FINALISTS

MANCHESTER METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY

ACTIVIST FINALIST

Dewi has played a pivotal leadership role in rebuilding and guiding Trans Pride Manchester, stepping in when the organisation was close to collapse. He helped stabilise and restructure it, leading to a successful relaunch with renewed direction and visibility. In August 2025, he was a key organiser of Trans Pride Manchester 2025, which drew over 8,000 people and became one of the city’s largest trans demonstrations. His contributions spanned logistics, volunteer coordination, communications, accessibility, outreach and strategic planning, and he also delivered the opening speech, emphasising political awareness, history, solidarity and hope.

Alongside this, Dewi volunteered with the LGBT Foundation’s Trans Advocacy Team, creating resources to support trans people navigating NHS gender identity services, including guidance on bridging prescriptions and Gender Recognition Certificates. He has also founded the Rural Trans Alliance, a community interest company focused on improving access to gender-affirming healthcare in rural and coastal areas of Wales.

BRIGHTON & SUSSEX MEDICAL SCHOOL

ACTIVIST FINALIST

Sarah’s work bridges research, education, and community engagement. They lead a major project with the Sussex Women’s Health Research Group, investigating intimate health and wellbeing services for midlife LGBTQIA+ women, non-binary people, and trans masculine individuals. They designed and conducted participant-led interviews, ensuring lived experiences shape the research while addressing gaps in contraception, screening, menopause care, and inclusive support.

Alongside this, Sarah coordinates the Brighton branch of Sexpression:UK, where they have trained and mentored students to deliver inclusive sex and relationships education, while also advocating for LGBTQIA+ inclusion and securing resources through fundraising. They have also served as BSMS’s undergraduate representative for STASHH, promoting sexual health and HIV education and encouraging LGBTQIA+ focused clinical learning.

Their work is community-driven, collaborating with the LGBTQIA+ Research Engagement Network and local charities across East Sussex. They actively have engaged underrepresented groups, ensuring research reflects community priorities and promotes more inclusive, respectful healthcare practices.

CARDIFF UNIVERSITY

COMMUNITY LEADER FINALIST

Cameron has served as President of Cardiff University’s Pride society since September 2024, leading efforts to create a safe, inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ students. He has organised a wide range of events, from major initiatives like a Pride race, an ethnic minority focus programme, and “Learn with Pride” discussions on anti-homophobia and anti-racism, to a trans documentary screening with the Iris Film Festival. He has also supported regular wellbeing and social events, including coffee mornings and collaborative club nights with the Students’ Union.

Cameron prioritised building connections across campus, strengthening relationships with numerous societies to foster inclusivity and collaboration. His standout achievement was founding the Cardiff University Pride Awards in March, celebrating LGBTQ+ students across areas such as sport, activism, art, innovation, and campaigning. With over 40 attendees, the event provided meaningful recognition and visibility for LGBTQ+ contributions within the university community.

MIDDLESEX UNIVERSITY LONDON

COMMUNITY LEADER FINALIST

Jaylynn Simms is a student leader who has significantly improved the experience of LGBTQIA+ students at Middlesex University as Co-President of the LGBTQIA+ Liberation Group. Recognising that traditional nightlife-focused events excluded many, particularly neurodivergent students and those with anxiety, she redesigned programming to prioritise accessibility, comfort, and meaningful connection.

Her inclusive approach introduced diverse, creative activities alongside sensory-considerate spaces, calm seating areas, and adaptable participation. The LGBTQIA+ Halloween social became a standout example, reaching full attendance and sustained engagement, and later inspired future events.

Jaylynn’s relational leadership style—personally welcoming attendees and responding to needs in real time—has helped students feel seen, valued, and comfortable participating. Many have described the group as the first space where they feel able to connect.

Beyond events, she has championed LGBTQIA+ visibility and intersectionality within the Students’ Union, while contributing to Black and Women’s liberation spaces. Her work has strengthened trust and set a new standard for inclusive, student-led organising at the university.

LIBERTY ACADEMY

COMMUNITY LEADER FINALIST

Marcel, a young international queer student at Liberty Academy, has become a powerful advocate for LGBTQIA+ inclusion since joining in Year 7. Finding a sense of belonging in the Pride Group early on, he embraced his role as one of the few openly queer students and committed to improving the school experience for others.

