In a personal letter to Tom, Prime Minister Theresa May congratulated Tom’s work with National Student Pride, including the festival's support for the campaign that led to her Government bringing in compulsory sex education to all schools:
"The extraordinary success of ‘National Student Pride’ is a testament to your outstanding commitment to helping young LGBT people feel comfortable in their identity. By bringing together students from across the UK and internationally for an engaging weekend of performances, discussion and careers support, you have built a remarkable platform for young LGBT voices to be heard. I wish you the very best with this year’s event.”
Tom said, "I am delighted to be the Point of Light, and especially so that 'National Student Pride' is taking place this weekend. The work we do at National Student Pride is so important in providing a safe space for LGBT+ students to have their first pride and discover their true identity. Each year we tackle topical issues such as Gender, Homelessness and Mental Health and this year Ian McKellen is joining us as we discuss Activism and Race."
Tom founded the organisation in 2005 as a student at Oxford Brookes University to promote progressive voices on campus and tackle homophobia.
Since then, the event has grown to attract over 1,700 students from more than 170 universities and colleges worldwide to participate in an annual weekend festival of talks, exhibitions, and workshops hosted at the University of Westminster.
The event includes a careers fair providing tailored support for LGBT+ students and aims to improve diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
National Student Pride has also worked with the National Union of Students LGBT+ and Terrence Higgins Trust to support the campaign to make sex and relationships education compulsory in schools, which the Government approved in 2017.
In 2016 Tom also founded and now Chairs the 'Architecture LGBT+' network which is now flourishing and helping to provide role models in a space where homophobia is still prevalent.
Tom is the latest recipient of the Points of Light award, which recognises outstanding volunteers who are making a change in their community and inspiring others. Each day, someone, somewhere in the country is selected to receive the award to celebrate their remarkable achievements. Tom's award coincides with this year’s National Student Pride event, and LGBT History Month.
Laura Yates, Head of Graduate Recruitment at Clifford Chance, a partner of National Student Pride, added, "'National Student Pride' wouldn't have been possible without Tom's vision of creating a safe space for young people to explore who they really whilst debating the most pressing societal problems and creating a unique support network of peers and future employers.”
Mira Magecha, Interim Chief People Officer at Just Eat, a partner of National Student Pride, said, 'Congratulations to Tom on this fantastic award and achievement. We're delighted to be working with National Student Pride to help empower young LGBT+ people to be comfortable in their identity. Society benefits when people are supported to be themselves - which further enables businesses and economies to flourish. We're passionate about developing an inclusive workplace so that whatever background our people are from - or whoever they love - they can grow their careers in a supportive environment. We're learning more every day from groups like NSP in how we can improve LGBT+
Tom is the 1127th winner of the Points of Light award, which has been developed in partnership with the hugely successful Points of Light programme in the USA. Over 6,000 Points of Light have been awarded in the USA, and former Presidents have publicly supported the partnership with Points of Light UK.
