Sussex LGBTQ+ News
Freshers 2018History Month 2018History Month 2018 is ready for lift-off! All that remains is to dot the i's and cross the t's :-)
Adam our fabulous events Officer has just finished the first batch of famous and influential LGBTQ+ Figures that we'll be publishing every day for History Month! This was a tradition started by Sam Palmer of UoB LGBT+ back in 2017 and it was so good we decided to do our own this year! New UoB LGBT+ Chair 15/11/2017As some of you may have seen today there was a by-election for the position of Chair of Brighton Uni LGBT+ Society. This was won by the amazing Sophie Harper, SC to her pals ;-).
This is a great result for everyone in both of our Societies, Having known Sophie for over a year I know she's going to be amazing at the job and I couldn't be happier for her. This was the second and final time that I've had the privilege of facilitating a Chair by-election for UoB LGBT+, the previous time being on the same date in 2015 when Sam Palmer was elected Chair. Like last time I know that the Society is going from strength to strength and also like last time I know the society is in good hands. Sam made a huge impact on the Society and the LGBT+ Community at Brighton University and it was an honour to work with them to deliver the best year ever for both Societies. I'm going to miss working with Sam massively but equally I can't wait to start with Sophie to make this year even better :-D Chris Chair Sussex LGBTQ+ Society Freshers' Week 2017As of the 21st August the planning for the LGBTQ+ Society's Freshers' Events has properly begun! :-)
We're aiming for a super fun freshers' this year including events such as Trans and non-binary meetups; lazer tag and of course a Roast Dinner! (plus loads more ;-)) On top of all this we will be working closer than ever with our Sister Society University of Brighton LGBT+ Society to make sure the LGBTQ+ Student Community is as connected as possible :-D We can't wait to Welcome all you new members, see you soon! :-D Sussex LGBTQ+ Research ProjectFollowing our History Month 2017 Generations Panel Kate O'Riordan, a professor of Media and panellist, has set up a research project to piece together the History of the Sussex LGBTQ+ Society!
A big shout out to Robyn Minshall the Comms and later Finance Officer for the 2016-2017 Academic Year for really pushing for this project to go ahead. If you are an Alumnni of the Society and would like to contribute to this research project then answers these questions and send them to [email protected] Name, contact details Does the interviewee wish to remain anonymous or be named contributor? ● When were you a member? (as exact dates as possible) ● What was the group called at that point? (did the name change over this time) ● Where and when did it meet – how often – what activities was the group involved in (actions/demos/social and cultural events)? ● How were communications organised? (how did you know about meetings/activities etc.) ● What kinds of issues was the group concerned with at the time? ● What was it like being involved with the group? ● Are there other members you remember (or might still be in contact with)? ● Were you aware of media coverage of the group or it getting mentioned in the news? ● What other groups/societies/organisations/venues was the group linked to? ● Were there specific venues/activities in Brighton or London that you associate with the group at the time? ● Would you be happy to be contacted again – e.g. follow up questions or information about events/publications linked to the project? Any help you could give would be greatly appreciated :-) Brighton and Trans Pride 2017 20/06/2017Brighton Pride 2017:There are 19 places left to march with us in Brighton Pride this year, so if you haven't signed up and would like to come along; email the Uni Events Team...
[email protected] They will need your email, t-shirt size and Mobile number Also there are 26 people who originally signed up but haven't replied to their email asking for confirmation. So if you signed up and haven't emailed them back do so before the 30th June or you won't be allowed to walk with us! Check your junk folder as mine was there. If their email still isn't there, drop them an email and explain the situation. Trans Pride 2017: For Trans Pride this year we will hopefully be sharing a stall with UoB LGBT+! A big thank you to their Events Officer Parker for being so helpful to us. We will find out more later this week. Old Site Removed 17/06/2017Today we removed the old website of the society. This was part of the plan of creating a new website to replace the old.
It hasn't been deleted but instead unpublished, which means that if needed it can be reactivated and can remain the basis for the new site. Suggestions for the LGBTQ+ OfficerAs you may already know, the Union LGBTQ+ Officer (Chris) gets a budget for the academic year. For the academic year 2017/18, he will be taking suggestions from students on event ideas or equipment that might benefit the community or the LGBTQ+ Society. So far the plan is to set aside £100 for student suggestions. So if you have any ideas, please submit them to
[email protected] Bubble machine and Flags? 31/5/2017No it's not a bad episode of a 90's sitcom, instead it's what has been purchased for the Society using the LGBTQ+ Officer Budget :-)
With Pride fast approaching and the Society making a huge entry this year joint with the University Chris decided we need more flags and bubbles! Flags for use all the time and bubbles for events like freshers fair, where we need to show all the new students that our society is clearly superior to all the others ;-) Sussex LGBTQ+ and University Pride Parade 2017The survey for applying to walk with Sussex LGBTQ+ in the Pride Parade is up!