As the academy’s sole Diversity Lead and a member of the student leadership team, Marcel has championed safer, more inclusive environments. He has led awareness initiatives on homophobia and transphobia, delivered educational sessions on LGBTQIA+ history—including the Stonewall Riots and AIDS awareness—and promoted understanding of identity and equality.

Marcel has also reviewed PSHE lessons to ensure accurate, inclusive representation and language. Beyond the school, he has contributed to the Youth Mayor programme in Hull, raising LGBTQIA+ issues on a wider platform.

Through leadership, education, and community involvement, Marcel has amplified underrepresented voices and fostered a more inclusive culture both within his school and beyond.

COVENTRY UNIVERSITY

UNSUNG HERO FINALIST

Alex has been an active committee member of Coventry University’s LGBTQIA+ Society for four years, focusing on maintaining a safe, supportive space and ensuring strong leadership continuity. They have supported new student leaders through handovers and organised initiatives such as LGBT+ History Month events and media collaborations.

As LGBTQIA+ Community Lead, they have driven impactful campaigns, including Trans Awareness Training, the Gender Expression Fund, and Rainbow Laces with sports clubs. They have also worked to improve university policy for trans students, gathering lived experiences to advocate for change—contributing to progress on a more accessible, self-service name change system.

Beyond the society, they serve as a regional ambassador for It Gets Better, attending Pride events, sharing stories, and supporting volunteers. They have also represented student voices at a university governance level, speaking about trans experiences and inclusion.

In their staff role, they provide administrative and student-facing support, consistently promoting inclusivity and encouraging others to engage with LGBTQIA+ spaces they have helped build.

MIDDLESEX UNIVERSITY LONDON

UNSUNG HERO FINALIST

Michael’s story reflects profound resilience in the face of extreme danger as an LGBTQIA+ person in their home country, where being openly queer can be life-threatening and violence often goes unpunished or even celebrated. Growing up, they faced relentless bullying, pressure to conform, and were unable to come out, living in constant fear across school, university, and family life.

Despite this, Michael turned to education as a means of survival and escape, working tirelessly to succeed academically. This determination led them to secure a PhD opportunity in the United Kingdom. While now able to live more openly, the impact of past trauma remains, and they have still faced harassment in the UK.

Today, Michael channels their experiences into teaching and advocacy, leading seminars and workshops while pursuing their PhD in international criminal law and human rights. Their journey highlights both the ongoing challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals globally and the power of education, courage, and perseverance in overcoming adversity and promoting equality.

ASTRAZENECA

ROLE MODEL (BUSINESS) FINALIST

Chloe, Associate Director of Sustainability in Global Supply Chain at AstraZeneca (Macclesfield), is a visible LGBTQIA+ role model and key member of the AZ Pride leadership team. She has led initiatives that strengthen inclusion and align Pride efforts with business strategy, including shaping the 2025 Pride symposium and organising the 2026 event with a focus on inclusive clinical trials.

She played an important role in responding to UK legislation on trans use of gendered spaces, working with HR and Inclusion teams to communicate clearly, support trans colleagues, and maintain ongoing dialogue for improvement. Chloe also led a major refresh of the internal Ally Pack, expanding guidance, resources, and support for LGBTQIA+ employees and families.

Her work during Pride Month includes coordinating company participation in events, organising networking sessions, and building connections with other employee groups to amplify impact. She co-developed UK guidance on transitioning at work, providing clarity for both employees and managers.

Following AstraZeneca’s move away from Stonewall benchmarking, Chloe helped identify alternative frameworks to ensure continued accountability and progress on LGBTQIA+ inclusion.

ASTRAZENECA

ROLE MODEL (BUSINESS) FINALIST

Ferne Clark (she/her), Safety Specialist at AstraZeneca’s Macclesfield campus and AZ Pride site representative, is a visible LGBTQIA+ leader who embeds inclusion into daily practice on a large manufacturing site. Between March 2025 and March 2026, she led practical, high-impact initiatives to reach colleagues often excluded from traditional 9–5 engagement.

