LGBT Freshers - help from NUS and the Pink Paper

Added on 07/08/2008

Get help at your event!

We know how important freshers events are for LGBT societies. They are the first opportunity for new students to find out about what you do, how to get involved, and for many the first time they have met other LGBT people. That's why it's important to get it right, and NUS can help. We have free LGBT posters that you can use to decorate your stall and advertise your LGBT group. We also have an LGBT Commitee ready and willing to come to your event and help out - setting up your stall, talking to students and whatever else you need!

If you would like a representative at your event this year, please email lgbt@nus.org.uk.

We only have a limited number of committee members so help is limited and will be allocated on a first-come first-served basis, but will we do our best to get to as many as we can!

Free Pink Paper Student Supplements

Get the UK's biggest gay publication for free! Pink Paper is keen to distribute copies to as many student unions as possible. If your LGBT society wants to receive copies, just visit PinkPaper.com and click on the distribution button. It's all entirely free! If you need help email patrick.preston@millivres.co.uk.

NUS LGBT and Pink Paper join forces

We are also very pleased to be NUS LGBT's official student guide this year and have just appointed a Student Editor, Dave O'Leary (dave@pinkpaper.com) to make sure we're serving you all year round!

The Pink Paper is an ideal freebie for Freshers!

Are you interested in writing for the student supplement or featuring in a case study? If the answer to either of those questions is yes, email pink@phillipechiarella.com

New NUS LGBT Committee elected

Added on 21/07/2008

Congratulations to all of those elected to this year's NUS LGBT Committee, an almost entirely new team to take forward the LGBT campaign in 2008/09! You will find below their regional and caucus responsibilities. If you would like to contact any one of the LGBT Committee, please email lgbt@nus.org.uk.

NUS LGBT Committee 2008/09:

LGBT Officer (Open Place): Daf Adley
LGBT Officer (Women's Place): Lucy Brookes
NUS Scotland LGBT Officer: Tom French
NUS Wales LGBT Officer: Kay Barnes
NUS USI LGBT Officer: Chris Geddis

Open Place Committee Members:

Wes Morrison (West Midlands)
Alan Bailey (North West)
Rich Doughty (East Anglia)

Women's Place Committee Members:

Vicki Baars (North East)
Jen Daffin (North West)
Laura Poultney (South West)

Caucus Committee Members:

Trans Rep: Harri Weeks (London)
Black Students' Rep: Mas Naina (London)
Bisexual Students' Rep: Sophia James (North East)
Disabled Students' Rep: Emily Bowyer (South East)
FE Rep: Ian Campbell (North Midlands)

Click the photograph to see the full sized image.
Pictured:
Back Row (L-R)
Kay Barnes, Trinity College Students' Union // Trinity College Carmarthen, University of Wales
Laura Poultney, University of Bath Students' Union // University of Bath
Emily Bowyer, Newman Students' Union // Newman University College
Harri Weeks, University of Manchester Students' Union // University of Manchester
Lucy Brookes & Daf Adley, NUS LGBT Officers
Mas Naina, SOAS Students' Union // SOAS, University of London
Alan Bailey, University of Salford Students' Union // University of Salford
Front Row (L-R)
Tom French, Edinburgh University Students' Association // Edinburgh University
Jen Daffin, Lancaster University Students' Union // Lancaster University
Wes Morrison, University of Warwick Students' Union // University of Warwick
Vicki Baars, Leeds Met Students' Union // Leeds Metropolitan University
Sophia James, Leeds University Union // University of Leeds

Pride on the streets of London

Added on 11/07/2008

NUS LGBT was among the many tens of thousands marching in Saturday's (5 July 2008) Pride London parade.

This year's parade had a fairytale/myth theme making the event just as, if not more, colourful than usual. London's new mayor, Boris Johnson, lead the parade in a cowboy hat.

Said LGBT Officer Daf Adley: "Of particular importance to us was recognising that we live in a global community and are fighting, alongside the struggles we face, for the rights of people in countries that aren't as privileged as us. So we were proud to march with Polish LGBT activists from Kampania Przeciw Homofobii in conjunction with our Love.Europe.Right project.

"We encourage you all to take part in your local Pride marches this summer."

Helping estranged students

Added on 06/06/2008

Estrangement is a term that almost all students have probably come across – via their student loan application forms – but one that few probably understand or will ever have to face. For those students whose relationship with their parents has broken down it can be a difficult and daunting process.

NUS published a report into the experiences of estranged students in higher education. The report details about exactly where the problems lie for estranged students, and recommends solutions for government departments and local authorities.

The study has already received a positive reception – with the Pink News highlighting it last month.

Nia Griffiths MP has laid down an early day motion (EDM) asking the government to take forward the recommendations of our report. We want as many MPs as possible to back this EDM, so please email, visit or write to your member of parliament asking them to sign this EDM. The more signatories we get, the more attention it will get in Parliament.

Writing couldn’t be easier – we’ve created a model letter and you can find your MP with the widget below. We've also created a lobbying guide so you can get other students involved and help further the message.

Order the trans equality quide

Added on 28/05/2008

Copies of the new guidance on trans equality in post-school education are now available to order. Email us to order a copy today.

Download a PDF version here.