Cllr. Tania Stevenson
Nominee Profile
Location: Derby
Tania Stevenson is a proudly visible trans woman, community leader, and elected councillor – the only openly trans person serving in local government in Derbyshire and the UK’s only independently elected member. In a climate where LGBTQ+ rights are under pressure, Tania stands loud, proud, and unflinching. Her presence in public life sends a powerful message: representation matters, and visibility saves lives.
A former Nottinghamshire firefighter, Tania continues her service as a lay member of Derbyshire Fire & Rescue’s Inclusion Forum, helping shape inclusive policies in one of the UK’s frontline services. She also sits as a Tenant Board Member at Tuntum Housing Association, and leads a growing group of independent councillors, fighting to protect public services, champion equality, and give voice to those too often ignored in local decision making.
Tania is the sole author of the Stevenson Memorandum – a powerful and principled policy statement urging councils and public bodies to leave Twitter/X in recognition of its growing conflict with Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) values. The Memorandum has sparked international media interest and inspired conversations about ethical communication in the public sector.
Renowned for her bold, fiery, and unflinching speeches at Pride events, Tania brings passion and purpose to every platform she takes. She speaks with the clarity of lived experience and the conviction of someone who knows that being visible isn’t just brave – it’s essential.
From the fireground to the boardroom and to the council chamber, Tania Stevenson’s journey is one of courage, compassion and unapologetic truth-telling – proof that authentic leadership can spark real change.
A former Nottinghamshire firefighter, Tania continues her service as a lay member of Derbyshire Fire & Rescue’s Inclusion Forum, helping shape inclusive policies in one of the UK’s frontline services. She also sits as a Tenant Board Member at Tuntum Housing Association, and leads a growing group of independent councillors, fighting to protect public services, champion equality, and give voice to those too often ignored in local decision making.
Tania is the sole author of the Stevenson Memorandum – a powerful and principled policy statement urging councils and public bodies to leave Twitter/X in recognition of its growing conflict with Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) values. The Memorandum has sparked international media interest and inspired conversations about ethical communication in the public sector.
Renowned for her bold, fiery, and unflinching speeches at Pride events, Tania brings passion and purpose to every platform she takes. She speaks with the clarity of lived experience and the conviction of someone who knows that being visible isn’t just brave – it’s essential.
From the fireground to the boardroom and to the council chamber, Tania Stevenson’s journey is one of courage, compassion and unapologetic truth-telling – proof that authentic leadership can spark real change.