David Watson

Alumnus David Watson (he/him) is is Managing Director, Communications and Publishing at Chatham House and he's also a local councillor in Southwark. We recently caught up with him ahead of LGBTQ+ History Month 2023 to find out what LGBTQ+ History Month means to him.

What does LGBTQ+ History month mean to you/why is it important to you?

LGBTQ+ History Month is an opportunity to celebrate and remember LGBTQ+ people in a world where we are often invisible or discriminated against. It creates space to talk about the experiences, challenges and successes of LGBTQ+ people in history, and promote positive LGBTQ+ role models. It is an important catalyst for discussion about advancing LGBTQ+ rights today and the myriad challenges we still face.

Do you have any LGBTQ+ role models that inspire you? Who and why?

My friend, Jonathan Charlesworth is definitely a role model. Jonathan is Executive Director of EACH, a charity he set up in 2003 to challenge homophobic bullying, which provides services to affirm the lives of LGBT+ people and inspire LGBT+ equality. Jonathan’s work has had a life-changing impact on young people, families and schools. I’m always impressed by his ability to support, advise and mediate in the most challenging of situations, and his ongoing commitment to helping other LGBTQ+ people.

What career or personal achievement/s are you most proud of?

Personally, it has to be getting married to my husband in September 2021. Professionally, I can’t quite believe I’m leading the communications team at Chatham House. It’s the pre-eminent think tank on international affairs and I remember quoting its research and going to their policy events when I was doing my MA and working as a civil servant. Finally, in May last year I was elected as a local councillor in Southwark, which is an immense privilege and I'm learning loads about how local government does and doesn't work.

Progress has been made in terms of LGBTQ+ rights, equality, and inclusion but what is a change would still like to see?

Progress has been made in the UK but internationally LGBTQ+ people face abuse and persecution in many countries where same-sex relationships are criminalised. This must stop. Closer to home, the UK government should get on with banning conversion therapy, including in religious settings and to protect trans people. We could be doing more to tackle anti-LGBTQ+ bullying in schools. For example, providing support and training to teachers to help create safer spaces for young people and investing in PSHE education.

Do you have any advice for students at the university?

I'm going to cheat and borrow from Gandhi - be the change you want to see in the world! Make the most of your time at Exeter. Enjoy yourself. And get involved in the students' guild and students' union.