Dr Katherine Holmes

Queer, specifically aspec, advocacy and activism is close to my heart. Aspec covers the LGBTQ+ identities of asexual (someone who experiences little to none sexual attraction) and aromantic (someone who experiences little to none romantic attraction) orientation. As an aspec person, I aim to raise awareness of these often underrepresented and “invisible” identities, as well as create opportunities to which aspec communities can grow.

I have been a prominent member of Aces in STEM, a network for asexuals in academic and science. I helped to host several socials, as well as created the networks spotlight Science Symposium: Speed Science. Outside of Aces in STEM, I have joined forces with Imperials LGBTQ+ students network IQ to co-host a termly social for aspec students. The socials with IQ have been met with great reception as the first successful aspec community building events of its kind. Aces in STEM speed science is currently self sustaining, and I hope Imperials engagement with the aspec community becomes self sustaining too!

Lastly, I have taken part in queer spotlights including for Asexuality awareness day and the Pride of Imperial article. I have taken part of the panel in the Aces in STEM livestream and in Pride of Exhibition road, as part of the Exhibition road festival 2022. Lastly, I have had the article “Why aspec awareness matters at Imperial” published in the student newspaper Felix.


Previous articles, talks and events:

  • “Asexual, Aromantic and Agender experiences in STEM” – STEM, LGBTQ & You 2025 oSTEM, February 2025
  • “Explore the ‘A’ identities within the LGBTQIA+” – The Proud Science Alliance, February 2025
  • Asexual/Aromantic Science Demonstrations: “Carousel of Science” – The Royal Institution and Pride in STEM, November 2024
  • Asexual/Aromantic Science Demonstrations: “The Big Pride Science Party” – The Royal Institution and Pride in STEM, June 2024
  • “Aromantic Awareness Week Panel” (Organiser and Chair) –Imperial 600, February 2024
  • “My Asexual Aromantic Love Story” – Story Collider, February 2024
  • “Aces of All Ages” – Ace Space London, December 2023
  • Pride of Imperial:
    https://www.imperial.ac.uk/stories/pride-2022/
  • Why aspec awareness matters at Imperial: https://felixonline.co.uk/issue/1822/comment/why-aspec-awareness-matters-at-imperial
  • Pride of Exhibition Road Panel
  • Speed Science (Founder, Chair, Presenter) – Aces in STEM April 2021

Queer, specifically aspec, advocacy and activism is close to my heart. Aspec covers the LGBTQ+ identities of asexual (someone who experiences little to none sexual attraction) and aromantic (someone who experiences little to none romantic attraction) orientation. As an aspec person, I aim to raise awareness of these often underrepresented and “invisible” identities, as well as create opportunities to which aspec communities can grow.

I have been a prominent member of Aces in STEM, a network for asexuals in academic and science. I helped to host several socials, as well as created the networks spotlight Science Symposium: Speed Science. Outside of Aces in STEM, I have joined forces with Imperials LGBTQ+ students network IQ to co-host a termly social for aspec students. The socials with IQ have been met with great reception as the first successful aspec community building events of its kind.

Lastly, I have taken part in queer spotlights including for Asexuality awareness day and the Pride of Imperial article. I have taken part of the panel in the Aces in STEM livestream and in Pride of Exhibition road, as part of the Exhibition road festival 2022. Lastly, I have had the article “Why aspec awareness matters at Imperial” published in the student newspaper Felix.