BIOGRAPHIES

Paul is a proud gay man, father, and advocate, dedicated to supporting the LGBTQ+ community and championing equitable healthcare. As a member of a same-sex couple, Paul has adopted two children, embracing the joys and challenges of parenthood while advocating for the rights of same-sex families. He works in trans healthcare , where he focuses on providing vital healthcare services to young people and uses his professional skills to be an ally for marginalised communities. Currently holding the title of Mr. Gay World, Paul is the first British winner in a decade. He leverages this platform to support the trans community and raise awareness for same-sex adoption, advocating for policies that ensure equality and visibility. Through his work and personal journey, Paul is committed to fostering inclusivity, understanding, and respect for all individuals, using his voice to amplify the needs and rights of the LGBTQ+ community.

Hello! My name is Niamh, Pronouns she/ her and I’m a proud queer journalist from Sheffield. I am about to go into my 3rd year at the university of Sheffield. 

Winning role model of the year 4 years ago was one of my proudest achievements and kick started my journalism career. I’m so excited to be looking after socials for the evening and interviewing all you amazing people on the pink carpet. My sexuality is something i have worked so hard to be so proud of and what I want to carry with me throughout my career!! See you all there. 

A 23 year old drag artist born in Dudley, West Midlands but found their love for drag and the queer community in Liverpool at 18 when they moved for university.

A message from Naya- “I grew up quite literally the only (out at least) gay in the village, I’d never seen drag, never really seen camp until I moved and I delved into everything I could. If you’re feeling alone, you’re not. There’s a whole world out there and we’re ready to welcome you into it with open arms. Never shy away from who you are and hold true to your heart your self worth. You’re worth it, you’re beautiful and you exist”

Ben Pechey is a non-binary writer, presenter, content creator, TEDx Speaker LGBTQIA advocate, diversity & inclusion consultant and author.

They have written and produced content for The Guardian, Cosmopolitan, Women's Health, Refinery 29 and Diva Magazine. They have worked with major brands such as Manolo Blahnik, Condé Nast, Dr. Martens, The NSPCC, Virgin Atlantic and many more to educate and improve awareness of the LGBTQIA+ community.

They are the author of ‘The Book of Non-Binary Joy’, and soon to be published ‘Your Gender Book’. They are also an ambassador for Diversity Role Models.

Ben is a TEDx speaker, their talk focused on ensuring trans and non-binary people can find joy every day.

"Growing up I never saw or knew anybody like myself. Fast forward to right now, and I am incredibly comfortable with myself and am visibly present in society. I am existing and thriving as a member of the LGBTQIA community. I hope that I can be the representation for people just like me, giving them the chance to feel accepted that I so often struggled to feel growing up."

They bring you weekly posts discussing body positivity, gender, activism, climate change and everything else between. By no means an expert, they aim to bring you their opinion that has been honed through experiences and collective wisdom. 

Equity, diversity and inclusion consultant Steve is the founder and event director of The Queer Student Awards. Since graduating in 2006 from Durham University he has dedicated his career to supporting young people in their transition from education into the workplace - his own career started as a Geography teacher in a disadvantaged secondary school in Essex. During his two years teaching he hid his sexuality from his pupils and their parents out of fear of suffering from bullying and discrimination - which remains the biggest regret in his career. It wasn’t until he started volunteering with LGBTQ+ charity Diversity Role Models that he gained the confidence to return to the school environment to share his coming out story with young people. During this time volunteering he was inspired by the ways in which the young LGBTQ+ people and their peers were embracing their queer identities, educating teachers and openly tackling bullies. This acted as a catalyst which led towards him creating the awards you are attending this evening.

Aisha Akram (she/they) is a spoken word artist from Manchester, touching on topics considered taboo in society, particularly the struggles of being Queer and Muslim. They are one of the 100 LGBTQ+ trailblazers by Love Queers and have appeared on the BBC Make A Difference Awards. She has been writing since she was 13 and performing since 2021. 

Siobhan is a Principal Data Analyst at E.ON Next. They have been part of the E.ON LGBTQ+ and friends network since attending their first pride with the company. A passionate advocate for queer inclusion Siobhan pushes for those in power to acknowledge the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ young people. Especially those with experience of being in the care system. Siobhan works tirelessly to advocate for queer young people through their charity work. Siobhan is a trustee at a UK wide charity supporting care experienced children and their families. Siobhan is Vice Chair of adoption panel for Adoption East Midlands championing the needs of LGBTQ parents and children. Siobhan also works in parliament as Chair to the steering committee for an All Party Parliamentary Group for care experienced children.

Eva Echo (she/they) is an activist and TEDx speaker focusing on transgender rights, known for taking legal action against NHS England in the High Court, challenging unlawful waiting times for trans patients. Eva won the DIVA Award for Unsung Hero of the Year 2022 and Trans In The City's Community Champion award. She is named on the Pride Power List for 2023 and 2024, and the DIVA Power List for the last three consecutive years. In 2024, she featured in The British LGBT Awards’ top 12 for “Outstanding Contributors to LGBT+ Life” and became one of UN Women UK’s delegates to the UN’s Commission on the Status of Women. Eva’s also Director of Innovation at Birmingham Pride and sits on the Crown Prosecution Service’s hate crime panel. In 2023, her story was permanently included in the Science Museum’s permanent “Who Am I?” gallery, promoting diversity and education to all generations.

Amanda Wah is a gym owner, personal trainer and record-breaking winner of the 2025 season of BBC’s Gladiators. A graduate of Liverpool John Moores University with a degree and masters in Sport Business, Amanda uses her new-found platform to champion LGBTQIA+ visibility and promote the importance of fitness for good physical and mental health. Alongside running her gym, she delivers workshops in schools focused on identity, wellbeing, and self-worth. Amanda is passionate about helping young people feel seen, strong, and supported — and is honoured to present an award at this year’s Queer Student Awards.

Kate is a prominent transgender rights activist based in Wrexham, North Wales. She has been a tireless advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, particularly focusing on trans inclusion in education. Kate works as an Education Manager for LGBTQ+ anti bullying charity Diversity Role Models, where she supports teachers, pupils and their schools to prevent homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying before it happens through the delivery of interactiveworkshops and supporting resources. She is also a part time Youth Support Worker for the Viva LGBT+ youth group in Wrexham.

As an independent Diversity, Equity and Inclusion consultant she has advised a number of organisations including Local authorities and teaching unions across England and Wales on creating inclusive educational environments.

Her activism extends to various roles, including Trustee positions at Pride Cymru and Schools Out UK, and membership in the Welsh Government’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Panel. Kate’s dedication has been recognized when In November 2024, she was named as Welsh Community Champion of the Year at the Trans in the City Gala.

In the last year she successfully led a team of dedicated volunteers to bring the first ever Pride event to the city of Wrexham and hopes to build on its success with a second event in late July 2025.

Last year's Queer of the Year and Unsung Hero winner, Luna is now training to be a teacher and continuing their work supporting LGBTQ+ students.

Your new fave autistic gay pop boy and his band of gorgeous misfits! Joey & the Hot Tub Boys tell stories of being different through music.