She co-led a redesign of on-site engagement to better suit shift workers, introducing accessible lunchtime sessions and improving communication strategies. Ferne also launched informal “pop-up” outreach across the campus, creating approachable spaces for conversation, sharing resources, and increasing participation in AZ Pride.

To ensure continuity, she strengthened collaboration among site representatives, developing shared approaches that outlast individual roles. She has also amplified inclusion within her own team by leading I&D discussions and connecting international colleagues to Pride networks.

Ferne is contributing to the 2026 Pride Symposium, focusing on intersectional inclusion and its link to business performance. Through consistent visibility, advocacy, and approachability, she has become a trusted contact for colleagues, helping foster a more inclusive and connected workplace culture.

MIDDLESEX UNIVERSITY LONDON

ROLE MODEL (EDUCATION) FINALIST

Alfonso Pezzella is an openly LGBTQ+ educator and academic leader at Middlesex University London who has advanced inclusion for LGBTQ+ students, staff, and communities. As a lecturer in mental health, social work, and nursing, he embeds LGBTQ+ perspectives into core teaching, equipping future practitioners to address issues such as gender, sexuality, inequality, and minority stress. His inclusive, relational approach creates psychologically safe learning environments, particularly supporting LGBTQIA+ students navigating identity and belonging.

Over the past year, Alfonso has also driven institutional change by organising the university’s first dedicated LGBTQIA+ conference, raising the visibility and importance of queer issues in higher education.

Beyond his university, he contributes internationally as UK Coordinator of the FREE project, researching how school environments and identity acceptance impact LGBTQIA+ young people’s wellbeing and outcomes. He has also supported the development of LGBTQIA+ affirming counselling services at Sapienza University of Rome through practitioner training.

His work spans teaching, research, and leadership, strengthening inclusion from the classroom to institutional and international contexts.

UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER

ROLE MODEL (EDUCATION) FINALIST

Professor Dibyesh Anand has been a key leader in advancing LGBTQIA+ inclusion at the University of Westminster. Openly queer, he prioritises visibility and actively supports student groups such as the Q+ Network, attending events, amplifying their work, and building external partnerships. He has brought major platforms—including National Student Pride and Pride in London’s Human Rights Forum—to campus, increasing visibility and engagement.

He has driven significant initiatives, including establishing the BME Network, Q+ Network, and co-chairing EDI efforts. He secured over £80,000 for LGBTQIA+ programmes and led initiatives supporting over 70 students through internships, leadership development, and the LGBTQIA+ Empowerment Programme.

Professor Anand also founded the “Queering Academia” conference, creating a national platform connecting universities, researchers, charities, and organisations. Alongside this, he has implemented lasting institutional changes, such as gender-neutral facilities and improved systems for using preferred names, strengthening inclusion across the university.

BARNWELL SCHOOL

ROLE MODEL (EDUCATION) FINALIST

Nic, a trainee English teacher in Hertfordshire, has shown strong commitment to LGBTQIA+ inclusion in a challenging educational context. While teaching “Boys Don’t Cry” by Malorie Blackman to Year 9 students, they confidently addressed complex themes such as toxic masculinity, race, and LGBTQIA+ rights—topics often difficult for early-career teachers.

Nic created a safe, open classroom environment where students could explore issues of diversity, ask questions, and engage with both explicit and implicit homophobia. Their teaching emphasised thoughtful discussion and critical understanding, particularly around language, including the history and reclamation of terms like “queer.”

They also incorporated historical context, such as the Stonewall Riots, helping students build a deeper understanding of LGBTQIA+ experiences and social progress. Through careful planning and inclusive teaching methods, Nic has supported students in challenging stereotypes, developing empathy, and fostering respect for difference.

SPACE YOUTH PROJECT

ROLE MODEL (CHARITY) FINALIST

Eli (he/him) is a Youth Leader at Space Youth Project, where he supports LGBTQIA+ young people by creating safe, inclusive spaces that foster confidence, community, and self-expression. He facilitates youth groups, offers one-to-one support, and provides guidance to families, helping them better understand and support their children.

