The honour of being a nominee at the Queer Student Awards

The Queer Student Awards are a celebration of talented and impact driven students from all around the United Kingdom, who have made a commitment to creating spaces within their communities, for LGBTQ+ people to feel empowered and supported to live as their authentic selves.

Left - Max Rose | Right - Mel Pollman

“Spending a night surrounded by inspirational queer students doing incredible things for their communities, was a surreal experience. Most of us started the night as strangers to one and other, but as the night came to an end, we had bonded through our shared experience and willingness to create positive change for the LGBTQ+ community.

The calibre of the young people in the room, was unlike anything I have seen before. From young people creating projects and charities, to hosting different events to highlight topics within the community - everyone in the room was doing their bit to bring light into the community. Considering all of the current challenges that the LGBTQ+ communities are facing, it was amazing to see evidence that there is hope for our future, and it was stood in that room. “– Max Rose.

“I was shocked to find that I had been nominated in the ‘Rising Star’ category – a category that recognises the effort of students who are deemed to become powerful forces of transformation in the future. Beyond being shocked, I was humbled, and I felt honoured.

In my view, I had not done much to warrant recognition in the form of a nomination of any kind – at least not yet. However, I am happy to know that the little that I have done, in companionship with my colleagues particularly, Max Rose who was also nominated and Eddie Al Kadi who is incredible, was seen worthy of such applause. There is so much more road to cover but it is very satisfying to know that there is a lot more impact to come as well.

Attending the awards was nothing short of amazing! It was a colourful evening in a room full of so many powerful, young people who are making unimaginable strides in their fight for a better world for LGBTQ+ people. The fashion was also next level so taking part in people watching was quite enjoyable that night. Most of all, though, there was an intoxicating energy of love and more love all around which is always so special to have.

My biggest takeaway, ‘Trans people are loved’ as that is the slogan of a massive campaign currently in motion to help protect and safeguard the rights, lives and freedoms of Trans people all around the country.

All in all, it was a night that I am certain shall never be forgotten.

Thank you, Sage, for being an employer that cares and celebrates people no matter where they come from or who they are. Sponsoring my trip to an award ceremony that honours not just the stuff that my colleagues and I have done but who we are, is a massive testament that I am where I need to be! “– Mel Pollman.