WINNERS
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2024 WINNERS!
The 2024 judging panel share the reasons why these finalists were named our 2024 winners
LUNA MIDDLETON-ROY
Durham University
QUEER OF THE YEAR
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.
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Benjamin McCormick, BDO
listed alphabetically by category
ADDI HARAN DIMAN
University of Oxford
ACTIVIST OF THE YEAR
Addi (she/her) has proved she isn't afraid to stand up for the community, including standing up to big figures to create positive change for all. She has made a significant difference in so many areas, with her work even extending well beyond her SU role and into the Oxford community.
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Avani Ela, Imperial College London
JENNIFER DAY
University of Essex
ALLY OF THE YEAR
As an ally Jennifer (she/her) goes above and beyond, even going so far as to putting herself in the way of hate and the community. We’ve seen recently that allyship can often be performative but Jennifer is someone doing it because she cares, and for the good of the community.
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Finlay McGhee, AstraZeneca
LSU ANTI-HOMOPHOBIC, BIPHOBIC & TRANSPOHOBIC BULLYING COMMITTEE
La Sainte Union Catholic Secondary School
COMMUNITY GROUP OF THE YEAR
The students are committed to empowering the youth of the school to be considerate of others and stand in solidarity, as well as providing a safer space for young people to feel welcome and valued within our school. They are proud to be an example of a Catholic space that respects the dignity of LGBT+ people.
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Students’ Union Trans Community, University of Essex and Warwick PLAN, University of Warwick
QUEER AWARENESS PROJECT
Durham University, Van Mildert College
COMMUNITY INITIATIVE OF THE YEAR
Their work helps queer students and allies feel heard, empowered, and more confident within their school communities, extending positive impacts to the wider university. In particular, their gender expression fund is such a tangible and practicle way to support young LGBTQ+ people.
HIGHLY COMMENDED: International Students’ LGBTQIA+ Experience Research, London School of Economics
BENTLEY MOTORS LTD
EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR
Despite starting their DEI journey only a few years ago, it’s clear the team has embedded its strategy within the whole business and has a brilliant aim of being the most diverse luxury car manufacturer. The team have some impressive results to show their impact, particularly by being a key sponsor of events such as Crewe Pride, Manchester Pride and Attitude101.
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Sage
SOHAM VILLAGE COLLEGE
IMPACT OF THE YEAR
Soham Village College have implemented a number of initiatives to ensure the culture is one that is inclusive, not just for the current generation but for future generations. With the addition of holding onto valuable experience from ex-teaching staff to their proud visibility, it will create an environment where LGBTQ+ young people can openly be themselves and thrive.
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Antony Babajee, Middlesex University London
BENJAMIN McCORMICK
Bentley Motors Ltd
RISING STAR OF THE YEAR
Their quick rise to Co-Chair, is a testament to them continually exceeding individual expectations. Displaying many qualities of a future leader, their work will leave a legacy at the company.
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Antony Babajee, Middlesex University London
CARLEY OWEN
University of the Arts London
ROLE MODEL OF THE YEAR: EDUCATION
Carley's (she/her) work has undoubtedly changed the experiences of students on campus. Her trans* and non-binary employment ambassador programme is so important in the times we are living in.
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Antony Babajee, Middlesex University London
KEITH BARBER-JONES
AstraZeneca
ROLE MODEL OF THE YEAR: EMPLOYER
Keith's (he/him) unwavering dedication to building inclusive workplaces, both at the leadership level and across the organisation, makes him an inspiration to LGBTQ+ students and early career professionals.
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Leah White, AstraZeneca
ROLE MODEL OF THE YEAR: STUDENT - SCHOOL/COLLEGE
The nomination demonstrated Louise-Anne's (they/them) role modelling ability by connecting with the year 7&8 students. They might not realise it now, but in years to come, these students will owe a lot to Louise-Anne's visibility in the queer journey. Not only is their work important, but it is fun.
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Connor Taylor, Van Dyke Upper School
LOUISE-ANNE DE BELEN
La Sainte Union Catholic Secondary School
BLAKE WALKER
University of Bath
ROLE MODEL OF THE YEAR: STUDENT - UNIVERSITY
Blake has worked hard to ensure students have access to resources which can help affirm their gender and also creating safe spaces to allow conversation, being unapologetically themselves and inpiring others. Their efforts not only support their peers but also educate and inspire the entire university, making them a deserving recipient of this award.
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Alfie Davis, University of Oxford and Mariah Atsev, University of Essex
SOHAM VILLAGE COLLEGE
SCHOOL/COLLEGE OF THE YEAR
Soham Village College have worked extremely hard to implement and maintain key commitments to both students and staff. Their reporting platform not only helps individuals who may be targeted for who they are, but creates a positive culture where students needn't be afraid of speaking up about their struggles.
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Northgate High School and Sixth Form
UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS LONDON
UNIVERSITY OF THE YEAR
UAL demomstrates strategies that truly encourage an inclusive environment, in a way that goes above and beyond compared to the bare minimum of what all universities should be doing. The LGBTQ+ representation in the staff and student further demonstrates the inclusive culture UAL has developed, setting a gold standard for LGBTQ+ inclusion at university.
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Middlesex University London
LUNA MIDDLETON-ROY
Durham University, Van Mildert College
UNSUNG HERO OF THE YEAR
It is important for young people to really back themselves and Luna has every reason to, having used their voice in a number of areas, to challenge and to raise awareness. Their work is rooted in their own experience and the desire to want to ensure others don't have to suffer. Their ability to tap into this empathy has really elevated their work.
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Lewis Warner, King’s College London and Riley Iles, University of Essex