He leads Space Family Day, a free bi-monthly event for trans and non-binary young people and their families, covering topics such as healthcare access, education systems, and intersectionality. Eli also serves as a lead trainer, delivering sessions for teachers, youth workers, and health and social care professionals, combining expertise with lived experience to improve support for LGBTQIA+ youth.

Over the past year, Eli has expanded his impact by taking a group of trans young people to Parliament to meet MPs and raise awareness of key issues, including healthcare access and legal changes. He has also invited MPs to attend community events. Alongside this, he organises activities like community litter-picking, promoting both social connection and environmental responsibility.

GEORGE HOUE TRUST

ROLE MODEL (CHARITY) FINALIST

Jack is a Communications and Engagement Officer at George House Trust, an HIV charity supporting people in Greater Manchester and Liverpool, with a strong focus on the LGBTQIA+ community. He has significantly improved the charity’s digital presence, ensuring LGBTQIA+ people living with HIV are represented with dignity and accuracy.

He led an LGBT+ History Month campaign highlighting Manchester’s LGBTQIA+ heritage, including key milestones like the UK’s first permanent HIV memorial and major protests against Section 28. Despite facing online trolling, he continues to advocate for inclusivity, amplifying trans voices, marking Trans Day of Remembrance, and recognising the role of lesbians during the AIDS crisis. He has also challenged HIV stigma by taking a live test on the BBC.

Beyond digital work, Jack supports major events like the Drag Ball, which raised £45,000, and helped coordinate 44 World AIDS Day events. Outside his role, he serves as Chair of The Proud Trust, supporting LGBTQIA+ youth and Manchester’s LGBTQIA+ Centre.

X2Y

ROLE MODEL (CHARITY) FINALIST

Kiah Baxter, Chief Operating Officer of X2Y, played a central role in securing a new community building in Wolverhampton in October 2025, creating an inclusive hub for LGBTQIA+ and marginalised groups. The space promotes intersectionality, welcoming organisations such as those supporting LGBTQIA+ people from the global majority, and expanding into work with refugees and asylum seekers, informed by Kiah’s studies in human rights law.

While growing the organisation’s reach, Kiah has maintained its core focus on young people. She improved youth provision by splitting groups into ages 11–15 and 16–17, enabling more tailored support, including sessions on education and life skills.

Kiah fosters strong relationships with members, encouraging participation and leadership. She has supported young adults in creating and leading their own groups and events, building confidence and independence.

Additionally, she strengthened X2Y’s advocacy by securing its membership in the Ban Conversion Practices coalition, ensuring a firm stance on protecting trans and gender-diverse individuals.

THE PROUD TRUST

ROLE MODEL (CHARITY) FINALIST

Ruben, Youth Work Manager, has played a transformative role in developing an LGBTQIA+ youth service, leading a team of lived-experience youth workers into confident and reflective professionals. His leadership combines personal insight, professional expertise, and a strong commitment to young people, creating a responsive, values-led service.

Amid a challenging political climate, particularly affecting trans youth, Ruben has provided steady support, ensuring safe and consistent services. He has empowered young people to advocate for themselves, including engaging with local MPs and embedding youth voice in decision-making.

Ruben has also expanded opportunities through partnerships, offering workshops, skills sessions, and exposure to professional environments, helping young people overcome barriers linked to discrimination and lack of representation.

Alongside his role, he is completing a Youth Work degree apprenticeship, using it to amplify LGBTQIA+ youth perspectives in academic and professional spaces, strengthening both his practice and the wider sector.

MIDDLESEX UNIVERSITY LONDON

ALLY FINALIST

Christiana Rose has significantly advanced LGBTQIA+ inclusion within her university community. As an Event and Development Officer, she goes beyond her role to champion visibility, recognition, and support for queer students and staff. Through regular check-ins, she creates consistent, safe spaces where individuals feel heard and valued.

Christiana actively amplifies LGBTQIA+ voices by supporting award nominations and helping students confidently share their stories, contributing to national recognition for their achievements. She also plays a key role in celebrating LGBTQIA+ history and identity through initiatives like exhibitions and meaningful engagement during LGBTQIA+ History Month.

