Success for MDX students at 2026 Pride Awards

Students win in two categories that champion inclusion and positive change 

Middlesex University is celebrating the success of two students who won accolades at the 2026 National Student Pride Awards. 

Stephanie Lynnette was named Student Changemaker of the Year 2026 for her outstanding commitment to driving positive change and championing inclusion, trans rights and equality. Jaylynn Simms received the Special Recognition for Overcoming Adversity Award.

Arts Management Master’s graduate Stephanie is a peer support worker and patient champion at the Chelsea Centre for Gender Surgery, supporting trans people through complex and often distressing care pathways. She also volunteers as Chair of the Chelsea and Westminster NHS Foundation Trust LGBTQ+ Staff Network through which she helps and provides resources to more than 7,000 NHS staff. 

Stephanie also educates and empowers LGBTQ+ communities through accessible journalism for outlets such as The Independent newspaper and online content, including for her nearly 9,000 YouTube followers.

Stephanie said that her experience of being outed while an undergraduate student at another university “was the hardest thing that ever happened to me, but it led on to a path of activism and working in trans healthcare and finishing my postgraduate”. She thanked “every changemaker in the room.”

"These recognitions reflect the passion, courage and leadership within our #TeamMDX community. A truly inspiring evening. Congratulations Jalynn Simms, Stephanie Lynnette, Dr Lisa Rose-Anne Overton and Alfonso Pezzella - so proud of you!"

Middlesex University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Shân Wareing

Jaylynn, as Co-President of Middlesex University’s LGBTQ+ Liberation Group, has demonstrated a talent for identifying unmet needs and thoughtfully responding with inclusive and sustainable action. For example, she reshaped programming at students’ socials to offer creative activities, quiet seating, sensory-friendly spaces and curated music. She personally welcomed attendees and checked in on every table at last October’s Halloween social to create an atmosphere where students felt safe, valued, and seen.

Jaylynn has consistently advocated for LGBTQ+ visibility and intersectionality within the Students’ Union, holding leadership roles across black and female rights.

On winning her award, Jaylynn said: “I feel so honoured to be nominated alongside such brilliant and influential people in our community. It’s scary sometimes putting yourself out there in the hope to make a difference, without knowing the outcome, but I think we're all incredible. I am proud of every single person in this room today.”

In addition to the two awards, Middlesex University Politics lecturer Dr Lisa Rose-Anne Overton and Senior Lecturer in Mental Health Alfonso Pezzella were both shortlisted for Inclusive Tutor of the Year Award.