English journalist and activist Ben Summerskill was BOTD in 1961. Born in Kent to a prominent left-wing political family, he won a scholarship to Oxford University, leaving after two years without taking a degree. After working in hospitality, he became a journalist, writing for The Observer, The Daily Express and The London Evening Standard. In 2003, he became chief executive of gay equality organisation Stonewall, leading campaigns to abolish Margaret Thatcher‘s anti-gay law Section 28 and introduce civil partnership and anti-discrimination laws in the UK. He also lobbied for workplace equality, introducing diversity measures to promote good practice among employers, and developed educational programmes to combat homophobic bullying in schools. In 2006, he was appointed a Commissioner on the newly-formed Equality and Human Rights Commission. In later years, his leadership of Stonewall was controversial, due to his initial reluctance to support same-sex marriage campaigns or extend Stonewall’s remit to include trans rights. He resigned from Stonewall in 2014, prompting a flurry of media debate about his political views. He lives and London and continues to work in the charity sector. His current relationship status is unknown.