Roy Ward Proposed by: Stuart Forward Seconded by: Andy Bailey
As someone who has been an active member of the society for almost two years (a scary thought), Im sure people know who I am.
The LGBT has become a sort of second family to me. I have so many friends here, and I really couldnt imagine having got through a lot of university so far without the people Ive met.
My experiences in the society, and seeing how it works, have given me insight into how the committee functions and how each individual member does their job. As chair, these insights and knowledge, coupled with my approachability and genuine friendliness means that I can effectively lead the committee, making sure everyone does their jobs, whilst still making it fun.
After all, important welfare and political issues aside, this is a social society, and I want to make sure that everyone, from the committee to the newcomers, enjoys their time in the society as much as I have, and still do.
I am passionate about LGBT issues, and I have witnessed up close how hard it can be to be a young LGBT individual today. I want to keep the society fun, but feel we have a duty to challenge those things which negatively affect the lives of LGBT people worldwide, and at university.
SECRETARY
Sam Clarke and Claire Stephens Proposed by: Lauren Hunt Seconded by: Lauren Caveney
Hey, Sam and Claire here, we are jointly running for secretary.
So, running together...why you ask? Well firstly theres our mutual love for Britney and secondly we believe that we will actually do a good job together.
We think well make a very organised duo who will be dedicated to all things LGBT and have done many things in the past that have given us qualities suitable to the role of secretaries:
Claire: I helped campaign for Equality and Diversity candidate Sophia therefore i have political experience which will come in useful for LGBT issues.
Sam: I was part of Youth Council in my home town meaning I had to give speeches in front of council members, organise events such as band nights, introduce the bands on stage and organise timings etc.
Also we should just about to be able to manage to take minutes as we can both read and write to a sufficient standard-ish!
As well as being able to cover the secretary role we feel well make good additions to the committee as we are easy to get along with and are always willing to listen, we are regulars at coffee hour and gay nights /every other night out as well, and we can also make an immense cup of tea, unless its a Tuesday!
We think it would be a wise decision to vote for Claire and Sam as joint secretary as we eat, sleep and drink GAY!
TREASURER
Adam Crocker Proposed by: Mark Wingham Seconded by: Stuart Forward
For those of you that dont know me, my name is Adam and Im studying Maths and Economics, (with some stats thrown in for good measure), and no, this doesnt make me the most boring person in the world! I am running for Treasurer as I want to give something back to the society that has helped me to be comfortable with and proud of my sexuality, and this is my area of expertise, (even if I do say so myself!). I have plenty of experience in this field. Apart from my degree, I have also worked in an accountancy firm, working in fields from Bank and cash book analysis to payroll. I am also good at budgeting; in fact I managed to save £200 from my student loan for the Christmas Holidays when everyone else was edging into their overdrafts.
My main interest in LGBT is more traditional such as Oscar Wilde, although Im also interested in more up to date LGBT issues such as lifting the blanket ban on giving blood. I would like to think that I am approachable, and will be happy to put forward your ideas to the LGBT assembly as part of my role on the committee.
You should vote for me as your societys treasurer as I am honest, reliable, hard working and can spend your money well! Ps I can also make coffee!
EVENTS OFFICER
Alan Lee Holmes Proposed by: Steven Sharpe Seconded by: Gareth Bennell
My main goal if selected as events officer for Leeds University LGBT will be to maintain the quality of the events that have been previously organised. My current experience in event organisation is limited to small social events however I would love the opportunity to expand my experience in this field.
Having attended the majority of the events organised by the LGBT, as well as events with other societies such as PhySoc, I consider myself well versed in an array of different events.
One of my aims is to promote more interaction within the society and with LGBT groups from other universities by hopefully establishing a dialog with society members.
My ideas for LGBT events include organising more trips out to different cities (Brighton, Sheffield, Newcastle etc) to experience the night life they offer while also arranging more day trips such as Alton Towers, paintballing and potentially beach trips.
Sexual health is an issue that affects everyone and I feel that an event at the start of the academic year highlighting the main concerns within the LGBT community would be very beneficial. I also intend to communicate with society members concerning events to ensure that everyones needs are being met.
I feel its time for me to give something back to a society which has helped me a lot this year and voting for me will give me that opportunity.
Alan!!
COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
Sam Lord Proposed by: Roy Ward Seconded by: Matt Whitehouse
I believe that I could be a great asset to the committee as the Communications Officer. I know most members of the LGBT and have strong friendships with many of them. I am frequently in coffee hour and enjoy hearing the other members of the society talk openly with each other, without fear of reproach, taking a personal interest in the lives of the other members. I am an approachable person and have been told by many members of the society that they feel comfortable talking to me about a number of different issues/problems that they have. I study English, so enjoy writing in many different forms and would love the chance to apply my writing skills to something other than Medieval Literature or poetry. I am reliable, have good time-keeping and time-management skills. I try to attend as many of the society events as I am I able to and enjoy spending time with members of the society; being able to talk freely and openly with them regarding topics that many would view as a taboo subject is one of the societys best qualities in my opinion: there are not many places at university where this is possible.
