Mx Adam Khan, MA International Relations Student and QMSU/BLSA Trans Rep
Meet Mx Adam Khan, MA International Relations Student and QMSU/BLSA Trans Representative. In this profile Adam tells us about being shortlisted as a finalist in The 2025 Queer Student Awards, what Pride Month means to them, and about getting involved with student groups and campaigns.
How long have you been at Queen Mary?
I have been a student at Queen Mary since September 2023.
Congratulations on being shortlisted as a finalist in The 2025 Queer Student Awards (QSA) in the Activist of the Year category, can you tell us more about this award nomination?
Being a finalist in the QSA is the latest in a long line of recognitions for my dedication and devotion to trans liberation, having also been recognised in The Big Issue as one of their 2025 Changemakers and the winning Changemaker of the Year at the 2025 National Student Pride Awards. I was chosen as a finalist for the QSA Activist of the Year for my work spearheading the Trans Pride Collective, a now international collective of trans pride organisations, as well as organising world record breaking trans pride marches and also my work beyond the UK, including setting up multiple LGBTQIA+ organisations in Luxembourg and taking action in Mexico in response to the prevalence of transfemicides in the region.
This month marks Pride Month; can you tell us what this month means to you?
Pride month is an important reflection for the LGBTQIA+ community, enabling us to unapologetically be proud of who we are. The significance of the month stems from protest, and unfortunately, many aspects of pride have been corporatised and pinkwashed to fit within the neoliberal capitalist frameworks of society. However, trans prides, alternative prides and DIY prides are growing exponentially in response to this, and these events fill me with pride.
What does Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) mean to you and how important is Queen Mary's EDI work to you as a student and your sense of belonging at Queen Mary?
EDI is important in every sector of society, as it empowers those with marginalisations to be equitable in the workplace by providing any adjustments needed. At Queen Mary, EDI needs to work with input from both staff and students for it to be meaningful. Without EDI in place, campus would not be safe for staff and students with any marginalisation. This is especially the case for LGBTQIA+ people, many of which find the University environment to be a safer space.
What’s your favourite place on any of our campuses?
I like the canal side on Mile End Campus. It’s scenic and is away from the hustle and bustle of campus and city life.
Do you have any hobbies, pastimes outside of study/work?
I’m a changemaker, so much of my energy is devoted to making the world a better place. I do this through activism as well as writing. I have published dozens of poems and dozens of articles relating to transness.
Are there any Queen Mary activities you’d recommend getting involved with?
Getting involved with student groups and campaigns helps create meaningful spaces on campus and provides opportunities for connection.