Chris Mattley

ROLE MODEL OF THE YEAR: EDUCATION 2022

TELL US WHAT YOU’VE BEEN UP TO SINCE WINNING YOUR AWARD IN 2022?

I continue to work at William Farr CofE School which also won the "School/College of the Year" award in 2022. The equality and equity work within the school has branched out and I now head up not only the LGBT+ Space which continues to give INSET training and presentation across the East Midlands, but I now lead the Diversity Team. This team of Sixth Form students has written a plan for the entire school which was ratified by the governing body pushing us even further to be as inclusive and welcoming to all. I was recently asked to sit on the Strategic Partnership Board of Lincolnshire's Teaching Hub as Diversity Representative. Here I advise and providing quality assurance for all of the new teaching trainees across Lincolnshire, instill in the golden thread of equity and inclusion for all new teachers. This is a wonder recognition of the work that continues to be done at William Farr CofE School.

WHAT DID WINNING YOUR CATEGORY MEAN TO YOU?

It was a huge surprise to be even nominated for Role Model of The Year in 2022, let alone win the category. The range of inspirational people who were nominated in the same category made it all the more special to actually win. To know that your story, work and dedication has been recognised by an experienced panel of judges added so much more legitimacy and weight to the award. These were people at the top of their field and expertise who had heard about the work that I was doing and were impressed and this meant the award is something I still cherish today.

WHY DO YOU THINK THAT EVENTS LIKE THE QSAs ARE IMPORTANT FOR YOUNG LGBTQ+ PEOPLE?

Events like The Queers Student Awards are essential. The visibility an event like this brings is something that really cannot be quantified. Here, you are creating a space that not only allows young people and institutions to be seen, but also rewards people for their dedication, time and their authenticity. This is truly special. The QSAs gives young people a chance to cut through all the noise that surrounds them and the LGBT+ community and have their voice heard on a stage which is not only utterly positive, but also celebrates the progress and joy that is often denied young queer people. Reclaiming power and celebrating the hard work that goes on everyday, often behind the scenes with little fanfare or ego, is priceless.

OUR THEME FOR 2025 IS ‘QUEER POWER’. WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON HOW POWER DOES AND DOES NOT APPLY TO YOUNG LGBTQ+ PEOPLE AND/OR THE WIDER LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY?

Power so often is denied to a community. The lack of it can make it feel like you are stripped of agency. Stripped of a voice. Stripped of your authenticity. Then, when others seek to comment and pass judgement on you or your community - these lies and stereotypes cut deep, perhaps deeper, than if you had that power. Too often queer people have been denied space and a platform to be seen and heard and just when it felt like real progress was being made - dark days seem to be gathering on the horizon again. This is why now more than ever - reclaiming your power and creating those spaces is critical. Sometimes if you want something to exist, you have to make it yourself. It's time to take back our ground and no one is going to do it other than us.

ANNABEL LEE (they/them)

ACTIVIST OF THE YEAR 2021
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CHRIS MATTLEY (he/him/his)

ROLE MODEL OF THE YEAR: EDUCATION 2022
Read the interview here
LAURA WELLS (they/them)

GRADUATE OF THE YEAR 2022 (now RISING STAR)
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EMMA PRACH (any)

QUEER OF THE YEAR (runner-up) 2023
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LOUISE-ANNE DE BELEN (any)

ROLE MODEL OF THE YEAR: STUDENT 2024
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LUNA MIDDLETON-ROY (she/they)

QUEER OF THE YEAR 2024
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