seen the direct benefits regular, supportive, queer community events can have for people and I am passionate about bringing those benefits to more people through D+.

I have a great love for drag and the incredible performers and community leaders that have sprung from it. Being involved in the drag scene has given me a greater respect for radical queer expression and the art of rhinestoning. I am also a habitual crafter and always have several knitting, crochet, and sewing projects on the go!