Pride, Power and Independence

On the morning of Saturday 4 July, this image was projected onto my wall by the sun as it shone through the window. I'm not superstitious, and won't be calling the tabloids, but this symbol is the labrys. The labrys, or double-headed axe, is a symbol used by lesbians to represent power and independence. 4 July was, not only American independence day, but London Pride day, which is why I took the picture.

Pride is my favourite day of the year. We are able to celebrate our power and independence, while protesting against those that set out to stem it. The meaning of pride varies with different people, and it is this variety - diversity - that I celebrate at Pride.

My time at Kingston University has come to an end. I have the difficult task of handing over and letting go of the LGBT campaign at the students' union, but I'd like to take this opportunity to talk about what that time has meant to me, and the pride that I feel when I talk about Kingston LGBT.

Almost three years ago I joined Kingston LGBT with the intention of crushing some personal deamons and socialising in a space where I could feel comfortable. I signed up to become secretary of the society, and I was voted in. During this time I realised what I wanted to change and made an effort to become more involved. I wanted to make sure Kingston University had a safe place for LGBT people to meet without any discrimination, of any kind. This could only be achieved through diversity. We needed more women, more black and asian students, more disabled students and students from a wider range of ages. I feel we've achieved two of those goals. The membership is now over half women and over one third are from non-white ethnicities or backgrounds. The society feels more diverse and welcoming than it ever has. I feel I've achieved what I set out to do, but I must thank a few people for this.

Mark Callaby - for having a society in place when I arrived at Kingston and supporting me throughout my time here (we'll forget about the GNT spat at the AGM).

James Collier - for the orginal website and remaining sane. For allowing me to walk all over your job without permission until I was elected LGBT exec. and for making me shake with laughter while Richie attempted to hold a meeting together.

Richie Kuncusz - all is forgiven, indirectly you kicked us into action. I think you made us realise our potential.

Ben Rumer - Sorry we never got to go to Brighton, but I didn't fancy risk assessing 'sleeping on the beach'. Thanks for your constant enthusiasm and I'm sorry for letting 'playing by the book' meaning you had to step down when Corey did.

Corey Hogan - Wonder woman. The deal was that you did the talking and I did the background work. Children weren't worked into that plan. You were always the better president. Thanks for shoving me into the limelight - I wouldn't have done it myself.

Hannah Smith - For experiencing the same disappointments about the NUS and KUSU.

James Lea - For having a good time and not involving yourself in the committee arguments.

Paul Watson - For the website. We'd be truly fucked without you.

Matt Good - Sometimes we didn't take you seriously. Sometimes I wish we did.

Christine Daniel - You're always there. You understand people. Good luck.

Karisa Lundberg - For teaching me about everything about America that I've been too stupid to pick up from pop-culture.

Lil Mustafa-Holzapfel - You really are an excellent advocate for LGBT rights (no matter what anyone says in a survey)

Martin Smith - The similtaneous anger and love I felt with you is matched by no one. I wish you the best of luck, whatever you do.

Ed Hardwick - You didn't need a parent - I needed someone to look after. Sorry for the countless times I've patronised you and been a drunken lech

Seb Garcia - I would have listened to anything you had to say when we lived at Alston Close, but you always remained out of my arguments. Thank you.

Jo Fraser - My best friend. For taking everything I've thrown at you. For your unfaltering kindness and determination to achieve what is right. For allowing me to get so drunk I can barely see. For looking after me.

Lee - For the bits that no one else gets to see. For when I can't keep up the iron-front. I love you.

To everyone else (and I know I've missed people) I wish you all pride, power and independence. You need nothing more.