Max Ferrer Kemp, who recently completed an engineering degree, established Engiqueers after noticing a lack of queer visibility and representation within engineering as a subject and the wider industry.
What began as informal weekly lunches for LGBTQ+ engineering students developed into a recognised student society that organised social events, fundraisers and support activities.
Originally from Madrid, Max said he often felt out of place within a discipline traditionally perceived as a heterosexual, male-dominated profession and found there were few publicly visible queer role models working in engineering. Conversations with fellow students revealed a shared desire for community and support.
Max, said: “When I started Engiqueers, I wanted it to be a safe space through which queer people in engineering at different stages of their careers could interact and share their experiences with a community of people who face similar struggles.”
The group was created to provide a welcoming environment where students could be themselves, connect with others who shared similar experiences and access support throughout their studies.
While some members wanted to be publicly involved, others preferred to remain private, making it important to strike a balance between visibility and confidentiality.
As interest grew, Engiqueers secured enough support to become an official society. The initiative also received backing from academics, with all four engineering schools in the Faculty of Science and Engineering at the University of Bristol contributing funding to help the group develop its activities.
Beyond social connections, the society has helped foster academic support and mentorship across year groups, enabling students to share advice, navigate challenges and build networks within the Faculty.
Max believes increasing visibility is vital to encouraging future generations of LGBTQ+ students to consider careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), saying: “I think if queer people were more visible in engineering, it would encourage more young queer people to pursue careers in STEM in general.”
Now run by a student committee, Engiqueers has developed beyond its founder and is set to continue supporting students for years to come.
Having completed his degree in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering and achieved a First-Class Honours, Max will now be working as an Associate Patent Examiner within the Intellectual Property Office.
Reflecting on the impact of the society, Max said normalising queer representation in engineering at a university level can help create more inclusive workplaces in the future, ensuring LGBTQ+ people feel welcome throughout their careers.
His advice to others hoping to make a difference is simple: change must start somewhere. By creating spaces where people feel seen, supported and represented, students can help build stronger communities both at university and beyond.