AGM March 2021 Candidates
Our AGM is on March 24th 2021 at 6pm. If you would like to run for any position, please fill out this form: https://forms.gle/bKLenWUzMAvqUvJn6
We will be updating this list as responses come in.
GULGBTQ+ this year has been such a lifeline as well as a joy to be part of, especially as VP Sec in the midst of all the chaos. Not only am I up to the challenge of being President but it would also be a joy to continue on the amazing work we’ve done over the last 2 semesters.
So, to keep it brief, I’ve spent the last 2 semesters as VP Secretary (and some time before as Non-Binary Officer) and have learned how to help lead but also deal with unprecedented challenges. I already have insight not only into how the committee works but also how to help make a good exec strong, stepping up to the plate when needed but also helping to keep our minutes & social media content tidy and accessible. I’ve also helped create and support our weekly events, while also taking on smaller responsibilities such as giving the Pronoun Pledge to clubs/socs on campus. In short, I know how the society functions like the back of my hand and it’s been a pleasure serving as VP Sec to not only a supportive society and wider community but a super amazing committee, therefore I want to go further.
If I were President, not only would I continue the work and connections we’ve built this year - with societies like GUSocNet especially - but also take on board new ideas and form new connections with more groups, people and societies not just within the university community but outside of also. For me, solidarity is key. I understand the importance of these networks and connections especially during lockdowns but also in hopefully one day being able to have in-person events, as I’ve helped do event collabs but also helped in maintaining and making new connections with societies on campus that we may have never linked up with before. Moreover, I’m dedicated to helping us fulfil our aims of being an activism dedicated society in engaging with the community and supporting those within it not just in Glasgow - especially as we face many new uphill battles as a community on and off campus.
I’m more than well aware of the challenges and responsibilities of being President of such a big, complex and varied society but I never back down from a challenge and know where my strengths and limitations lie. Overall, it would just be a delight to be your President for the upcoming year as I go into my final undergrad year. Not to be soppy but the society means a lot to me and I hope I can help channel that to lead the society, committee and our community on campus. <3
I have been on committee for a total year and a half now, most recently this past year as Non-Binary Students Officer, and so in this time I have experience (collaboratively) organising and running events, such as Trans 101, Transgender Day of Remembrance and Queerfest; and more recently I have set up a collaboration with Glasgow Marrow to encourage our members to include themselves on the bone marrow donation register. I hope this exemplifies both how active I have been on the committee and also demonstrates the knowledge and familiarity of the workings of the committee I have.
If elected, as VP Secretary I want to continue to build on the relationships with other societies and unions, particularly GuSOCNet and QMU, as I believe we have done great work in collaboration with them this year, as well as seek further opportunities, as I believe it is beneficial to our society and our members to have these connections.
In the coming year we may expect to see the easing of lockdown restrictions which may allow us to return to some in person events. If elected to this exec position I will work towards slowly and safely returning to regular meetups for our society, and to continue to provide a safe, welcoming and inclusive space for all, further improving on the work of this last committee to accommodate to the needs of disabled members and members of colour, working to elevate the voices of those members and of the welfare officers who represent them.
I am going on to study a Masters next year (in Theatre Studies for those who were wondering), and while I understand that an exec position is big responsibility, this year I have been able to manage my time effectively between my studies and my committee responsibilities. Having spoken to Robyn, the current VP Secretary, I understand the responsibilities expected of the position and believe that I will be able to continue to balance my time and effort between my studies and committee.
In closing, I want to run for VP Secretary as GULGBTQ+ has been such an integral part of my university life and experience, and I want to continue to give back, to provide the welcoming and encouraging safe space that has been afforded to me over my last 4 years at university! I believe you can have faith that I will put my all into the position if elected, as I have done this past year as your Non-Binary Officer, dedicating as much time and effort needed to keep the society running to its full potential.
My previous role on committee was as the Bi/Pan officer for the academic year 2020/21, and my overall experience was extremely enjoyable despite the setbacks we faced due to everything being taught remotely. With massive thanks to all the members of the committee we managed to create a safe, inclusive place for students who were isolated from normal university life with all of the events, weekly coffees and general conversations on the discord channel, amongst a time of solitude for most, especially as LGBTQ+ individuals. My experience interacting with all of the people I had the privilege of meeting during the past year is what has prompted me to apply as VP Treasurer for the society, as I think my involvement with the society has been an instrumental part of the past year, and something I hope to continue my involvement with until I graduate.