She has supported major events such as Pride in London, co-organising her university’s participation and ensuring an inclusive, supportive experience for attendees. Beyond this, her leadership extends to wider equality work as a network coach and union representative.

Her commitment to intersectional allyship, visibility, and community care has had a lasting impact, helping to build a more inclusive and supportive environment both within and beyond the university.

INVICTA ICONS CRICKET CLUB

ALLY FINALIST

Jack is the founder of Invicta Icons, the only LGBTQIA+ cricket team in Kent, created to provide a safe and welcoming space for the community to engage in the sport. His leadership has been central to establishing the team and developing it into a future club, working closely with the Kent Cricket Foundation and partners.

A passionate cricketer, Jack has dedicated significant voluntary time to building the initiative from the ground up. He has developed coaching plans, organised team kits and merchandise, and created promotional materials such as a website and flyers to raise awareness and encourage participation.

Through his efforts, Jack has opened up cricket to LGBTQIA+ individuals who may have previously felt excluded or unsafe in traditional sporting environments. His work not only promotes inclusion in sport but also fosters confidence, community, and access to opportunities that might otherwise feel out of reach.

SEXPRESSION:UK

CHARITY INITIATIVE FINALIST

Sexpression:UK is nominated for its “Best If You Test” campaign, delivered during November 2025 and Sexual Health Week. Running across 15 branches, the campaign reached a wide student audience, including over 10,000 Instagram views, and collaborated with external creators to make messaging more relatable and accessible.

The campaign effectively educated young people about STIs, including what they are, how common they are, and how to reduce risk. Its greatest impact was providing clear, practical guidance on when, where, and how to get tested, helping to reduce stigma and confusion around sexual health.

In addition, branches delivered 24 educational sessions over the year, with 613 young people providing feedback. Responses highlighted the value of the information shared, particularly around STI prevention, treatment, and fertility. Overall, the initiative combined strong outreach with practical education to improve awareness and encourage safer health practices among young people.

X2Y

CHARITY INITIATIVE FINALIST

In May 2025, amid a hostile climate following the Supreme Court ruling, many queer young people felt anxious and excluded from traditional protest spaces. In response, this initiative created supportive spaces for young people to explore LGBTQIA+ history, drawing inspiration from past civil rights movements to build resilience and hope.

This led to the Placard Initiative, where young people expressed their experiences through creative workshops, producing protest signs that reflected their voices and identities. These sessions fostered connection, belonging, and empowerment.

Participants then took part in direct action, marching at Wolverhampton Pride and later London Trans+ Pride, ensuring their messages were visible locally and nationally—even for those unable to attend in person.

The project culminated in a public art exhibition, displaying the placards in a local gallery to amplify these voices beyond the community. Overall, the initiative empowered young queer people, strengthened community ties, and ensured their perspectives were seen, heard, and celebrated.

THE PROUD TRUST

CHARITY INITIATIVE FINALIST

Queer & Far is a digital youth group created to provide LGBTQIA+ young people with a safe, accessible space when in-person support isn’t possible. Developed by The Proud Trust, it builds on existing youth work to bridge the gap between one-to-one online support and physical groups, often serving as the only LGBTQIA+ community some young people can access.

The space is shaped collaboratively by youth workers and participants, fostering a welcoming, inclusive environment where identities are respected and voices are heard. This approach ensures the group feels stable, meaningful, and responsive to young people’s needs.

Queer & Far is particularly vital for those in rural areas, those not out at home, disabled young people, and anyone who feels safer online. By prioritising accessibility and connection, it creates a sense of belonging and support for those who might otherwise feel isolated.

SPACE YOUTH PROJECT

CHARITY INITIATIVE FINALIST

In May 2025, young people from Space Youth Project visited Parliament with a youth worker, meeting Dorset MPs and LGBTQIA+ allies to advocate for better support. They presented a document created by members, coordinated by the Supernovas peer leadership group, which represents young people’s voices across the organisation.

The Supernovas worked collaboratively to ensure diverse experiences were included, highlighting key issues faced by LGBTQIA+ youth. These included inadequate responses to homophobia and transphobia in schools, experiences of online abuse, limited access to healthcare and mental health support, and a broader feeling of not being heard.

