The University of Westminster has been shortlisted as a finalist at the Queer Student Awards (QSA) 2025 in the University of the Year category. The Awards recognise the work that individual allies, schools, colleges, universities and employers are doing to create inclusive spaces to support young LGBTQ+ people.
Launched in 2021, the QSA are the UK’s first annual student celebration of the LGBTQ+ students, apprentices, interns and graduates who are proudly leading in their lives and the communities around them. The Awards are judged by a panel of student recruitment industry experts, queer influencers and young LGBTQ+ people who previously been QSA finalists and/or winners.
The University of the Year category celebrates the university or higher education institution which has created, or is working towards creating, the most inclusive learning environment for its LGBTQ+ students and colleagues.
The University of Westminster’s LGBTQ+ inclusion is integral to its commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. The University has a growing membership of the Q+ Colleague Network, where the co-chairs Music alumna Maria Jula and Eduardo Lees, Head of Global Mobility and Study Abroad, also sit on the University’s EDI Committee. The senior University leader of the EDI work at the University is Professor Dibyesh Anand, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Global Engagement and Employability, who identifies as queer himself.
Activities in the last year have included the Open MiQ+ night quarterly social event on Regent Campus, uniting students, colleagues and alumni with live and drag performances. There were also panels and talks including the impacts of pink-washing and how the University builds meaningful relationships with queer communities. The University also partnered with local community organisations including art exhibitions and an annual LGBTQ+ themed short film festival named Loudest Whispers, and an inclusive careers programme for students including hosting National Student Pride.
About the University being shortlisted, EDI Officer Rajat Shah said: “As a queer person of colour in a new country, Westminster was the first place where I felt safe enough to be my authentic self. During my time as a student and President of the LGBT+ Society, I found community and belonging and now, as a colleague, I’ve been proud to co-launch the LGBTQ+ Empowerment Programme. It meant so much to nominate the University for this award, and I’m filled with joy seeing the continued commitment to inclusion for both students and colleagues.”
This year’s winners will be announced at the awards ceremony taking place in Liverpool on 26 June.
This Award nomination recognises the University’s efforts to directly contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 4: Quality Education and 10: Reduced Inequalities. 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 Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at Westminster.
First cohort of the LGBT+ empowerment programme from the Brighton trip
