University of Gloucestershire student celebrates success with LGBTQIA+ final year project

UoG student Piper Holmes has been recognised for her impactful work celebrating LGBTQIA+ stories across Gloucestershire’s rail network.

The final year BA Geography student at the University of Gloucestershire has recently finished the ‘Exploring LGBTQIA+ Gloucestershire’ project in collaboration with the Gloucestershire Community Rail Partnership.

As part of her internship module on the Geography degree at the University, Piper delivered a community-based project to highlight LGBTQIA+ voices and promote a sense of belonging in the community.

The project culminated in an exhibition, featuring portraits created by UoG BA Illustration graduate Sherina Steele, which is now on display at Cheltenham Spa railway station and showcases people’s stories from the LGBTQIA+ community in the region.

Sherina’s original portraits of 13 contemporary and historical figures who have shaped Gloucestershire’s LGBTQIA+ history, are also featured on over 2000 illustrated travel maps which have been distributed throughout June as part of Pride Month.

The exhibition, managed by Piper, has gained national attention with the BBC covering the story and quoting Piper’s insights on her project and thoughts surrounding representation and inclusion in public spaces.

Piper said: “This project means a lot to me so to see it culminated in an exhibition is a proud moment. My aim was to encourage queer people to explore their local area as well as reassure them that Gloucestershire can be a place for them.”

Piper’s connection and passion for this project inspired her final year dissertation piece, which earned her a first-class mark.

Hannah McDonnell, Executive Director of Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire Community Rail Partnership, commented: “We’re incredibly proud of everything Piper has achieved. Supporting young people to engage with rail and create inclusive spaces on the railway is a big part of what we do at GCRP, and Piper’s project shows just how powerful that can be.

“Her studies and work as Community Engagement Officer at GCRP has helped celebrate LGBTQIA+ voices in Gloucestershire and create a stronger sense of belonging locally through rail. It’s been fantastic to see her ideas develop into something that is now inspiring so many others.”