Young people also raised concerns about the influence of anti-trans groups on policy, stressing that their lived experiences are often overlooked. The visit provided a platform for them to directly engage with decision-makers, amplifying their voices and advocating for meaningful change.

UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS LONDON

COMMUNITY INITIATIVE FINALIST

On 21st February, UAL delivered “12 Hours of Queer London Magic,” a city-wide programme celebrating LGBTQIA+ History Month while supporting queer students, artists, and community spaces. Running from 11am to 11pm, the initiative spanned multiple venues across London, making events accessible to students based on location and community.

A key aim was to support LGBTQIA+ venues under pressure by partnering with spaces such as Queer Britain Museum, The Vagina Museum, and Queer Comedy Club, boosting their visibility and sustainability. The programme also highlighted queer creatives and grassroots organisations, creating an intersectional and diverse range of activities.

Over 400 students participated in workshops, exhibitions, performances, and social events, including zine-making, drag bingo, cabaret, and cross-university networking. Collaboration with institutions like Queen Mary University of London further strengthened community connections.

Overall, the initiative successfully combined celebration, visibility, and direct support for London’s LGBTQIA+ cultural spaces while fostering belonging among students.

UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS LONDON & QUEEN MARY UNIVERSITY OF LONDON

COMMUNITY INITIATIVE FINALIST

In 2025–2026, University of the Arts London (UAL) expanded its LGBTQIA+ student support into a collaborative, sector-leading approach, helping other institutions build inclusive spaces. A key example is the Queer Link Up initiative with Queen Mary University of London (QMUL), which marked QMUL’s first targeted effort to engage its LGBTQIA+ community.

UAL worked closely with QMUL staff and students to co-create the programme through workshops, forums, and feedback sessions, ensuring it was student-led and relevant. The initiative brought together students from diverse disciplines, fostering connection, belonging, and shared identity.

The October 2025 launch event welcomed over 150 students from both universities in a trans-inclusive Central London venue, featuring performances, drag acts, and community-building activities. The space was chosen to prioritise accessibility, safety, and comfort.

Following its success, Queer Link Up has continued to grow, with ongoing joint events and collaborations planned through 2026, strengthening inter-university LGBTQIA+ community and support.

LIBERTY ACADEMY

SAFE SPACE FINALIST

At Liberty Academy, the student-led Pride Group has worked to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for LGBTQIA+ students. A key development was renaming the group to “The Alternative Society,” chosen to reflect broader interests such as fashion, music, arts, culture, and politics, while also making the space more accessible for students who may not feel comfortable being openly LGBTQIA+.

The group meets weekly at varied times to ensure accessibility, providing a vital safe space where students can share experiences, seek advice, and feel understood—often the only place they can do so.

They have also increased visibility across the school, including designing posters that signal inclusivity and collaborating with sports teams to incorporate Pride symbols into uniforms. This ensures that the school’s commitment to LGBTQIA+ inclusion is visible both within the academy and beyond.

Overall, the Alternative Society fosters belonging, encourages self-expression, and actively promotes a safer, more inclusive school culture.

CARDIFF UNIVERSITY

SAFE SPACE FINALIST

Cardiff University Pride Society (CU Pride) has built an inclusive, intersectional community through consistent weekly engagement, delivering over 34 socials including wellbeing sessions, sober events, a Winter Ball, and a transgender documentary screening with the Iris Prize LGBTQIA+ Film Festival. Their focus on accessibility ensures all students feel welcome, regardless of background or lifestyle.

A major achievement was hosting the university’s first LGBTQIA+ Awards, attended by 45 लोगों, celebrating inclusive student contributions, with support from Sir Stephen Fry. The society also launched two key initiatives: CU COLORRS, a dedicated space for queer students of colour, and “Learn with Pride,” featuring panels on anti-racism, anti-homophobia, and queer history, alongside sexual health and consent training.

CU Pride has prioritised collaboration, working with multiple student societies and Cardiff Met Pride to strengthen community ties. They have also organised outreach activities like charity shopping and litter-picking, promoting visibility and connection beyond campus.

Overall, CU Pride has created a safe, welcoming environment where students feel a strong sense of belonging.