As the possibility of the university becoming in person rather than taught remotely becomes more possible, I would love to take up the role as VP Treasurer and help return the society to normalcy and create a safe environment for in-person events, meetings and panels. As this is uncertain, having worked on the committee online, I feel I would be capable to execute this role in an online sense as well, with the support of the previous VP Treasurer if I had the privilege of being chosen for this role.
Navigating my role on the committee in a purely online presence was definitely challenging at times, but I feel it has prepared me to continue this role for however long need be, as I feel the society is such an important part of University life for so many LGBTQ+ individuals, and the opportunity to work with old and new committee members and society members would be a privilege.
I chose to involve myself more in this society when I joined the Discord server some time at the beginning of the first semester. I saw what an engaging and welcoming society this was, and felt very welcomed by all. I wanted to transmit this feeling to others, so I joined the committee. As the Welfare Officer, I have thoroughly enjoyed moderating panels, collaborating to bring together events and helping to knit a tighter (cyber) community. If I'm elected,
- I would push for continued use of the Discord server, which adds a safety element to students who aren't out or are questioning their identities and sexualities
- I would encourage the society to continue in our line of advocating for causes that affect the POC and disabled members that form part of our society
- I would also listen and take into consideration to our member's concerns and worries pertaining the society or the university
As VP Treasurer, I would be extra organised since it's the money of everyone in the society and it should be destined towards cool events and things that efficiently serve us as a society. I should also mention that I am good at managing finances and would do my best to ensure all things money-related are in order! I feel that as a society, there are so many things that we can do to welcome LGBTQ+ students into our "safety net" and I would be honoured to continuing doing this. Thank you for reading! (Vote 4Eva 2021)
I joined the GULGBTQ+ committee as the Bi/Pan officer for the academic year 2020/21, and my experience in this role has been enlightening. Despite the current climate in regards to various lock-downs and closed campuses, with massive thanks to all the members of the committee we managed to create a safe, inclusive place for students who were isolated from normal university life with all of the events, weekly coffees and general conversations on the discord channel, amongst a time of solitude for most, especially as LGBTQ+ individuals. I feel this impact the society had on the students and committee members I was lucky enough to interact with is what has prompted me to apply as Event's officer, as I believe these events are a vital part of our community in creating a sense of belonging for folks who may feel ostracised at home or in University.
The events coordinated by the extremely talented previous committee members are not just an opportunity for solace from the monotony of classes, deadlines and general university stress, but also a chance to educate ourselves and each other on the issues we should all be aware of, with and out with the LGBTQ+ experience. The society strives to give a voice to marginalised groups, such as people of colour and trans individuals, through various panels and informative events that take place. The chance to work with such individuals and help create a platform for all of us to become more informed on issues happening around us is something I would take great pride in.
Alongside this, each month of the year brings new days to be celebrated for different LGBTQ+ individuals, and the chance to orchestrate events around these, in correspondence with each of the identity officers, is something I believe to be essential for members of our community.
Navigating my role on the committee in a purely online presence was definitely challenging at times, but I feel it has prepared me to continue this role for however long need be, as I feel the society is such an important part of University life for so many LGBTQ+ individuals, and the opportunity to work with old and new committee members and society members would be a privilege.
I chose to involve myself more in this society when I joined the Discord server some time at the beginning of the first semester. I saw what an engaging and welcoming society this was, and felt very welcomed by all. I wanted to transmit this feeling to others, so I joined the committee. As the Welfare Officer, I have thoroughly enjoyed moderating panels, collaborating to bring together events and helping to knit a tighter (cyber) community. If I'm elected,
- I would push for continued use of the Discord server, which adds a safety element to students who aren't out or are questioning their identities and sexualities
- I would encourage the society to continue in our line of advocating for causes that affect the POC and disabled members that form part of our society
- I would also listen and take into consideration to our member's concerns and worries pertaining the society or the university
I feel that as a society, there are so many things that we can do to welcome LGBTQ+ students into our "safety net" and I would be honoured to continuing doing this. Thank you for reading! (Vote 4Eva 2021)
I joined the GULGBTQ+ committee last October, at the EGM, as the First Year Officer. Being part of this family for the past six months has really kept me going! It has been great to help support the committee in wider projects and events - and I’ve loved starting to get to know members and more of the community. So, I’m re-running for committee 21/22!
Welfare is something that I care a lot about - and I think I could bring a lot to the role of Welfare Officer. I’d like to think I’m someone you could come to with anything from small personal problems, to barriers you hit with uni-wide systemic issues. I might not be able to promise I can fix everything, but sure can promise I’ll have a good try, and regardless will support you through it all.
