NORTHGATE HIGH SCHOOL

Charlie is a proud young trans man who openly shares their lived experiences and having a huge impact on LGBTQ+ inclusion at Northgate High School and beyond. They are an active and leading member of the Equality & Diversity, Pride and Human Rights History Clubs, and have helped to shape the LGBTQ+ history curriculum at the school. During an exchange visit with Romania they helped to educate staff and students about LGBTQ+ rights, in particular for trans and non-binary people, and they have also delivered a group project on the persecution of LGBTQ+ people during the Holocaust. In addition to organising the school’s annual Pride picnic, their impact extends into the local community supporting Pride events in Suffolk and ‘Queer Health Matters’ promoting the work of Outreach Youth.

HABERDASHERS’ ABRAHAM DARBY ACADEMY

Ruby’s bold and forthright nature has always been evident in her journey at Haberdashers’ where she has taken all of the opportunities to be leader with enthusiasm and used them to advocate for her peers with the school. She has previously led a group of student instigators who requested an opportunity to speak to the senior leadership team about the challenges they face growing up LGBTQ+ in school and wider society.  Ruby created the presentation materials and helped to drive the conversation on how LGBTQ+ inclusion should be approached in assemblies and wider school learning. She has also had a significant impact on younger pupils, reflecting their lived experiences.

SHREWSBURY COLLEGES GROUP

Lealan is proudly and unapologetically gender fluid and has been since she was a young teenager, thriving predominantly as a trans woman - empowering for other trans peers in her school. She demonstrates that she is never afraid to stand up to and challenge other people’s prejudices and narrow views via her acting and dancing skills in her capacity as a gender fluid performer - her work being heavily influenced by the queer ballroom scene, in particular her own icons including Crystal La Beija and Billy Porter. In her school she is seen by others as an advocate for equality , justice and fairness for the queer community. 

HABERDASHERS’ ABRAHAM DARBY ACADEMY

Matteo has been living as an out trans man in his school for many years, and has been recognised for his willingness to step forward as student leader of Haberdashers’ Pride club and spoken to senior leadership about LGBTQ+ inclusion as part of the Haberdasher’s ongoing ‘health checks’ - he did this with confidence and is seen as an advocate who stands up for positive change in the world. His own presence has helped to create a large shift in perceptions of trans inclusion, with many young trans kids in the school seeing him as their role model.

MIDDLESEX UNIVERSITY LONDON

Kars is a movement-based, material-inspired, multi-disciplinary artist/performer using their experience to give hope and inspiration to younger generations. Their most significant piece of work ‘Why Not Chop Them Off?’ documents and explores their relationship to their non-binary/trans-masculine tits and their fluid approach to gender transition. In addition to this they have a CV of activism and performance which is impressive and demonstrates their long-lasting history as a role model for the queer community. 

YORK ST JOHN UNIVERSITY

Jamie volunteers much of their free time working for the LGBTQ+ Society at York St John University, liaising with the university and the student union, running events and spreading awareness on campus. This has included running a HIV information stall and running masculinisation and feminisation  makeup tutorial socials. They constantly demonstrate a level of kindness and optimism for the LGBTQ+ community which is integral to their role. Other examples of their work include an inclusive Queer Prom on campus and a charity auction in aid of York LGBTQ+ Forum. 

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON

Offa has limitless pride in her diverse identity and is dedicated to fostering inclusivity. As a Muslim, Malaysian, brown-skinned trans woman Offa celebrates every part of who she is with courage and authenticity. She has delivered impactful LGBTQ+ focused initiatives including the revitalization of Glittoris, a monthly queer club night using a pre-event make-up kiki session to unite the group and address any safety concerns around attendance. As marketing lead she has expanded the reach of the UCL Drag Society, and broken new ground on campus by directing and producing the first-ever drag theatre performance at Bloomsbury Theatre. 

MIDDLESEX UNIVERSITY LONDON

Katie has recently completed her undergraduate dissertation research which deals with the mental health and wellbeing issues facing young LGBTQ+ people/students focusing on their mental health struggles, risky behaviours, experiences of mental health services and support networks. She presented her findings in February on National Queer Students Day. In her current MSc project she has extended this to focus on the experience of LGBTQ+ parents. It is hoped that Katie’s findings across both pieces of research can be used by mental health professionals and student support services to learn more about the experiences of young queer people and to encourage them to be more inclusive of queer issues.