NATIONAL EDUCATION UNION

Kacey is a drama teacher and an executive of the largest teaching union, National Education Union representing over 20,000 LGBTQ+ educators. She is seen as a pioneer when it comes to LGBTQ+ education and fights tirelessly to protect LGBTQ+ students, examples include founding the Trans and Non-Binary Educators Network at NEU  and supporting motions for ACE and Asexual members. At school she has supported LGBTQ+ students and creates resources for other teachers in tutorials around IDAHOBIT and LGBT+ History Month as well as inspiring others with her own coming out story as a trans woman. Kacey has also delivered LGBTQ+ training for trainee teachers and primary school teachers.

MIDDLESEX UNIVERSITY LONDON

Lisa is a proud queer feminist academic making waves in the world of LGBTQ+ research, often found diving into big topics such as consent, pleasure, relationships and the unique challenges faced by queer people. Lisa’s upcoming book, ‘Queering Disasters, Climate Change, and Humanitarian Crises’, is a game-changer in queer disaster studies and just one example of her academic activism which is pushing for real change. Lisa’s ‘The Queer Dating Project’ explores queer relationships, dating and self-discovery. She is currently writing a creative non-fiction book to tackle issues of sexual misconduct and gender discrimination in higher education. 

MIDDLESEX UNIVERSITY LONDON

Alsonso is an inspiring, dedicated senior lecturer in mental health who is having a lasting impact on young LGBTQ+ people within academia and the wider community, as well as demonstrating that LGBTQ+ people can succeed in leadership roles within health, social care and education. Alfonso acts as a visible role model, challenges stereotypes through his teaching and research, and provides much-needed LGBTQ+ representation in higher education and healthcare. He has been involved in shaping NHS inclusive healthcare policies creating ‘lightbulb moments’ for initially dismissive and disengaged healthcare professionals not connecting with the issues, and been involved in a cross-national study which aims to understand the differing experiences of LGBTQ+ students in different educational settings which affect stress and their academic outcomes. On a more personal note, Alfonso has recently given support to a student undergoing gender reassignment which has ensured they stayed in university rather than dropping out.

HABERDASHERS’ ABRAHAM DARBY

Edward is alert to the dangers young LGBTQ+ people may face in today’s world and uses his positivity to emphasise the need to work with allies to tackle injustices and prejudices causing oppression that prevent the LGBTQ+ community from moving forward. He has recently built a relationship with Ironbridge Museums to develop a programme to rediscover local Queer Histories, which are relatable and visible for young LGBTQ+ people.