If you'd like to walk with us or be on the float use the link above to apply! We have 150 places this year which is massive compared to the 15 we had last year :-D Sussex University are paying for our entry this year and we are working very closely with them to ensure it's as accessible and inclusive as possible. Anyone is welcome to march with us this year as long as they are affiliated with Sussex University. A big thank you to Caroline, Stevie and Sephie from the University Events team for working with us and thank you to VC Adam Tickell for making this a Uni priority! Also Thank you to Robyn, Ellie, Joe and Chris for organising this on the Societies side! UoB LGBT+ Society By-electionOn the 10th May 2017 Brightion LGBT+ held their end-of-year by elections for their Core-Committee (just their Officers). The new committee is as follows;
Chair: Sam Palmer Comms and VIce-Chair: Asel Tuaima Finance: Dan Blackman Events: Parker Robinson Welfare: Jamell Palomino-Brown Safety: Leanne Bayley We congratulate those who won and look forward to working with you in the future, not least Trans and Brighton Pride. Sussex LGBTQ+ Society will itself be holding its end-of-year by-election around the beginning of June, keep on eye out for more details. LGBTQ+ Society BannerOn the 8th May 2017 Chris the Chair and SU LGBTQ+ Officer went to the Union Comms team and worked with Toby to create a new professional banner for the Society. Shortly after it was ordered and will arrive in time for use in Trans Pride and Brighton Pride. A big thank you to the Union for approving to fund this banner using the LGBTQ+ Officer budget, this has saved the Society £50!
And a big thank you to Toby from comms for dropping everything he was working on to work with Chris to make the banner on such short notice. Meeting with Uni Events Team about Pride 2017On the 4th May 2017 Robyn, Ellie and Chris met with Caroline and Stevie from the University events team to discuss LGBTQ+ Society and The Uni's Joint entry into this year parade on the 5th August.
The meeting went very well and we have confirmed that there will be a float and that the University want to create merchandise for the March such as flags with logo's and other things. A big thank you to the University and in Particular Adam Tickell for sponsoring Pride this year and working so closely with the LGBTQ+ Society! It makes all the difference when we are included in the planning of events like this. |
Sussex and Brighton LGBTQ+ Ball
As you may know the LGBTQ+ Ball has been in the works for some time now and it has finally taken off! Tickets are available online at a discounted price of £26.10 thanks to the SU LGBTQ+ Officer and Society Chair Chris ;-)
All information is on the LGBTQ+ Website here
The deadline for buying tickets is the 17th April but we ask that people buy their tickets before then. This is a hard deadline so once it passes there's no way of going.
All information is on the LGBTQ+ Website here
The deadline for buying tickets is the 17th April but we ask that people buy their tickets before then. This is a hard deadline so once it passes there's no way of going.
LGBTQ+ Instagram Account
Finally the Society is brought into the 2010s ;-) Chris (Chair) set it before the MUN Collaboration on the 29th March 2017 and was nearly late because he thought he was creative ;-)
You can follow us here
We'll be putting up more photos this way so everyone can remember what was going on in the future :-)
We will always try to ask before we take a photo if everyone is comfortable with being put online. If at any point you want them taken down or we didn't ask permission just ask and we'll take photos down :-)
You can follow us here
We'll be putting up more photos this way so everyone can remember what was going on in the future :-)
We will always try to ask before we take a photo if everyone is comfortable with being put online. If at any point you want them taken down or we didn't ask permission just ask and we'll take photos down :-)
Model United Nations Joint event 29/3/2017
On Wednesday the 29th Sussex LGBTQ+ and MUN will be hosting a joint event in Bramber House room 242. It will be themed around the idea of LGBTQ+ rights and is shaping up to be a really interesting event. A special thank you to Sasha (Mature Students Rep) for being the point of contact between the two societies and also to MUN Soc as well for coming up with the idea.
