Lady Gaga topped an online poll, by gay equality charity Stonewall, that asked supporters which celebrity had done the most to tackle bullying this year.

The singer, backed by 46 per cent of online supporters, is a firm favourite with lesbian, gay and bisexual people as one of the biggest public figures to actively speak out against the discrimination gay people face. She has also recently announced that she wants to meet Barack Obama to discuss new legislation to beat bullying. Lady Gaga’s poll victory follows hot on the heels of her nomination for Hero of the Year at the 2011 Stonewall Awards.

Ben Cohen, ex-rugby star and also aStonewall Award nominee, scored a close second (41 per cent) for his dedication in tackling bullying and homophobia in sport. Ben set up theBen Cohen StandUp Foundation dedicated to raising awareness of the long-term, damaging effects of bullying.

Laura Doughty, Stonewall Deputy Chief Executive said: ‘It’s fantastic that so many influential people and celebrities are helping to tackle and, as the poll shows, raise awareness of this important issue. Nine in ten secondary school teachers recently polled byYouGov for Stonewall said that children and young people, regardless of their sexual orientation, currently experience homophobic bullying in their schools.’

Nicola Roberts scored nine per cent of the vote followed by Cher Lloyd with four per cent. Both spoke out against bullying recently.

Stonewall ran the social media poll onFacebook and Twitter in the run up to Anti-Bullying Week.

Music