This year has given me a rapid introduction to Discord, with the GULGBTQ+ server being the first time I’d ever used it in September/October… to now being involved with twelve different ones. I might not have mastered it all yet, but we’re getting there!
Hopefully we’ll get back on campus for 21/22 and if we do I’d love to run monthly welfare events or drop ins, where you can sit down with me and chat about whatever’s going on. If we’re still off-campus, then we’ll make it work virtually instead. I wasn’t involved in the GULGBTQ+ family system this year but was with the equivalent in the medical school and it’s a set-up I am a huge fan of. I’d love to work on developing that system and helping new members find their feet.
Mostly, I am really keen to work with the other officers, and wider university services to ensure that there is access to events, spaces, and services that can support you throughout the year. If something is lacking, or needs changing - I want to know about it, and try to fix it. I’m particularly keen to work with other student led groups intersectionally, like GUSoCNet and the disabled students’ group, to make sure that wider student run events are accessible and welcoming to all.
I’d also like to try and work with GUSA and sports/activities clubs to put on LGBTQ+ sessions as I know it can be intimidating, uncomfortable, and dysphoria triggering being in sporty environments. But finding ways to run some fun and accessible sessions to workout is something I’d love to see - and hopefully I’m not the only one!
I’ll do what I can to support officers in the facilitation of their coffees and events, and beyond all of it if you just need someone to sit and have a cuppa and a chat, or a cuppa and a cry, with - I’m here for that too.
Hi all! I'm currently a first year student soon to go on to her second year studying Spanish and Portuguese. Having joined the society last September, I've witnessed the way in which members of our society have supported and helped other members of the LGBTQ+ community both within and out with the university, whether that was through their contribution to the Rosey Project this year, or responding to the Scottish Government's reforms to the Gender Recognition Act.
As someone who has experience with working to raise awareness of issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community, having been a leading member of my prior school's LGBTQ+ group and worked as an Equality Ambassador, I feel that I can further continue the work the previous Campaigns officers have done, including working with our trans and nonbinary officers to carry out the pronoun pledge across campus, working with committee members towards helping the society's chosen annual charity, and keeping our members up to date on how they can help within the political realm, pushing changes to legislation and policies which affect our community.
I would love to help the society in anyway that I can and support our wonderful and diverse community in reaching the equality we deserve!
Communications and Technology Officer
Coming from Pakistan, a country where LGBT+ identities are outlawed, GULGBT+ has been the first queer community I have ever been a part of. It has afforded me a sense of belonging and security that I had not experienced before, and I want to give back to the community that welcomed me with so much love.
As a graduate marketing student, I am equipped with the skills required to grow the society’s presence digitally. I am well versed in social media management, growth strategies and website management including SEO. Using these skills, I can grow GULGBT’s social media accounts, develop a content strategy involving podcasts and videos to improve engagement within the society and the broader LGBT community, revamp it’s website to make it more modern and user-friendly and help reach out to potential sponsors. The society’s communication officers have done great work in the past and I believe I can build upon that to help GULGBT grow and in doing so present a better representation of what the society stands for.
Thank you for reading and for making this community so wholesome.
I am the current com-tech and I really enjoyed it. I'd like to run again as I being able to contribute to the society.
Despite being a relatively new member to GULGBTQ+, I've found the society to be extremely welcoming and a real place of community, especially in such difficult times. I'd be so thrilled to be part of the committee that helps make the server - and the society - such a welcoming place to be. As the lesbian officer, I'd love to make an effort to hold regular check ins, whether that's through coffees or other events, and would want to make sure all lesbian aligned individuals within the society knew they could come to me and have a safe space to chat through anything that was bothering them. Equally, I'd be interested in finding out what sort of events or check ins other people would want to see so I could implement these going forward.
I know that times right now are especially difficult and I'd love to be a friendly face that people could come to when they were struggling - especially with regards to gender/sexuality. My own sexuality/gender journey has been long and complex and I feel like I am able to help others through theirs due to my own experience. More than anything, I just want to help lesbian aligned people have a fun, safe time within the society and to have a space where they can freely be themselves without fear of backlash!
Hi there, I'm Liam, I was the Gay Mens officer last year and I'm looking to be re-elected for that position. Over the last year I have run the gay & MLM coffees and the International Mens Day panel. Also as the committes resident big gay nerd was always on hand to help sort issues with the Discord server which had inevitably arisen. I'm looking for re-election so that I can keep doing what I have been for the last year and help make the society a welcoming place for all.
