UNIVERSITY OF SHEFFIELD

Sophie’s presence as an openly strong and visible proud trans+ queer girl, has makes her a strong advocate for young LGBTQ+ people and the wider community. She has strived to create a queer-inclusive space for others in her work as a Cub Scout Section Leader, whilst working alongside anti-LGBTQ+ colleagues. Whether it’s prioritising queer & other marginalised voices as Arts & Theatre Editor at Forge Press or running queer-inclusive workshops & drop-in support sessions as Welfare & Inclusions Officer at the Sheffield University Theatre Company, Sophie is always working to promote queer people.

UNIVERSITY OF SUFFOLK

Lauren has diversified events on campus at the University of Suffolk to improve access for the community, to increase advocacy and create more safe spaces. She has advocated for LGBTQ+ students within the Student Union with regards to LGBTQ+ policies and student welfare. Feedback from students demonstrates that students feel more seen, supported and confident as a result of her actions. She mentors students who are struggling with their mental health, identity and those feeling isolated at university, providing a listening ear and signposting to resources whilst helping them to navigate difficult conversations. She has also collaborated with other societies to promote intersectionality.

UNIVERSITY OF ESSEX STUDENTS’ UNION

Nifemi has worked hard on campus - as a visible Bisexual woman - to build trust and to create safe spaces where LGBTQ+ students feel genuinely supported. Some of her biggest achievements include securing long-term commitments from the Student Union to tackle discrimination and improve support structures and educating and empowering students by making queer sexual education available which is both accessible and useful for LGBTQ+ students. They are known and respected for acting when it matters, ensuring that reports of hate incidents on campus are made immediately in order to add further pressure to senior leaders to enact meaningful change.