QUEEN MARY UNIVERSITY OF LONDON

Adam’s work includes and extends beyond their roles as founder of Trans Pride Birmingham and Trans Rep and President of the LGBT+ Society at Queen Mary University of London. Examples include organising the first student-led trans pride, Tower Hamlets Trans Pride, their work curating the Museum of Transology’s 10th anniversary exhibition and launching the first journal documenting all 25 UK trans prides. They have written for a number of LGBT publications and their activism includes work in Luxembourg and Mexico. 

MIDDLESEX UNIVERSITY LONDON

Stephanie is a trans advocate and activist currently studying towards an MA in Arts Management, whilst also working in NHS trans healthcare. She runs a successful YouTube channel (link below) sharing their experiences with candid videos on the realities of post-op Vaginoplasty, Gender Affirmation surgery, healthcare options, name changes, Queer joy, post-op depression and a frank look at the effect of her stroke last year. In her activism Stephanie has also supported London Trans Pride and the opening of Queer Britain, as well as featuring as one of the 726 faces on the 15th Fourth Plinth sculpture, a monument to transgender lives, located in Trafalgar Square.

FETTES COLLEGE, EDINBURGH

Sylvie works hard to create spaces where others can feel safe. Sylvie’s activism uses the power of voice to foster community and to reduce isolation that societal barriers can cause for young LGBTQ+ people. They aim to tackle challenges and instigate change via public speaking, information sessions and focus groups centred around the interaction between queerness and identity, societal expectations, disabilities, stigmas, trans and other identities. In addition to this they help to run student diversity and rights respecting groups, write articles (including the below) and campaign proposals, as well as being a mental health ambassador.

UNIVERSITY OF ESSEX STUDENTS’ UNION

Currently pursuing a PhD in Theatre, focusing on portraying queer empathy and hidden aspects of queerness, Noah’s activism brings people together collating views and experiences, which he turns into actions. Noah’s campaigns as the LGBTQ+ officer at the University of Essex - including the shortlisted ‘Safe Space Card’ - amplify student feedback and create connections with the university and the local community in Colchester. Noah has worked with his campus colleagues to ensure materials on student conduct and wellbeing have strengthened standards around zero tolerance for sexism, racism and homophobia. He has donated over £1,000 to charity, including profits from his own Colchester Fringe Show, which was invested into campus campaign budgets and community building events.