An update from your LGBTQ+ Officer

Hi everyone! Thank you for electing me as your 2021-22 LGBTQ+ Executive Officer. A little introduction from me, I’m a mature student in first year, studying psychology. Outside of uni life I enjoy online gaming, horse riding and have enrolled on a roller derby course. Professionally I'm involved with the mental health trust locally as an expert by experience in various projects to empower the service user voice and create change. 

Our first LGBTQ+ network session is scheduled for Wedneday 10 November from 3pm-5pm at the High Wycombe Campus. This is open to anyone who self identifies as LGBTQ+ and is a safe environment to come and meet others as well as raise any concerns you may have. I'll alaso be giving you all a taster of the plans I would like us to get involved in with this year. 

On top of this, the LGBTQ+ society is up and running and meets fortnightly on a Tuesday from 5.30-7pm . To keep up to date please join the BNU LGBTQ+ Society Facebook group or follow the instagram, @bnu_lgbt.

Campaigns are a big part of this role and work is already underway on a couple of ideas. The first is for World Aids Day on Wednesday 1 December. We are planning a ribbon walk fundraiser to walk 20.3km, or 105,000 steps, to help raise funds for Terrence Higgins Trust. I look forward to as many as you joining in, supporting us and getting involved as possible. 

The second campaign is around the theme of loneliness at Christmas and the impact that being excluded from family can have on us. This is in the early stages of planning but I'll make sure to keeop you updated as it all comes together.

Please free to get in touch with me with any ideas, suggestions, or concerns you may have. You can reach me on sulgbtofficer@bucks.ac.uk or join the Buckinghamshire New University - LGBTQ+ Students Network (2021-22) Facebook group. I look forward to hearing from you and thank you again for electing me into this role.