THURSDAY 5th FEBRUARY 2026
LETTERS TO MY FORMER STUDENT SELF
To celebrate National Queer Students Day we asked LGBTQ+ professionals in the UK to write a letter to their former student self.
A huge thank you to everyone who participated. If you’d like to add your own then please contact the team at hello@thequeerstudentawards.co.uk
Dear Dhiren,
“You become the person you once needed. The presence you did not know was possible.”
Dear Ruth,
“Take risks, they will pay off and you will only regret not doing them in the future; take every opportunity that is presented to you.”
Dear Steve,
“Pay attention to the lessons that you learn about yourself whilst teaching - they are going to become important foundations and drive for the work that you do opening doors for young LGBTQ+ people later in life.”
Dear Colin,
“You will help create spaces where people don’t have to second-guess who they are just to belong.”
Dear Tony,
“You’ll find language, community, and purpose. You’ll help others ask better questions than the ones you were given.”
Dear Phil,
“You create the spaces and the role models you didn’t have, and you do it with care, courage, and heart.”
