I’m proud to be part of the Medway student body. I seek out to work to make our universities as inclusive as they possibly can be. There are struggles that the LGBTQ community face, advertently or inadvertently which must be resolved.
As somebody who worked to set up the first LGBTQ youth forum in North London (Proud Enfield) and advises members of Momentum SL on LGBTQ inclusivity, I will use my knowledge to liase with faculty, and students across all societies, to provide a safe space for everybody.
Taking an intersectional lens, I am aware that different identities – race, gender, sexual orientation – can overlap. My key belief is that the views of everybody must be represented - individuals from groups that are marginalized should not be ignored. It will be a focus to actively seek out to give voice to those who do not have theirs heard.
“We should indeed keep calm in the face of difference and live our lives in a state of inclusion and wonder at the diversity of humanity.” -- George Takei
The ideas I will bring forward are in the interest of the student body and our collective comfort and safety throughout our degrees:
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Safeguarding workshop sessions for executives of all societies around gender identity, sexuality, and ally-ship with a focus on student welfare
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Debates focusing on current events which effect the LGBTQ community
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Trans inclusive sexual health drop-ins
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Speakers from LGBTQ charities at Medway
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Safe space social events and drop-ins for LGBTQ BME students
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Point of call for students who need advice or who want to be heard
Equality is not a privilege for a select few – it is a fundamental right to all people. Students have often been the forefront of progress and the paradigm of diversity, so let’s keep up the great work.