The Wide Angle: Why I Heart Beth Ditto

In November the unthinkable happened: a fat dyke was named Coolest person of 2006 by the New Musical Express. Beth Ditto of The Gossip is officially the Coolest Gal Around.

Pundits are saying that the number of women in this year's list is revolutionary but, more than that, the fact that one of us is being lauded for their fabulousness is, frankly, stunning.

Lists like these are always worth taking with a pinch of salt (Liam Gallagher scored the number 2 spot in 2005), and we always knew that Ditto was cool, but it doesn't hurt for other people to take note. So here are a handful of reasons why Ditto makes a fine role model for our nation.

The Gossip Rock Like a Hurricane
Sweaty, noisy, dirty and loud, Ditto's voice is a force to be reckoned with and this band can make a building shake. I've seen it happen.

Ditto is a Political Animal
Not only is Ditto a fat, working-class dyke, but she understands what these identities mean in the world. She sings songs about it and she gives shout-outs to her people, people like us, in the audience whenever she performs.

That On Our Backs Session
Ditto has said that shooting the 2003 centre-spread for the legendary lesbian sex mag with boyfriend Freddie Fagula was much less glamorous than it looked, but the results are hotter than hell.

If She Can Be Cool, So Can You
Role models are all very well, but the best thing about Ditto heading the Cool List is the message of encouragement it sends to everyone: we can all be our own role models.

It's fantastic to see someone who challenges pointless government hand-wringing about the alleged obesity epidemic so eloquently. Ditto is no sad, slumpy fatty - she's full of life, spark, talent and undeniable beauty. Her visibility in the world makes me hope that maybe fewer fat kids will get bullied in the playground and a few more fat queers will be able to recognise ourselves in the excellence Ditto projects into the world.

Beth Ditto, we salute you!