Breakout Session 6 (UK): LGBTQ+ Lives and Leadership

Dr Alex Baird is a Senior Lecturer in Sport and Physical Education at the University of Bedfordshire. Alex is the vice chair of the LGBTQ+ staff network and they have also been involved in the leadership of EDI actions across and beyond the university. Alex’s EdD thesis research accessed a rare LGBTQ+ Leadership Development programme that was run at one UK university. They have published in peer review journals are currently co-authoring a book LGBTQ+ Educators: Leaders in Every Role. Prior to working in higher education, Alex taught for 13 years in primary and secondary education. Additionally, an overview of follow-up research will be shared, which acknowledges both the longitudinal and curvilinear outcomes for attendees. This research has enabled participants to co-create the design of the programme for 2025-26.  The session will encourage audience engagement through creative methods, such as the "LGBTree of Life" workshop and narrative writing activities planned for the LGBTQ+ Leadership Development Programme in 2025-26. Alex will explain how these creative approaches aim to amplify LGBTQ+ voices, enhance attendees' self-awareness (an essential component of leadership), and offer new outlets for self-expression. They intend to publish the findings and exhibit anonymised art and writing within the local community. Through this dissemination, they hope to inspire LGBTQ+ leaders, engage allies, secure funding, and guide the development of future LGBTQ+ leadership programmes.