VOTE #1 SU4U

My name is Gavin May, and I am a second year psychology student running for the role of LGBT+ officer. Working for both the University and the Students’ Union, living on campus and being a member of numerous societies has given me an insight into how things are, and also how things should be.

My first year was full of ups and downs. Being thrown in at the deep end on moving in weekend is challenge for everyone, and I’m aware that I am lucky to have met the people that I have – they have shown the importance of having a strong support network. However, there were a number of problems that I encountered due to the closed-mindedness of some, and I believe that if I can stop anything like that happening to others then my experience was not for nothing.

 

NETWORKING WITH OTHER STUDENTS’ UNIONS
As I’ve stated, a strong support network is paramount to being able to be yourself at university, and university is often considered to be a time for finding yourself. From social activities, such as LGBT history month events, to making a difference in the community as a whole, having a wider support group, through Links with other unions, is essential to achieving our potential and realising that we're not alone.

WORKING WITH THE MEDWAY CAMPUS
Many of our LGBT+ events currently take place at either Greenwich or Avery Hill. I believe that it is important to ensure that we are meeting the needs of all of our students, regardless of campus, and intend to work closely with the students at Medway to ensure that their needs are being met.

CAMPUS SECURITY (ESP. ACCOMMODATION)
Accommodation has been overlooked on some counts – while residents’ assistants are available and doing all that they can, security in accommodation can still be an issue. Working with the accommodation service and resident assistants, I intend to make accommodation safer, with RA’s receiving further training on issues that can affect particular groups of students, such as LGBT+.

TRANSPARENCY OF ROLES
There were a number of occasions last year when I came close to transferring out of the University. Fortunately I had my friends there to talk me down. There are points when I wonder what would have happened if they had not been there, or not been as supportive as they were. If elected for LGBT+ officer, I will be on hand to discuss any potential issues that may arise, and point students in the right direction to get issues resolved rather than being passed from pillar to post.
 
This year has been a year of monumental change, with an LGBT+ specific role becoming available during the elections. Collectively, the LGBT community at Greenwich is stronger than it has been before, and I think it is time that we all stood together to make the changes that we really need.  

 

VOTE #1 GAVIN MAY

VOTE #1 SU4U

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