19 June PRIDE S U M M E R E V E N T ’ 2 5
JAKE & HANNAH GRAF
They are widely known as the UK’s ‘Transgender Power Couple’ after being named as the Most Influential LGBTQ Couple by The Guardian. They are passionate about gender, equality and diversity and having become something of an inspiration to the wider transgender community, they work tirelessly to represent it both in the UK and internationally.
Jake: London-based actor, writer, and director whose award-winning films have screened at over 100 festivals worldwide. His feature debut Lavender is in development with BAFTA-nominated MisFits Entertainment, and he’s currently developing two TV drama pilots. Jake’s work focuses on positive social change, highlighting underrepresented stories and serving as educational tools globally. As an actor, he’s appeared in ITV’s Butterfly, DBO’s Different For Girls, and starred opposite Keira Knightley in Colette. He is a patron of Mermaids, akt, and Ditch The Label, and serves as a judge for several major diversity awards. Drawing on his experience in film, acting, and writing—as well as his personal journey through transition and recovery—Jake speaks powerfully on media representation, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and the importance of supporting marginalized communities in the workplace.
Hannah: retired British Army Captain who served globally in locations including Germany, Canada, Kenya, and Afghanistan. A transgender woman, her transition gained national attention in 2015, and she has since become a prominent advocate for equality and transgender visibility in the UK. She is a Patron of Mermaids and an LGBT Sport ambassador in Wales, and has been recognized with numerous honors, including Cosmopolitan Woman of the Year, an honorary fellowship from Cardiff University, and an MBE for her work on LGBTQ policy in the military. With her unique experience as a decorated officer who transitioned while serving, Hannah speaks with authority on military life, diversity, and inclusive leadership. She has delivered talks for leading organizations such as Warner Brothers, PWC, HSBC, Barclays, and Pride in London.
RACHEL MASING
Rachel is the People Director of Poolhouse, a new competitive socialising brand built around a tech-enhanced version of pool and set in a spectacular hospitality venue, launching soon to London.
With a 20-year background in premium hospitality, she has cultivated a People approach that emphasises workplace cultures where people feel seen, supported and inspired to grow in this industry.
Rachel endorses innovation at each step of the employee lifecycle and takes pleasure in speaking on panels and podcasts to keep the topic of employee engagement at the forefront of conversation.
As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, Rachel understands the power of inclusive leadership and the importance of safe, encouraging spaces at work. You’ll find her in her element mentoring future leaders or designing hiring processes that capture the unique characteristics of hospitality top talent. Rachel has a deep love of hospitality in all forms.
GEMMA HAMPTON-STONE
Gemma has worked in the hospitality industry for 20 number of years, and before taking on the role as Managing Director for Bodean’s, and Rose Pubs Group, she with some of the city’s most loved pubs groups as Director of Operations for Noble Inns, Grosvenor Pubs and Cubitt House.
Gemma leveraged her extensive experience in premium food environments, honed through leading distinguished pubs across London, to breathe new life into Bodean’s. With a deep understanding of high-quality dining experiences, guest expectations, and brand storytelling, she has set a task on blending craftsmanship with operational excellence to refine Bodean’s identity. Her expertise in curating authentic yet elevated food and drink offerings, combined with a strategic approach to guest engagement, will ensure that the brand remains true to its original ethos of ‘Barbecue, Bourbon & Beer’ while embracing modern standards of quality and hospitality.
Following Bodean’s Clapham and Fulham closures, Gemma was introduced to breathe new life into the long-standing brand, and as part of this mission, she brought in Richard H. Turner, one of the country’s most loved ‘meat experts’ as Chef Director. Richard previously worked with the likes of Hawkesmoor, PittCue Co, and Blacklock; co-founding much-loved butchers Turner & George, and Meatopia barbecue food festival. Gemma alongside Richard, has helped to steer Bodean’s back, and re-engaging the public with the long-standing institution
FELIPE CHAVEZ
Originally from Colombia, Felipe arrived to the UK at the age of 17. Being a young person in a country he didn't know, seeking his first job and connecting with other young people, he was lucky to stumble across the world of hospitality and hasn't left since.
Felipe began in events catering as an event staff member. He did this for a couple years, gradually progressing from waiter, team leader and to manager, when he then got asked to join the company ' s recruitment resourcing team. Not being a student and being able to dedicate himself to the company full-time allowed him to advance quite fast, and at the age of 21 he found himself managing the entire department, leading a small team of resourcers.
Since then, fast forward almost a decade, now at the age of 31, Felipe has managed to build up a strong portfolio of work, with experience managing recruitment departments for several well-known bar and restaurant brands.
Felipe is primarily known for his creative ability to project lead recruitment for large scale nation wide expansions, which is what he is currently doing
As the recruitment manager for Pho, he is fortunate to be part of a healthy growing business with a great vision and some exciting plans for the future.
ARBI RAI
Arbi leads Recruitment Operations and Experience at Virgin Atlantic, drawing on a broad talent acquisition background across aviation, technology, and financial services.
His experience spans early careers, experienced hire, volume, and executive recruitment in various markets, including the UK and India.
