Avery Cunningham

Avery has changed the playing field for LGBTQ+ people in STEM, not only in Birmingham but internationally. They have also campaigned for disabilities and other minority groups in STEM using their own personal experiences. With STEM still being an inaccessible place for so many minority groups, they work tirelessly to change this through running events, looking after more than 100 student groups worldwide in their role as Director of Student Membership with oSTEM, sitting on committees of the University and professional groups such as IOM3 and the nuclear institute.

They also founded their own diversity in STEM conference, STEM, LGBTQ & You, which not only is now the oSTEM UK Regional Conference but also has inspired similar Regional Conferences that Avery works on. Their work will have a lasting impact both at the University and the wider LGBTQ+ community.

What’s your connection to the University?

I graduated from Nuclear Science and Materials BSc in 2020 and I am just finishing up a MSc in Nuclear Decommissioning and Waste Management.

Do you have any favourite sports? What do you like about them?

I follow Olympic Weightlifting and have recently got back into running. I will be taking part in the Great North Run later this year to raise money for the charity Mermaids. Running gets me back outside - something I think we can all agree has been something we've been lacking the past few years. It also gives me the chance to give back to the community, raising money for amazing charities so they can continue their work in areas I'm passionate about.

While growing up, did you follow any particular sports stars?

I have been inspired by the story and success of Laurel Hubbard. Seeing transgender athletes like herself inspired me to get back into sports recently as it was something I no longer felt comfortable with after coming out as transgender. However, seeing athletes like herself go out and compete changed that for me and made me feel like sport was a place I could be a part of and still live my authentic self.

What are you most looking forward to during the Games?

I'm looking forward to doing my part as a Batonbearer. Although a small part in the overall Games, it's great to be involved in such a monumental event! That and seeing the city come together and celebrate. As somebody from the local area I'm incredibly proud of the region and I'm excited for the chance to see it and all the people involved celebrated on a global stage.

How does it feel to know your alma mater is hosting the Games?

It's amazing to see the University be so involved with the Games. I'm very proud to be a Birmingham alumnus, thanks to many happy memories here. To see the University contribute to such an amazing event being hosted locally, and have it contribute to even more amazing memories for people is incredible.

How does it feel to be selected as a batonbearer?

I am honoured beyond words to be a batonbearer. I'm very proud to volunteer my time with organisations such as oSTEM (Out in STEM) and humbled to see it has made such a difference to people that I've been nominated and selected for this honour.