QUEER
OF THE YEAR
2021 - 2024
Every year our
QUEER OF THE YEAR
is selected from the individual winners of our student and employer categories.
The ‘Queer of the Year’ is someone that the judges have seen as a legacy builder. They are likely to have focused their work on campaigns, projects and initiatives that ensure positive changes for Queer people are upheld for years to come, often working alongside others to ensure their efforts won’t go to waste.
2024 QUEER OF THE YEAR
Luna Middleton-Roy
VAN MILDERT COLLEGE, DURHAM UNIVERSITY
Luna (she/they) has used their voice in a number of areas, to challenge and to raise awareness. Despite being an all-rounder in their activism, their work is rooted in their own experience and the desire to want to ensure others don't have to suffer - which makes them universal and will stand the test of time. They are able to acknowledge the past and to learn from it, ensuring change can happen. Their ability to tap into empathy has really elevated their work. As well as being able to work independently, they have shown they are able to involve others, working together for the good of the community at all times. The allyship assembly they did was brilliantly put together. Overcoming their own struggles and to still want to give so much of themselves to make the world a better place for others whilst lifting up those around them, at all times. Their work will leave a long-lasting mark at Durham University, paving the way for others to not only follow but to thrive and to create change for others.
“Winning an award is a huge honour and really validates my experiences as a Queer and non-binary student. I would hope this helps my family understand that this is part of me living authentically as myself as I continue to help other young people to do the same.
I am starting teacher training in August and aim to continue establishing Pride groups in the schools I work in, as I have done with QAP while at university. I also intend to support school staff to ensure they can confidently support LGBTQ+ pupils and challenge Queer-specific bullying. From experience, schools are often hesitant to provide this support especially as government guidance changes, and this award will help to legitimize my credibility to be able to make these changes to support more Queer pupils.”
QSA2023 QUEER OF THE YEAR
Taj
Donville-Outerbridge
KING’S COLLEGE LONDON
Taj was celebrated as a trailblazer, tirelessly transforming social spaces into supportive, collaborative and empowering environments for queer students at King’s and internationally. Work included a bi-weekly social ‘Tea Time with Taj’ and a Liberation Ball. Their work extended internationally into Bermuda and beyond.
“I am extremely honoured and humbled to have been awarded both the Role Model of the Year: Student - University and Queer of the Year awards. This is a huge win, not only for me, but for every black, queer, and non-binary person because despite what society tells us, I represent that it is possible to thrive unapologetically as our true selves. With all of the hate, homophobic rhetoric, and horrific anti-LGBTQ+ legislation currently making its way around the globe, me and all my fellow winners, finalists, and nominees act as a reminder that it is still possible to showcase, celebrate, and experience queer joy. ”
QSA2022 QUEER OF THE YEAR
Grace
Armstrong
NORTHUMBRIA STUDENTS’ UNION
Grace was celebrated for their work and commitment towards inclusive activism focused on supporting and increasing the visibility of LGBTQ+ students on campus at Northumbria University. Judges were impressed by their incredible achievements which included introducing sustainable pronoun badges, running a period poverty campaign, creating a reading section in the library for students and fighting for funding for the local community and national LGBTQ+ charities.
“Being ‘Queer of the Year’ means the world to me. I have never thought it necessary to be commended for the things I have done as I believe I am just doing my job and what I believe is right. I think even being shortlisted and considered as ‘Queer of the Year’ is an absolute honour and I hope a lot of people realise that even the little things they do can change someone’s life and give them visibility they never knew they could have”
QSA2021 QUEER OF THE YEAR
Jack
Stokes
DUDLEY COLLEGE
Jack was bullied, harassed, and attacked for being himself, and chose to openly share these stories before being elected to lead Dudley Student’s Union LGBTQ+ Support, Friendship and Activist group – quickly becoming an inclusive community for the LGBTQ+ students at Dudley College. Jack’s story impressed judges, where he had used his own experiences of LGBTQ+ bullying in the local community and the isolation he suffered, to build a safe and inclusive space in his college where young people could feel supported no matter how they chose to identify. The group he led caught the attention of the National Union of Students, created links with local charities and raised a motion to add a transgender officer to the college’s student executive leadership team.
“I am so honoured to have been named the Queer of the Year, and I’d like to thank the judges for this opportunity and Dudley SU for nominating and supporting me. We must be at the forefront of our own narrative and refuse to be defined by those who only embody hate and bigotry. I want to be a strong voice standing up for LGBTQ+ youth, and I will not let silence be all they hear. Loud and proud, always!”