MENS OFFICER
Andrew Bailey Proposed by: Ben Whittaker Seconded by: Roy Ward
Having had the role of mens officer since January, I am hoping to carry on with the position for the next academic year; the feelings of fulfillment and general enjoyment I have gained so far from becoming more involved with the day-to-day running of the society are enough for me to want to come back for more.
I believe that I am reliable, friendly, caring, and generally an all right kinda guy for the job. If elected I would continue to be available to help any male society members with any personal issues, and to serve up a selection of hot beverages accompanied by cheesy background music on a weekly basis.
I would like to increase awareness of the various options open to our community should anyone come across any health issues, whether sexual, mental or other. After all, a healthy LGBTer is a happy LGBTer.
Other things Id like to introduce include the expansion of the film festival, along with running more quiz nights, and putting on a series of events highlighting the relationship between homosexuality and Europe, revolving around the Council of Europes International Day Against Homophobia.
Finally, I propose that we invest in new mugs for coffee hour. Because were worth it.
WOMENS OFFICER
Alex Bisby Proposed by: Emma Mase Seconded by: Sam Clarke
Hello my name is Alex, Im running for the position of womens officer. Apart from my womanly bosom, I have other qualities that lend themselves to this role, for example I believe every member of LGBT has a right to feel welcomed, accepted and equal. I also feel strongly that officers of the committee should always be warm and welcoming to both old and new members, something that I think my open and friendly personality could achieve. I also make a damn good cup of coffee.
I will represent all women on issues of relationships, welfare, and sexism. I will also strive to provide more female orientated events and ensure the women within the LGBT are consulted on what they want, giving them an opportunity to have their say. Another one of my aims is to reduce the divide between men and women within the LGBT by having more mixed socials where they can mingle amongst other things!
I also wish to reduce the divide that has emerged between members of the LGBT and the rest of the students here in Leeds by having socials where all members of the student body are welcome to come and just have fun! I feel that this would open their eyes to a whole new social experience.
In conclusion, if I were to be elected womens officer for the LGBT I would strive to protect and maintain the values stated in the LGBT constitution and endeavour to assist the female members with any issues they may have.
BI OFFICER
Jo Franklin Proposed by: Jonny Bridge Seconded by: Adam Crocker
I am running for the role of bi officer because I feel that it is important that the bisexual community is given the representation and the voice it deserves within the society. In addition to blessing coffee hours and society events with my radiant presence, I plan to wage a war on biphobia within the University Union, in the hope of creating a brighter and more tolerant future. It saddens me that even in this day and age bisexuals still suffer from harassment and abuse, it must be stopped. I would also like to encourage integration within the society, in addition to running workshops, discussion groups, movie nights and just generally creating an environment where everyone can feel comfortable with their respective sexualities.
TRANS OFFICER
Tim Boden Proposed by: Your Mum Seconded by: Pieter Bots
The basics - Trans people are an overlooked and misunderstood minority even within LGBT circles. If elected, I want to keep people well-informed, tackle any trans discrimination within the uni, and provide support to LGBT members on gender issues, no matter what they identify as.
The fun stuff - Mostly I intend to be a reliable maker of tea. However, I'd also like to work with other committee members to run events like film nights, pub quizzes, debates, and other fun social get-together type things.
Why vote for me? I know my stuff. And what I don't know, I know where to find out. I'm down-to-earth. I'm dedicated. I'm very good at crosswords. Whether you're transgender, cisgender, male, female, neither, both, or a floaty formless being, I will fight for your right to party.
INTERNATIONAL/EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY OFFICER
Pieter Bots Proposed by: Lev Seconded by: Jonny Bridge
Me:
Many probably know me at least vaguely, but I will introduce myself first. I am Pieter Bots. I am originally from the Netherlands. About a year ago I moved to Leeds for my PhD in geochemistry at the School of Earth and Environment.
Why me:
In Utrecht, I have always been active in different fields, which did not directly involve the LGBT society. This included for a large part organising events for my student association in Utrecht. For example; for one committee at my student organisation we organised multiple events for example involving religion and politics. I also was involved in organising events (on international affairs) for the youth organisation of a political party in the Netherlands. At the University of Leeds I recently joined the Equality and Diversity committee from the Faculty of Environment. I feel like I can contribute to the position of Equality and Diversity officer at the LGBT society, and keeping the (LUU LGBT) society and its events diverse and accessible to everybody. I have a strong view on Equality and Diversity and I am not afraid of speaking out to a group of people which will help me to achieve this. I see myself as someone who is approachable and willing to listen to anything anybody has to say without being prejudiced.
As an international student, I know what it is like to be in a country you do not know at all and because I know how things work here now, I can help international students with their (more specific) problems as well.
-- Edited by StuStu on Tuesday 17th of March 2009 09:19:45 PM
