Hi, I'm Brandon. I'm a first year Politics & Law student, and studying here in my hometown. Being part of the LGBT+ community is a massive part of my life, and activley participating within it is a passion of mine. Why did I stay at home for university? Because Plymouth University is active in supporting all its LGBT+ students, and do their best to ensure that campus is welcoming to everyone. This isn't to say that other universities don't, but talking to staff and students, I get the impression that our university does it the best.
As LGBT students, we have a lot of resources, policy and help available to support us. Gender neutral toilets, LGBT staff forum, a super welcoming LGBT+ Society and a well-respected staff & student trans policy are some examples. We have everything we need in place to compete to be one of the most LGBT+ friendly universities in the UK.
What would I love to do?
- Work with the university to provide identity crisis support, for those having trouble with either their sexual orientation or gender identiy. A majority of us will remember what it was like to come out; to push ourselves into telling people who we are. A few of us may remember the struggle they've had with themselves and with those around them. People who are Questionning their identity are just as much a part of our comminity as anyone else, and deserve support that is easy to access. My priority, moving into this role, is to work with the community and the university to provide such support.
- Events, Education and Outreach. Plymouth University is active in the LGBT+ community here in Plymouth. Growing up through my teen years here, seeing University students at events such as Pride made me feel more like a human and less like an alien. This also showed me how participation wherever possible is fundamental to providing information to whoever needs it. We also throw our own Pride on Campus, which is forever growing each year it is on. I would love the University to become more active in other celebrations in the LGBT calendar. Throwing events for LGBT history month, for the annivesary of the Stonewall Riot, and IDAHO (International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia). All of this with the intention of opening us up to the public and showing them what we do. Reaching out to Youth Groups across the city could also be an exciting option.
- Specialist financial advice to LGBT+ students facing difficulties as a direct result of their identity. Worst-case scenario is falling out with family over your identity. As most means of financial support is worked off parents income, this may be difficult for some students. I would love to introduce specialist support for this.
- Work with local police to eliminate hate crime in Plymouth. As students, we make up a large percentage of Plymouth's population, therefore should commit to sustaining a safe environment outside campus aswell.