1) Emrys/Kallian (they/he/xe)
I've been the Ace/Aro officer since October 2019, and have really enjoyed taking part in this committee so far, so I would love to remain on the committee for as long as I can. I've helped with organising society events, and held events for asexual and aromantic awareness weeks respectively, as well as created and shared resources for each. if elected for bi/pan officer, I will do the same things I did as ace/aro officer- i will make sure to run informative and welcoming events for relevant awareness days and weeks, and share helpful resources for anyone questioning. I also like to think I am a good listener, and open-minded so I will always be open to chat for anyone who has questions about LGBTQ+ issues, or needs a shoulder to lean on!
Hello everyone! I'm a 2nd year Vet med student from Chicago. I was international officer this year and it was a very rewarding position. This year I loved being able to bring the main uni LGBTQ+ society closer together with the veterinary LGBTQ+ community. We all need each other now more than ever, and being able to come together as a larger LGBTQ+ community with access to more support and resources is the best way to support all of our members as best we can. This coming year I'll be the welfare officer for the Vet LGBTQ+ and I hope I can continue to facilitate conversations between the two groups. If selected for this role, I hope to support my fellow members of the bi/pan community in any way I can. I also hope to support the society as a whole and put energy towards helping out other committee members with anything they might need. I'm so excited to be a part of this organization, as it has helped me so much to build a network here and generally feel more comfortable and at home in Glasgow. I'm so thankful that GULGBTQ+ exists and that I was able to give back to the community, and I would love to continue to pay it forward.
Like I said for my manifesto for President, GULGBTQ+ this year has been such a lifeline as well as a joy to be part of, especially as VP Sec in the midst of all the chaos. It would also be a joy to continue on the amazing work we’ve done over the last 2 semesters in being your Trans Officer for this year.
So, to keep it brief for you, I’ve spent the last 2 semesters as VP Secretary and some time before as Non-Binary Officer, and have learned how to help lead but also deal with unprecedented challenges. I’ve helped create and support our weekly events, while also taking on smaller responsibilities such as giving the Pronoun Pledge to clubs/socs on campus. Also I’ve been engaged in key events like Trans Day of Remembrance and have attended (and ran some) Trans & Non-Binary coffees over my time in the society. Outside the society, I’m very much engaged in trans activism, in the trans community in general and I’m very aware of the uphill challenges as a community that we’re facing on and off campus. Highlighting and raising awareness of trans issues on and off campus is something I would make central to my role as Trans Officer, especially by working with Campaigns, the wider trans community and other groups on campus.
Again like I said before, it would just be amazing to serve on committee again and it would mean a lot for me to serve such an amazing society and community, and help to be a voice that the trans community can depend on.
I joined the GULGBTQ+ committee last October, at the EGM, as the First Year Officer. Being part of this family for the past six months has really kept me going! It has been great to help support the committee in wider projects and events - and I’ve loved starting to get to know members and more of the community. So, I’m re-running for committee 21/22!
With my current, and previous, experiences in similar roles, I think that I would be a great addition as your next Trans Officer. This year I have been in the role of Trans Officer on the Glasgow Medical Students LGBTQIA+ Society, and in the past I have spent two years in the similar role when I studied previously at UWS, as well as two years in the similar role nationally with NUS Scotland. I’d love to bring all of those experiences, to GULGBTQ+!
This year I created a video for Trans Day of Remembrance, that the university shared, and organised and led a workshop around trans health for healthcare professionals/students, which was attended by 160+ people from up and down the country.
As a medical student and (one day) future doctor, a huge area of focus for me is around trans, non-binary, and gender diverse healthcare in education, research, and practice. I’ve been setting up an organisation that works on just that, with plans in the works for a first conference next year.
I’m also no stranger to blog writing, and video content creating, having done much of this openly around my own transition. This all has given, and keeps giving, me a load of networking opportunities, and I’d love to use some of these connections to put on a diverse range of events throughout the year.
I’m also really keen to work with GUSA and sports clubs, other societies, and groups on campus, to encourage them to look at ways to improve diversity and inclusivity in their activities for trans students at the university.
Like I said in my other manifestos, GULGBTQ+ this year has been such a lifeline as well as a joy to be part of, especially as VP Sec in the midst of all the chaos. It would also be a joy to continue on the amazing work we’ve done over the last 2 semesters in being your Non-Binary Officer for this year.
