Revealed: Queer Student Awards Finalists

More than 60 LGBTQ+ youths, community groups, student employers and universities have been shortlisted across 13 categories of the 2023 Queer Student Awards.

The Queer Student Awards (QSAs) are an annual celebration of talented young LGBTQ+ people in the UK who are proudly leading in their lives and the communities around them. Created in 2021, by ED&I consultant Steve Keith, the awards also recognize the work that allies, schools, colleges, universities and employers are doing towards creating inclusive spaces that support and reassure them that their sexuality and gender identity will not act as a barrier to their future success.

The finalists of the 2023 QSAs, in association with ACCA, have been announced with the work of over 60 LGBTQ+ youths, community groups, student employers and universities shortlisted by a judging panel of student recruitment industry experts, queer influencers and young LGBTQ+ people. The shortlist covers 13 categories including Activist, Community Group, Role Model and Legacy Builder of the Year - a new category created by the current Queer of the Year, Grace Armstrong.

“It was an honor to not only be involved with the Queer Student Awards for another year, but to be Head Judge too,” said Head judge Eva Echo. “The standard was incredibly high this year, which really kept the team of judges on their toes. As an established activist myself, I was incredibly inspired by so many nominees and would happily get involved with and amplify their campaigns. Reading that the next generation is proactively pushing for change where they can is incredibly reassuring and motivating. Proof that we are truly stronger together. Yet again, Steve has done a phenomenal job in organizing these awards, in recognition of those who may otherwise be overlooked.”

Karen Smith, UK ACCA head of marketing, added: “It is great to see such a vibrant and strong shortlist. ACCA’s backing for these awards is just one way we are working hard to drive a more inclusive profession that works for everyone. Ensuring that accountancy is a profession that is open to everyone and that it enables us all to play a full and valuable role in society is fundamental to our reason for existing. This is a fantastic event bringing together young people, schools, colleges, universities and employers.”

QSA2023 will take place at O2 Victoria Warehouse in Manchester, during Pride month, on the evening of Wednesday 14 June. This year’s host is award-winning trans ambassador Katie Neeves, with performances by international drag superstar The Beyoncé Experience and comedienne Su Mi confirmed. Guests attending will be able to chat to Gaydio breakfast host Paris Munro on the pink carpet.

Category sponsors presenting awards on the evening include Allen & Overy, AstraZeneca, Clyde & Co, Enterprise, Kellogg’s, Pearson, The Royal Navy, Trans In The City, University of West London, University of Middlesex and WTW, and myGwork is a supporting media partner. Tickets for the live final are now available at thequeerstudentawards.co.uk with the opportunity to celebrate in-person or via a livestream provided by event partner Not Going To Uni.

2023 QSA finalists include:

ACTIVIST OF THE YEAR

CLAY NASH, Oxford University KASS CALDICOTT, Cambridge University PRASHANTA RAY, University of Sussex RILEY ILES, University of Essex SHAUN LILLIE, Northumbria University THOMAS FREESTON, University of Kent

ALLY OF THE YEAR

AMY MOORE AstraZeneca JOSIE STEVENS University of Sheffield LOUISE BURLS-RAY AstraZeneca

COMMUNITY GROUP OF THE YEAR

CAMBRIDGE PLAN, Cambridge University ESSEX SU LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY, University of Essex LGBTQ+ SOCIETY, Manchester Metropolitan University QUEERICULUM, Northumbria Student Union STUDENT ED&I COMMITTEE, School of Humanities and Heritages, University of Lincoln SHEFFIELD PLAN, University of Sheffield WARWICK PLAN, University of Warwick

COMMUNITY INITIATIVE OF THE YEAR

BOLLYQUEER, Vinay Jobanputra COLLECTIVE FUTURES PROJECT, Amber Barrow ’INCREASING POC PARTICIPATION’, Essex SU LGBTQ+ Community LACE UP, SPEAK UP: RAINBOW LACES, University of Kent LGBT HISTORY MONTH, Sheffield PLAN QUEERS IN MCR, Queers in Manchester PRIDE BREAKFAST, Northumbria Student Union TRANS AWARENESS WEEK, Northumbria Student Union

EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR

ASTRAZENECA

EY

INFLUENCER OF THE YEAR

CLAY NASH, Oxford University EMMA PRACH, Project Sonrisa JACK LIEPA, Sexpression: UK JOSIE STEVENS, University of Sheffield LOUISE BURLS-LAY, AstraZeneca MIYAH CURTIS, University of Sheffield ORYX FOWLER, University of Hull

LEGACY BUILDER OF THE YEAR

COURTNEY ANSLOW ONSIDE HARRY MORGAN, University of Essex JACK LIEPA, Sexpression: UK LANELLA WALL, University of Warwick ORYX FOWLER, University of Hull PRASHANTA RAY, University of Sussex TAJ DONVILLE-OUTBRIDGE, King’s College London

RISING STAR OF THE YEAR

ISHBEL DYKE, AstraZeneca JOSHUA FRAMPTON, AstraZeneca KRITA SHAH, EY MAX ROSE, Sage MEL POLLMAN, Sage RIA STACH, Latham & Watkins TIA SIDHU, EY

ROLE MODEL OF THE YEAR (Education)

ASH SCHOLZ, University of Edinburgh LUKE HICKINSON, Stalham High School MIYAH CURTIS, Suffolk New College ZANDER GODDEN, Northumbria Student Union

ROLE MODEL OF THE YEAR (Employer)

DAN LITTLER, AstraZeneca HAYLEY VAUGHAN, EY LAWRENCE MIDDLETON, AstraZeneca ROSS LLOYD-BENNETT, The Royal Navy

ROLE MODEL OF THE YEAR (LGBTQ+ Youth)

MELIA DOHERTY, University of York EMMA PRACH, Project Sonrisa GABI PREFIT, City University JASPER HOPKINS, St Philomena’s Catholic High School for Girls LEO WILCOX, The Sheffield College LILLY MAZER, Maynard School, Exeter

LOUISE-ANNE DE BELEN, La Sainte Union RACHEL-RAVEN LILITH ROBERTS

PRASHANTA RAY, University of Sussex

SAGE MCALPINE-LEE

SAM TEMPLE, University of Essex SARA QUINTON, Coventry University SONIA WHITE

TAJ DONVILLE-OUTERBRIDGE, King’s College London

UNIVERSITY OF THE YEAR

DURHAM UNIVERSITY

MIDDLESEX UNIVERSITY LONDON

UNIVERSITY OF BATH

Check out last year's QSA winners here.

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