UNIVERSITY OF ESSEX STUDENTS’ UNION

In her role as Student Engagement Manager, Sophie plays an integral part with the support she gives towards achieving goals at the University of Essex which support LGBTQ+ rights and activities. She dedicates a huge amount of time supporting the LGBTQ+ community, and her management style has opened doors for those seeking LGBTQ+ officer roles, enabling them to reach the ‘higher ups’ that break down intimidating bureaucracy within the university. In times of struggle and adversity she supports and provides guidance which is highly appreciated the LGBTQ+ students she works alongside.

NORTHGATE HIGH SCHOOL

As Deputy Head at Northgate High School, Dale is a fierce advocate for all students using his role to make sure LGBTQ+ staff and students are seen, heard and actively included in school decisions, policies and its curriculum, where he has worked with local experts and historians to ensure information taught to all students is accurate and authentic as well as working with the PE department to ensure sports day is gender-inclusive. He has built links with local LGBTQ+ organisations and challenged backlash and complaints from parents and the general public, as well as organising the schools’ Pride Picnic guest speakers, inviting local press along for students to speak to. When leading an A level History trip to Berlin he included an LGBTQ+ walking tour of the city, and he has supported the ‘80 Candles Project’ vigil commemorating victims of LGBTQ+ hate crime.

UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS LONDON

An unwavering ally and advocate for the queer community at the University of the Arts London, who has worked hard to create an environment where queer student voices are heard, valued and actively championed, Jane is also a powerful ally for queer staff members. She challenges the status quo at UAL as an institution, always encouraging them to evolve to even greater inclusivity - examples including delivering pronoun awareness training. She takes time to meet with an intersection of students to develop her own understanding of queer experiences, and has secured additional funding for Pride events and campaigns, and ensures that LGBTQ+ news and people are represented in university groups, committees and communications.

ASTRAZENECA

Jim has organised an engaging and well-received Pride quiz, contributing to increased awareness and participation in LGBTQ+ initiatives. He has also directly engaged with AstraZeneca’s apprenticeship and graduate programmes, ensuring that early career professionals understand AstraZeneca's commitment to providing a safe and inclusive work environment for them. This initiative has reinforced a strong support structure for young talent. His exceptional dedication and impactful contributions to the AZ Pride network and young LGBTQ+ individuals as an ally at AstraZeneca has undoubtedly increased participation from allies at UK-wide Pride events, particularly in the Manchester and Cambridge offices.

NORTHUMBRIA STUDENTS’ UNION

Sarah is known for using all opportunities available to promote LGBTQ+ inclusion and representation amongst staff and students, all the while providing unwavering support for student wellbeing. She ensures that all events at Northumbria Students’ Union - including the annual Pride Breakfast hosted on the morning of Northern Pride - feel safe allowing LGBTQ+ students to celebrate themselves. Sarahlouise is passionate about educating the next generation of allies - her own son often attends events, and as a result has joined his own school’s LGBTQ+ group to promote inclusiveness in their high school.

HABERDASHERS’ ABRAHAM DARBY ACADEMY

Emma is a House and Year Leader at the forefront of developing and delivering inclusion content at Haberdashers’. She is calm, grounded and cares deeply about student and staff wellbeing, and seen by her LGBTQ+ colleagues as incredibly good at supporting them and the LGBTQ+ students in the school. She has recently worked with LGBTQ+ charity Just Like Us as well as founding and promoting Haberdasher’s annual ‘Colour Run’.