So, to keep it brief for you, I’ve spent the last 2 semesters as VP Secretary and some time before as Non-Binary Officer previously, and have learned how to help lead but also deal with unprecedented challenges. I’ve helped create and support our weekly events, while also taking on smaller responsibilities such as giving the Pronoun Pledge to clubs/socs on campus. Also I’ve been engaged in key events like Trans Day of Remembrance and have attended (and ran some) Trans & Non-Binary coffees over my time in the society. Outside the society, I’m very much engaged in activism around non-binary and trans issues, and know the importance of maintaining strong networks especially with the various uphill battles as non-binary people we are facing on and off campus. Therefore I would work with the Trans Officer closely as well as the trans & non-binary community we have in the society to highlight and raise awareness of issues, as well as maintaining and creating links with the wider trans community and groups on campus.
Again like I said before, it would just be amazing to serve on committee again as Non-Binary Officer as I didn't get to spend a full academic year in the role before. And it would mean a lot for me to serve such an amazing society and community, and help to be a voice that the non-binary community can depend on.
1) Emrys/Kallian (they/he/xe)
I've been the Ace/Aro officer since October 2019, and have really enjoyed taking part in this committee so far, so I would love to continue in this position for as long as I can. I've helped with organising society events, and held events for asexual and aromantic awareness weeks respectively, as well as created and shared resources for each. if re-elected for ace/aro officer, I will continue to do the same- i will make sure to run informative and welcoming events for relevant awareness days and weeks, and share helpful resources for anyone questioning. I also like to think I am a good listener, and open-minded so I will always be open to chat for anyone who has questions about LGBTQ+ issues, or needs a shoulder to lean on!
Postgraduate and Mature Students Officer
I joined the GULGBTQ+ committee last October, at the EGM, as the First Year Officer. Being part of this family for the past six months has really kept me going! It has been great to help support the committee in wider projects and events - and I’ve loved starting to get to know members and more of the community. So, I’m re-running for committee 21/22!
I have spent the majority of this year on the Mature Students’ Association committee too. In the recent SRC elections was elected as the Age Equality Officer for 21/22 - I am keen to pull all of these together as the Post-Mat Officer and make sure that I am a strong voice for the needs of postgraduate and mature students within the LGBTQ+ community.
Studying medicine as a second degree, and being in my 30s, I fully appreciate the challenges that the postgraduate and mature student students face. I’m really keen to ensure that there are spaces for post/mat students with events/socials run that are family friendly, more flexible in timing and scope, to allow for a variety that is accessible to all of you.
Hello everyone! I'm a 2nd year Vet med student from Chicago. I was international officer this year and it was a very rewarding position. This year I loved being able to bring the main uni LGBTQ+ society closer together with the veterinary LGBTQ+ community. We all need each other now more than ever, and being able to come together as a larger LGBTQ+ community with access to more support and resources is the best way to support all of our members as best we can. This coming year I'll be the welfare officer for the Vet LGBTQ+ and I hope I can continue to facilitate conversations between the two groups. Above all, I hope to continue to support International students and make sure this is a warm and welcoming home away from home.
Hi! I am currently still a first year student doing biology and psychology. I am from Germany and mainly during second semester, I have attended a lot of the (really great!) main events which made me feel very welcome and I feel like I am part of the community despite never having met anybody in person. I would like to become the international officer because I think it will allow me to generally become more engaged with students within the society and to help other international students to feel like they belong at this university no matter their sexuality or gender identity, but also no matter from where they came to Glasgow. Being an international student can sometimes make you feel foreign or like you don't belong here but I think exchanging with other international students about their similar experiences is really valuable, and I would like to facilitate those conversations and help people feel included (especially in covid times where everything sometimes seems more lonely and separated than ever).
Even though I have not been on any committee before, I am certain that I can find my way into the role. With any position or task that I take on, I am always committed to give my best and learn from challenges in a reflected manner. I am also organised and always keen on constructive exchange. Lastly, it was partly because of the gulgbtq+ society that during this year, I have been able to really establish my connection to my own identity and with it the lgbtq+ community as a whole. I am very thankful that the society has provided such a space for me and I would love to be part of the committee to allow other students to have that same experience
As a disabled queer person, I fully understand the need for community, mutual aid, supporting each other and being allowed to learn our own history. I would be able to run weekly coffee, listen to disabled LGBTQI+ people within the society to make sure we are represented & included within events, and help to organise accessible events for disabled GULGBT+ members. I was Disabled Student's Officer at my last university, and represented us at the NUS Disabled Student's Conference 2014, so I have experience within disability equality roles too!
Order of preference for those running for multiple positions
3. Postgraduate and Mature Students Officer
Edit: Aster’s original VP Secretary manifesto contained the phrase “POC members” instead of “members of colour”. This was changed when the mistake was raised to our attention.
