Leading the student protest in Birmingham's Pride Parade

Leading the student protest in Birmingham’s Pride Parade

KITTEN FOR CHAIR

Who I am:

Camilla aka Kitten. 2nd year Languages student, musician in my free time, recovering ANTM addict J

What I stand for:

  • Equality, Diversity, Representation. LGBTQ rights have come a long way in the last few decades, but unfortunately you only have look at the rise in support for bigoted groups like the BNP to see that we’re far from liberated yet.
  • Students have traditionally been the driving force in the momentum for change. It’s no coincidence that as student political apathy grows, liberation is reeled back.
  • I am prepared to lead an active committee, that puts our Association back at the forefront of the campaign for the equality of LGBTQ students.
  • Inclusion As a group we are a diverse spectrum of people. We come from all backgrounds, ethnicities, genders, ages…the list goes on. I will actively promote inclusion not only in our association by working with different faith groups and liberation associations, but also the inclusion of LGBTQ students in our guild and on our campus.

What I’ve done:

My experience:

  • Two time NUS LGBT Conference Delegate
  • Twice elected Guild Councillor
  • Elections Committee
  • LGBTQ Association committee
  • Activism training at several NUS LGBT activist days.
  • Passed a motion guaranteeing improved representation of ethnic minority students at NUS LGBT Conferences.
  • Campaigning against the homophobic and racist BNP.
  • Played a key role in organising: Love Music Hate Homophobia, a fundraising event for Unite Against Fascism held over the Pride weekend as well as several Coalition events between various LGBT societies in the Midlands including a LGBT freshers night and workshops on trans equality.

My core goals for the year:

  1. An active and thriving LGBTQ Association with a wealth of social events and activities: bar crawls, regular film nights, LGBT History month, guest speakers, workshops, Love Music Hate Homophobia, pub quizzes, coffee mornings, book groups, comedy nights, trips and a strong presence at Pride.
  2. A campaigning association tackling issues which affect LGBTQ students today: The growing number of hate crimes on Hurst St, the need for gender neutral toilets, discrimination in halls and sports teams, sexual health and whatever else our members feel strongly about.
  3. Inclusion: In our association, in our Guild, on our campus.
  4. A strong and able committee: Introducing training for committee members and other activists in public speaking, campaigning, and the basics of running a liberation association so that they have the skills to better provide for you.
  5. Transparent representation: The committee is accountable to you, so you should know what we’re doing and when and why. Regular meetings where all are welcome, re-establishment of a weekly email newsletter, regular maintenance of the website and the creation of guides on welfare, going out, being LGBTQ at university and more.
With European Parliament MEP Michael Cashman

With European Parliament MEP Michael Cashman

Why chair?

The role of chair is essentially to be the facilitator of the committee. The chair must have the knowledge and enthusiasm to allow the other committee members to carry out their roles to the best of their ability as well as the dedication to take on extra responsibilities when things don’t go to plan. With my extensive experience and involvement in the Guild and our Association, I can provide the leadership and drive to maintain an active and successful association.