University of Westminster hosts National Student Pride event for tenth time

These three days of celebration, careers, music, awards and parties were made for students, run by students, and committed to improving the queer student experience across the UK. The event began with the #StudentPride Awards on 23 February, recognising efforts of students, societies, universities and colleges nationwide in creating a safe and thriving space for LGBTQIA+ people. 

Guests and performances over the three-day event included Joe Lycett in conversation with Suzi Ruffell, Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies and Tia Kofi. Attendees also had access to a party at G-A-Y Heaven, and panels focused on LBGTQ+ issues, including a Queer Question Time event with a panel of politicians. 

The annual Researching the Rainbow panel focused on latest advancements in LGBTQ+ research and was chaired by Professor Dibyesh Anand, University of Westminster Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Global Engagement and Employability, and Alex Powell, National Student Pride committee member. The panel included Dr Barbara Herring, Course Lead for BSc Health Studies at Royal Holloway, University of London, and Dr Georgina Gnan, Research Associate at the ESRC Centre for Society & Mental Health at King's College London.  

National Student Pride also included “the largest” LGBTQ+ careers fair in the UK, headlined by Clifford Chance, Deloitte and Unite Students. This was a rare opportunity to discuss careers with industry leaders focused on enabling LGBTQ+ people to thrive professionally and personally. 

Professor Anand said: “As a diverse and inclusive university, we are keen to partner with organisations that provide greater opportunities for students from under-represented backgrounds. Students who are minoritised in gender and sexuality terms need to feel a sense of community and also have access to organisations and companies that will champion them; the National Student Pride offered this.” 

This event directly contributes to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5: Gender Equality. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society. 

Learn more about Support for LGBT Students at the University of Westminster.