Louise-Anne De Belen
ROLE MODEL OF THE YEAR: STUDENT 2024
TELL US WHAT YOU’VE BEEN UP TO SINCE WINNING YOUR AWARD IN 2024?
As an anxious queer student, I was unsure how far I’d make it, but I’m happy to say that I have good things ahead of me. I’ve just finished my university applications (my QSA mention hopefully making my personal statement stand out :D), for computer science and philosophy. It’s my final year at this school, and I’m still helping to run the gay club with my teachers. Recently we helped organise this year’s Anti-Bullying Week where we hosted movie viewings and bracelet making sessions, encouraging socialisation and learning about the values of friendship. I’d say the students enjoyed it! And hopefully learnt more about the importance of anti-bullying in the process.
WHAT DID WINNING YOUR CATEGORY MEAN TO YOU?
It genuinely felt so fulfilling. After all the hard work I and the younger students I work with out into bettering our school’s community, it felt liberating to be seen. What this win represents is a win for all secondary schools, for all who hope for a safer and more inclusive future for the youth, it means a win for all the queer students out there who wish school could be a better environment for people like us. It means so much to me, and all the hardship I’ve been through as a queer student. I take pride in the fact that I’m seen as a role model student because of it.
WHY DO YOU THINK THAT EVENTS LIKE THE QSAs ARE IMPORTANT FOR YOUNG LGBTQ+ PEOPLE?
Our work needs to be seen, it needs to be recognised, and hopefully it’ll inspire others to also push towards a brighter community. Awards like this make it known that our work makes an impact, and how special and important it can be.
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?
I know at times we may not be in a position where we feel powerful, or even comfortable, maybe due to an oppressive environment or even simply our own self doubt. But all of us are powerful, we have so much resilience within us, our strength is shown by our navigation through a world that might not fully accept us. The hateful fear our pride, and that is powerful in itself.

