“It’s important for students to see people like them further along the career path they’re aiming for”
Within Imperial’s Department of Brain Sciences, the LGBTQ+ Allies Network has become a growing source of visibility, connection and support. Nan Fletcher-Lloyd, Research Associate, and Tommaso Barba, PhD student, both share how the network has influenced their journeys at Imperial and why creating this space for staff and students matters.
Becoming part of the network
Nan’s journey at Imperial spans nearly a decade. She began studying for an undergraduate degree, followed by a master’s, PhD, and is now moving into a staff role. During their PhD, Nan discovered the LGBTQIA+ Network in Brain Sciences.
“When I joined as an undergraduate nearly a decade ago, I didn’t know many people who identified as LGBTQIA+. Coming into my PhD and being aware of people like me gave me a sense of hope, comfort, reassurance.”
Both Nan and Tommaso joined the network organically through word of mouth, conversations, and a growing awareness of colleagues who shared similar experiences.
“The network began authentically with Dr Alexi Nott, who really got the group up and running. It’s nice when you can just have that openness, meet people and make connections” shares Nan.
For Tommaso, the network has helped him to be fully open at work for the first time: “It’s been the first time in my life where I’m this open in the professional world. That’s pretty beautiful.”
Both have been actively involved in organising events for the network. Nan played a key role in helping establish the network’s first LGBTQ+ Brains Symposium, and Tommaso helped organise the LGBTQ+ Allies Psychedelic Symposium. Here researchers from across the UK came together to discuss how identity shapes scientific perspectives and scientific careers. Tommaso’s academic interests connect closely with aspects of identity, relationships, and sexuality: “My sexual identity is one of the reasons why I became interested in psychology when I was younger.”
Connecting staff and students
While Imperial has university‑wide networks for staff such as Imperial 600, Nan and Tommaso believe there is something uniquely valuable about a departmental network that brings staff and students together.
Nan reflects on the visibility it creates: “It’s important for students to see people like them further along the career path they’re aiming for. That visibility is really important.”
Tommaso adds that many LGBTQIA+ people grow up without familial role models who share their identity, making community‑building crucial.
“As a minority, you don’t always have family continuity. My parents didn’t really understand what my life will be like. Seeing people who share your identity makes you feel more validated and less alone.”
Why LGBTQ+ History Month matters
For both, the month serves as an important anchor for honouring community and history.
“It’s really important to celebrate the lives, contributions and achievements of people who paved the way before us and to see that we might be different, but we are equal,” says Nan.
Tommaso adds that marking history helps build the sense of continuity many LGBTQIA+ people miss growing up.
“Knowing who came before you and what they accomplished makes you feel part of something.”
How to get involved
The network remains open to staff and students within Brain Sciences. Feel free to contact Nan or Tommaso if you are interested in getting involved. All members of the network are also listed on the website.
Read next
Discover the Department of Brain Sciences LGBTQ+ Allies Network
Find out more about LGBTQ+ History Month at Imperial