Heather Paterson
Nominee Profile
Location: Rotherham
Heather Paterson is a long-standing LGBTQ+ community leader, campaigner and connector who has spent more than two decades working to strengthen and support LGBTQ+ communities across the UK. She is currently Head of Partnerships and Development at LGBT+ Consortium, the national infrastructure body supporting hundreds of LGBTQ+ organisations, where she focuses on building sustainable funding and partnerships that help grassroots groups survive and thrive.
Heather’s activism began at a local level and has grown into national influence. She was a co-founder of Sheffield Pride and later became CEO of the LGBTQ+ youth charity SAYiT, where she championed inclusive youth services and helped create safer spaces for young LGBTQ+ people. Her leadership has always been rooted in community, working to amplify voices that are often unheard and ensuring smaller organisations have the support they need.
Alongside her professional work, Heather is Chair of Proud Changemakers, a charity dedicated to sharing LGBTQ+ stories and celebrating queer leadership. She is also a writer and cultural organiser, contributing a regular LGBTQ+ column to Exposed Magazine and using music, events and creative work to celebrate queer visibility and joy.
Heather is widely respected for her ability to bring people together and drive meaningful change. Whether supporting grassroots organisations, advocating for equality or creating platforms for LGBTQ+ voices, she leads with warmth, integrity and a deep commitment to community.
Through her leadership, creativity and unwavering advocacy, Heather continues to inspire others and stands as a powerful positive role model for LGBTQ+ people across the UK.
Heather’s activism began at a local level and has grown into national influence. She was a co-founder of Sheffield Pride and later became CEO of the LGBTQ+ youth charity SAYiT, where she championed inclusive youth services and helped create safer spaces for young LGBTQ+ people. Her leadership has always been rooted in community, working to amplify voices that are often unheard and ensuring smaller organisations have the support they need.
Alongside her professional work, Heather is Chair of Proud Changemakers, a charity dedicated to sharing LGBTQ+ stories and celebrating queer leadership. She is also a writer and cultural organiser, contributing a regular LGBTQ+ column to Exposed Magazine and using music, events and creative work to celebrate queer visibility and joy.
Heather is widely respected for her ability to bring people together and drive meaningful change. Whether supporting grassroots organisations, advocating for equality or creating platforms for LGBTQ+ voices, she leads with warmth, integrity and a deep commitment to community.
Through her leadership, creativity and unwavering advocacy, Heather continues to inspire others and stands as a powerful positive role model for LGBTQ+ people across the UK.