Constitution rewording 21/3/2017
On Tuesday Ellie (Events) and Chris (Chair) met with Chris Seymour from the Socities Committee to update the constitution to modern SU practices. The Constitution was showing it's age so the rewording of the new misconduct section was a great time to bring it into 2017 overall. The new document has been sent back to the SU Societies Committee for approval.
You can read the new constitution here
You can read the new constitution here
LGBTQ+ History Month 2017 Closing Party
LGBTQ+ History Month Closing PartyWell it looks like we made it! After possibly the best History Month the society has ever put on we are looking forward to some well deserved rest. The Closing Party was a massive success with over 100 people attending and some amazing performances by Drag Soc; Folk Soc; Uke Soc and Show Choir. We saw loads of new and old faces and was possibly the best event that the Society has ever held! We will definitely be looking to hold a similar event next year.
A massive thank you to Robyn, Ellie and Joe C for organising the event they did an amazing job that required a lot off effort, but it definitely paid off.
Another big thank you to all our performers and East Slope Bar for allowing us to use the venue.
A massive thank you to Robyn, Ellie and Joe C for organising the event they did an amazing job that required a lot off effort, but it definitely paid off.
Another big thank you to all our performers and East Slope Bar for allowing us to use the venue.
Sussex LGBTQ+ Committee Elections 12/2/2017
Following the earlier announcement, the Society is now taking nominations for Positions on the Committee :-)
Nominate yourself online through our email [email protected] or message our Facebook page.
The Election will take place between the 28th Feb and the 3rd March, location and time have yet to be decided.
Anyone can run for as many positions as they like but can only hold one Rep and one Officer position at any one time.
You have to submit your name; the position you want to apply for and a short paragraph explaining why you think you'd be suited for the role.
During the Election event you will either have to read out your paragraph or ask the invigilator to read it out for you.
The Brighton Rep Position is to be filled by someone who attends Brighton Uni and is a member of their Committee, as nominated by the Chair of UoB LGBT (Currently Sam Palmer)
Nominate yourself online through our email [email protected] or message our Facebook page.
The Election will take place between the 28th Feb and the 3rd March, location and time have yet to be decided.
Anyone can run for as many positions as they like but can only hold one Rep and one Officer position at any one time.
You have to submit your name; the position you want to apply for and a short paragraph explaining why you think you'd be suited for the role.
During the Election event you will either have to read out your paragraph or ask the invigilator to read it out for you.
The Brighton Rep Position is to be filled by someone who attends Brighton Uni and is a member of their Committee, as nominated by the Chair of UoB LGBT (Currently Sam Palmer)
Chris the First Aider 6/2/2017
Following an intensive 3 hour course from the St John Ambulance service Chris (the Chair) is now a qualified First Aider :-D So if you have any problems medically in events where he is present head for him for help :-)
The Unexpected Election 1/2/2017
An announcement was made during a networking lunch attended by Chris, Ellie, Robyn, Lili and Joe C; Society elections have to take place between the 28th Feb and the 3rd March. This was unexpected as usually elections happen at the beginning of the academic year and Sussex LGBTQ+ Society holds its own by-elections at the end of the academic year.
So This makes things a little difficult as LGBTQ+ History Month is running until the 28th Feb, so it's going to be difficult to find the time to get this organized!
That being said we pride ourselves on being the most organized society, so this will happen on time.
As such we are now taking nominations for positions :-) remember;
-You have to be a self-identifying member of the community you wish to represent for Rep positions
-To run for Chair you have to have been on Committee for at least one full academic year
-Vice Chair nominee's must hold at least one other Committee position Rep or Officer
-Any one person can hold only a combination of one Rep and one Officer position e.g. Women's Rep and Finance Officer; not Events Officer and Campaigns Officer.
So This makes things a little difficult as LGBTQ+ History Month is running until the 28th Feb, so it's going to be difficult to find the time to get this organized!
That being said we pride ourselves on being the most organized society, so this will happen on time.
As such we are now taking nominations for positions :-) remember;
-You have to be a self-identifying member of the community you wish to represent for Rep positions
-To run for Chair you have to have been on Committee for at least one full academic year
-Vice Chair nominee's must hold at least one other Committee position Rep or Officer
-Any one person can hold only a combination of one Rep and one Officer position e.g. Women's Rep and Finance Officer; not Events Officer and Campaigns Officer.