Arbi is a passionate advocate for inclusion, contributing to initiatives like Black Careers Matter, CIPD Social Action, and workplace mental health and race equity. He has spoken on LGBTQIA+ issues at events such as The Telegraph D&I Conference, the Institute of Student Employers, and Bright Network. He was previously named within the Financial Times Empower list and chaired the ISE Diversity & Inclusion Working Group.
Openly gay and from an ethnic minority background, Arbi speaks candidly about his experiences to challenge perceptions, educate others, and help dismantle barriers to inclusion.
A graduate of the University of Bath, he has lived across the UK and in Latin America, bringing a global perspective to his work and advocacy.
DOMINIC ARNALL
Dominic is Chief Executive of Open for Business (OFB), a coalition of global organisations dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ inclusion. Open for Business use data and research to make the economic case for LGBTQ+ inclusion. Open for Business has programmes in East Africa, The Caribbean, Central and Eastern Europe and Southeast Asia.
Dominic is also a judge for the World Economic Forum’s Lighthouse Programme, a programme that gives awards for excellence in DEI practice and a counsellor for the World Business Council for sustainable development.
Previous to working for Open for Business Dominic was Chief Executive of Just Like Us, the LGBT+ young people's charity, which grew to work with more than half of all secondary schools in the UK and also Head of Projects and Programmes for Stonewall, leading their programmes in education and international, delivering several projects supporting human rights defenders in Russia and Eastern Europe; the Western Balkans and Turkey.
Dominic also worked as Head of Programme Management for Mind, delivering the £25 million Time to Change campaign designed to challenge stigma around mental health conditions.
Dominic is on the board of London Bisexual Network and lives in Brighton, UK with his partner and his cat.
CIERAN DE VALMENCY
(he/him)
Cieran is a web developer and graphic designer, best known for building the Gamechangers Organisation online platform.
He works with brands like Inntegra, the Speakeasy Project and Home Leisure Direct, bringing digital and creative solutions to the hospitality and competitive socialising space.
Though he prefers to be the ‘ guy behind the screen ’ , the escalating and severe attacks on trans rights in the UK have made staying quiet (and indoors) impossible.
Speaking out isn’t a choice anymore, it’s a necessity.
JAX FEELEY
One of the most exciting emerging talents in tv and podcasting, Jaxon Feeley is a TV Personality, Podcast Host, Presenter, Speaker, Model and SO much more.
Transitioning whilst still a serving prison officer in 2021, Jaxon uses his wealth of experience to inspire, motivate and encourage people from all walks of life to find and most importantly LIVE their truth.
Jaxon has featured on a number of TV programmes, including Channel 4's BAFTA nominated Banged Up, and more recently won the latest season of Hunted.
Aside from his TV appearances, Jaxon is an inspirational and trusted voice when it comes to living authentically. His message is not about gender, it is about LIFE and showing every individual that you have the power to be 100% authentic within yourself, if only you decide to look in the mirror and do the things that scare you.
An advocate and figurehead for normalising trans people in the mainstream media, Jaxon has featured on podcasts such as Dodge Woodall’s Eventful Lives and Chris Sweeney’s Homosapiens as well as hosting programmes for Virgin Radio, covering hard hitting topics such as cyber bullying and mental health.
Award winning cover model, Jaxon is the whole package, northern charm mixed with confident and strong delivery, model good looks, paired with an ability to draw the best out of everyone he interacts with. You are guaranteed a professional, warm and engaging pair of hands for any event
HUGO REMY
With 19 years of experience in FinTech, Hugo Remi leads Cardaq Limited and Pridepay, where his leadership has earned multiple industry honors, including recognition as the Best Card Issuing Institution in the UK.
Under his guidance, the team has achieved principal membership with Visa, Mastercard, and UnionPay, reflecting their commitment to innovation and excellence in electronic payments.
DAVID BEVENS
David has worked in learning and development for 17 years and is currently the Head of Learning and Development at Portico.
In this role, he is responsible for the design and implementation of the company ’ s corporate learning strategy. A core element of David’s approach is creating “ room to bloom” – the belief that everyone is gloriously different and expresses their brilliance in unique ways. He is passionate about building psychologically safe learning environments where individuals are given the space and support they need to truly flourish.
As a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ and neurodiverse communities, David is deeply committed to fostering a culture of authenticity. He strives to ensure that every colleague feels empowered to bring their whole, authentic selves to work, knowing their perspectives, ideas, and experiences will be recognised and respected.
In 2024, David was honoured to be included in WiHTL & DiR’s ‘Role Models for Inclusion Index’. WiHTL & Diversity in Retail is a collaborative community dedicated to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion across the hospitality, travel, leisure, and retail sectors. The index celebrates individuals who actively champion EDI and create inclusive workplace cultures.
Through his learning and development work, David designs sessions that encourage open discussion, debate, and critical thinking around EDI, with a strong focus on LGBTQIA+ topics. Recent initiatives include Queer History & Milestones workshops, Understanding Identity roundtables, and Beyond The Binary sessions.
David is also particularly proud that Portico is an Approved Centre with ILM. One of the standout qualifications he delivers is the ILM Level 4 Award in Managing Equality & Diversity in an Organisation, which has played a key role in opening up meaningful conversations around bias, stereotypes, prejudice, and the journey toward LGBTQIA+ equality celebrating progress while recognising there is still much to be done.