Dr Samantha Walkden shares her thoughts on our report
Our report, Barriers to LGBTQ+ Career Development in the UK has been picked up by Dr Samantha Walkden and shared on TikTok with her thousands of followers. This blog is from Sam.
@psychupyourlife Share your thoughts (but please read the full article) 🏳️🌈✨ #prideinleadership #lgbtqa #queerleaders #queerpsychologist #psychologist #academiclife #academicvalidation #careerprogression #barrierstoprogression
After reading the results of the recent Pride in Leadership survey, I wanted to share a brief overview of some of the core findings and highlight, from my perspective, the importance of collecting and sharing such data. I’m a senior lecturer in forensic psychology, a queer woman and an early career researcher.
One particular theme that was highlighted in the report was the lack of LGBTQAI+ role models and support for queer staff to progress into leadership positions (something that resonated with me personally).
Inclusion isn’t truly achieved until diverse voices are represented at every level especially in leadership. Supporting LGBTQAI+ staff in academia to step into leadership roles is not only a matter of equity but also a powerful driver of innovation, empathy, and institutional progress. By breaking down systemic barriers and creating pathways for queer leadership, we help build academic environments where all identities are valued, and everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
I had a moment to thinking about how different work would feel if everyone felt safe, seen, and supported. LGBTQIA+ representation isn’t just about visibility – it’s about voice, policy, and power. I felt inspired to make a TikTok to share the overview of this report and how it aligns with my experiences.
If you want to hear more from me, please follow me on TikTok @PsychUpYourLife
Dr Samantha Marie Walkden
BSc MSc CPsychol PGCHE SFHEA PhD
About Sam
Dr Samantha Walkden is a senior lecturer in forensic psychology and a chartered psychologist. She has over 40,000 followers on TikTok.
