Press Release: Kingston University's LGBT Society wins national award

Kingston’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans society named the best

Kingston’s LGBT Society (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans) has won Higher Education Society of the Year awarded by the NUS. Charlie Parker is the LGBT Executive for KUSU and he describes the changes at the LGBT that has led to the win.

“Over the past three years the LGBT committee have worked tirelessly to transform LGBT from a small meeting of, predominantly, gay men into a thriving, diverse and equal society.

Proud
We’re extremely proud of the policies and practices we have utilised to encourage more women and students from BAMER (Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and Refugee) communities to sign up as members. For instance we have introduced a women’s officer on the committee, headed our constitution with a strong diversity statement and introduced a ‘safe space’ policy. This ensures that wherever we meet is a place free from discrimination of any kind.

I believe that it is down to our determination to represent these often hard to reach communities that won us the award. We were also credited for our campaign to tackle homophobia in schools, by producing leaflets that were distributed among student teachers to educate them about the problem. Our website was also praised for its professional look and accessibility.

Dedication
However, I personally believe that one of the main reasons we won the award was for our dedication to our service users: the LGBT students of Kingston. It is through a series of simple successes that make us the best in the country. We believe it is essential that the members are listened to – there is no point running an event or campaign if no one is interested. And we cater for all our students – not just the lesbian and gay members, and we actively ensure our activities apply to bisexual students and, the often overlooked, trans students. This all-encompassing outlook, coupled with the best administration practice, means that Kingston LGBT are the Higher Education Society of the Year.

Charlie Parker
Kingston University Students' Union
06/05/2009