History Month 2017
Robyn (Comms) and Chris (Chair) spent 6 hours in the Library on Friday 22/1/2017 planning History Month events. Events this year will include; a roast dinner; a poetry night; a generations panel and a drag themed BlowOut. It is our aim to make this years History Month the best one yet! beating even last years (2016) where we were awarded Best LGBTQ+ Society of the year by NUS and also best event of the year by Sussex Students Union.
Brighton Rep Update
Following Sussex LGBTQ+'s creation of the Brighton Rep committee position UoB LGBT created the sister position.
On the 19th Jan 2017 UoB LGBT held their first committee meeting of the year and their new 'Sussex Rep' Chris (Our Chair) attended. The meeting was held to finalise UoB's plans for LGBT History Month and Chris was able to put across Sussex' plans.
On the 19th Jan 2017 UoB LGBT held their first committee meeting of the year and their new 'Sussex Rep' Chris (Our Chair) attended. The meeting was held to finalise UoB's plans for LGBT History Month and Chris was able to put across Sussex' plans.
Meeting with Sussex Uni Health and Wellbeing
On the 17th Jan 2017 the Chair, Comms and Welfare Officers had a meeting with Beth from the University's Health and Wellbeing department regarding training for the staff that provide these services. A date of 1/2/2017 was confirmed for the training that will be led by the committee in talks and activities aimed at improving LGBTQ+ inclusivity. We are deeply grateful to Beth for being so proactive in organising this training and also including us in it.
Robyn and Charlie appointed to acting positions
Following the events that occurred over the Christmas break to do with the Vice-Chair's removal from the society, Robyn Minshall (Comms Officer) has been appointed Acting Vice-Chair. Whilst Charlie Howard (Disabled Rep) has been appointed Acting Trans Rep. These appointments have been made as these positions are best filled rather than left open.
October Committee Meeting
The meeting was split into two sections because the first half was dedicated to planning History Month and the second half to motions. Some fantastic ideas were developed during the first section and everyone is very excited for February 2017!
The second half of the meeting was used for the motion proposed by Chris (Chair) to create a Brighton Rep on committee, whilst UoB LGBT will create a sister position on their committee. The motion was passed with the following amendment: While the Chair of UoB LGBT shall still nominate someone for the position (preferably themselves) their nominee will have to be approved by the society by a simple majority vote.
The second half of the meeting was used for the motion proposed by Chris (Chair) to create a Brighton Rep on committee, whilst UoB LGBT will create a sister position on their committee. The motion was passed with the following amendment: While the Chair of UoB LGBT shall still nominate someone for the position (preferably themselves) their nominee will have to be approved by the society by a simple majority vote.
Sussex LGBTQ+ wins NUS LGBT+ Society of the Year Award 17/03/16
We are proud to announce that Sussex LGBTQ+ society was yesterday awarded the National Union of Student's award for LGBT+ society of the year.
The society was also highly commended in the category of 'most improved society'. The award comes after LGBTQ+ history month 2016 in Februrary, in which the society organised 22 events in the space on 29 days, including parties, discussion groups, films, panel events and a quiz. Thank you to everyone who has been involved and made the society what it is! |
Statement in support of Luqman Onikosi 10/03/16
Sussex LGBTQ+ stands in solidarity with Luqman Onikosi, who is facing threats from the Home Office of deportation to Nigeria, where he will not be able to access the life-saving treatment he needs for his medical condition. We call on the Home Office to reverse their decision, and immediately grant Luqman leave to remain in the UK. We also call on the University of Sussex to reinstate Luqman on his MA course and publicly state their opposition to Luqman’s deportation.
We recognise that while Luqman’s case is urgent because of the time-sensitive nature of his health, there are many other people facing deportation for various reasons. We therefore would like to strongly oppose the deportation of other individuals, and we support those who wish to be in the United Kingdom for reasons of work, study, residence or otherwise. The deportation of those who are deemed not good enough to stay in the UK does nothing but reinforce nationalism and exclusivity, which are sentiments that have contributed to the horrible circumstances of Luqman’s case.
#DontDeportLuqman
We recognise that while Luqman’s case is urgent because of the time-sensitive nature of his health, there are many other people facing deportation for various reasons. We therefore would like to strongly oppose the deportation of other individuals, and we support those who wish to be in the United Kingdom for reasons of work, study, residence or otherwise. The deportation of those who are deemed not good enough to stay in the UK does nothing but reinforce nationalism and exclusivity, which are sentiments that have contributed to the horrible circumstances of Luqman’s case.
#DontDeportLuqman