Here’s what they shared:

• Our tomorrow is never promised so we continue to fight we never asked for.

• Without Queer Resilience and the QSAs many people may feel isolated or that they don’t have anyone to talk to; it puts people together.

• Because although I’m not LGBTQIA+ I think everyone deserves the same respect, love and chances - and I want my children to grow up seeing that a broad beautiful rainbow spectrum of lives, people and lifestyles if what makes a better world.

• Because students, young people are the future of our beautiful community. Their voices need to be celebrated, championed, listened to. Our future is in their hands.

• Because I want LGBTQIA+ people in all their diversity able to know and celebrate their contribution to society to give them pride and confidence.

• To stand neutral in times of oppression is to choose the side of the oppressor - an incredible quote by an INCREDIBLE woman (and because historically this is what femme lesbians were born to do).

• Because it’s impossible not to, especially when you are constantly witnessing young LGBTQIA+ people lose their rights. It’s impossible to ignore this struggle. Yes , it resonates with me as an older LGBTQIA+ person, but more often than that I can’t look away or pretend what’s happening is right. 

• Students need us now more than ever. Push to be in SMT/leadership meetings. Be Loud/Proud/Unapologetic. 

• Uni is the first time people get to explore who they are. It is a scary time. It’s important to find ways to support and navigate Queer questioning and recognise the people helping. 

• Because at a time where safe spaces for Queer people are threatened, we get to create opportunities and spaces for young Queer people to explore their identities safely and supported. This is still relevant and important even in London - our university has many students whose religion, cultural values etc. make this work relevant.

• Diversity fuels innovation from a business perspective, it’s so important to engage individuals from all backgrounds. From a personal perspective, everyone deserves to feel included, valued and appreciated in education and the workplace. I will always vouch to advocate for minorities.

• As the parent of a trans-man I want a world he will always be welcome and uncriticised and loved. Xx

• I care that LGBTQIA+ persons are safe, supported and valued. I think now is the time to be visible, proud and to work in solidarity.

• Because when talented, well meaning individuals are brought together, appreciated, loved and cared about great things happen.

• My son at age 13 was worried to tell me he is gay, because of our family and so called friends, conservative and blankly stupid thinking. I want to be the parent who breaks the circle and puts my child first. Plus, the LGBTQIA+ community is amazing! 

• Seeing and learning about other gay people who fought so hard for our basic human rights.

• In a world so full of hate, it is important to celebrate and recognise Queer achievements but also LGBTQIA+ struggles in society in order to make change - Change. Starts. With. Us.

• Because Queer young people need something to make them feel seen and empowered.

• As a Queer teenage, I feel the need to show my LGBTQIA+ peers that someone like them is around and going to be their supporter, especially as someone from a country with few LGBTQIA+ protections.

• To preserve/fight for a future where my little boy feels able to love who he wants, be who he is and is able to express himself fully and freely without fear.

• To promote and protect LGBTQIA+ youth in an area where there is little support or help.

• FOR EVERYONE “first they came for…”

• Having a space dedicated to celebrating the Queer students and youth gives hope to the future generations as well as healing the older generations. We can see there is real change, resilience and strength seeing the possibility models keeps us all connected.

• As an LGBTQIA+ professional who was fortunate enough to experience inclusive youth work and safe spaces that built my confidence and skills to become who I am today. I want to ensure Queer youth are empowered to be the leaders of tomorrow! #TheyDeserveBetter

• Queer students will be leading our future; recognising them early will strengthen and empower them.

• Because celebrating Queer students shines a light on our future leaders!

• To support my friend Alex

• Growing up, Queer people were just not seen or heard of in a deeply-conservative country. Supporting them LGBTQIA+ people of tomorrow ensures they can have a future of being free and who they are. We all have a huge battle on the horizon for the very soul of the country and we need to protect, advocate for and help the Queer kids become Queer adults. We care because we all need someone. 

• An extremely important question. As a survivor of Section 28, I feel it’s part of my responsibility as a ‘Queer elder’ to help make things better for generations after me. In my work, as an educator/editor/writer, it’s essential that the LGBTQIA+ community is seen in materials and visualised because we’re all human and that’s how we all deserve to be treated and with dignity and respect. 

• It is so important to celebrate Queerness separately from everyday life, as for far too long, we have been shamed for being who we are. Queerness has SAVED ME. I spent my whole childhood/teens thinking I was wrong/dirty/a failure. We are here and we are QUEER!

• Because as a straight, white (approaching) middle-aged man - the world seems to want to tell me I shouldn’t care. But I do! I want every human to feel safe and loved for who they are. 

• Role models change lives. For many young LGBTQIA+ people seeing leaders, openly gay/Queer can make the difference between belonging and feeling like they have to hide who they are. These awards showcase the people who are making a difference to LGBTQIA+ people’s lives.

• I care because even if one young LGBTQIA+ person believes that their life is not worthy - we have failed as humanity and I will do my best to make sure that they are aware that their life matters, that they are loved and that they are supported. 

• Because everyone deserves the chance to thrive and to have all opportunities available to do so. Our community may be resilient, but we still need support. We’re nothing without each others’ support, and need to hold each other up and look after each other. It’s a joy to be part of the community. 

• Because gay people are fit.

• To support those who are finding themselves in a place that is not ‘home’ especially if they couldn’t fit in at home.

• It’s important to walk the walk, not just talk the talk.

• I grew up with little knowledge of LGBTQIA+. Section 28 and strict parents, 11 years old ‘What’s a lesbian?’. ‘Confused people do naughty things.’ No media or stories or education. Moving Guides as they suspected I was Queer, a huge split in friendship groups at churches as one girl was chucked out for dangerous tendencies. I had it figured out, I liked boys once therefore straight. By uni I’d almost split my personality into acceptable and at 29 before I realised I’m Bi. I now live in a world where my 17 year old Ace son and 13 year old lesbian daughter can have a laugh over my husband being the only straight one. My daughter was bullied for her sexuality and a random stranger shouted slurs at her aged 11. But…she has ‘prism’ club at school, a group of 20 friends named ‘The Gays’ and is proudly Queer and supported at school. We need more of this. I love that I work for a company (EON) where we support LGBTQIA+ movements across Europe and there’s an atmosphere of this being normal and celebrated.

• Because I don’t want anyone’s postcode to have any weight in determining what services they can access and the quality of their life.

• Young Queer people deserve to thrive. As long as I’m alive I’ll do all I can to support, uplift and look out for young Queer people. 

• Because the next generation of Queer youth might not have the confidence or voice to fight for LGBTQIA+ rights.

• Being alone can be really scary as a trans person. If I can make that a little less scary then I’ve done some good in the world.