LGBTQ+ OFFICER UPDATE: OCTOBER
Introduction
Hi all! I’ve had an incredibly busy summer, getting into the swing of things as your new LGBTQ+ Officer for this academic year. It’s also been lovely over the past few weeks getting to know all of you. Let’s take a look at what I’ve been up to, and what’s coming soon…
Summer Break
I was incredibly excited to start off my role as LGBTQ+ SCO by organising a group to attend the Colchester Pride Parade on Saturday 16th August. This was my first chance to start meeting some of you which was lovely. It was such a wonderful day, and I was honoured to represent our LGBTQ+ students within the wider Colchester community. As well as that, I’ve also been completing various training sessions, including a two-day Mental Health First Aid course.
I have also been continuing the work of my predecessor regarding concerns about student safety on campus. I have been attending meetings with key people from both the SU, and the University to follow up on agreed actions to ensure student safety and improve confidence in the report and support system. I’m pleased to say these meetings have been productive as all parties involved have dedicated themselves to finding solutions.
Freshers Week
Welcome week was really exciting, knowing that the community was finally back together on campus, along with all the new faces joining us this year. Freshers Fair, in particular, was a great day as me and Trans+ SCO Theo got to meet so many of you at our stall, and then our social that evening was a huge success with over 100 attendees. We were also able to get lots of important feedback from you all about the sorts of events you want to see this year.
What’s coming up?
On the 27th October, we’ll be having our first movie night of the year as we’ll be screening the Rocky Horror Picture Show over at the Lakeside Theatre. This is sure to be a brilliant night, so book your tickets on the SU What’s On page now – it’s completely free!
The Colchester Fringe festival is also returning for another year between the 24th October – 2nd November. I’ve been able to organise a discount code for select LGBTQ+ shows so keep a look out for that.