About My Role
The LGBT+ Officer represents all students that are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans or Plus identifying. They ensure that the student voice is heard and campaign for better facilities and access. They also run events to bring the LGBT+ community closer together..
About Me
Shwmae pawb! Hello everyone! My name is Zachary Edge but everyone calls me Zac. I am incredibly excited to be your LGBT+ (Open Place) Officer. My pronouns are He/Him and I am a Transgender man. I am a Social Sciences student and I really enjoy it; my favourite area is ethnography and micro-sociology which I hope I can one day utilise in a career in an LGBT+ related field.
I thoroughly enjoy my studies but also see myself as a sociable person, I have been on many committees, including Disney and Musical Theatre and SHAG, giving me experience working on both a society and a student-led service.
The goal for me is to make our learning environment as comfortable and satisfying for every student as possible. Due to my varied experiences from having been on the LGBT+ association and the CU Pride committees over the last two years, I now feel equipped to represent LGBT+ students across Cardiff. As co-president of both the LGBT+ association and CU Pride, I want to bring a fulfilling community experience to the LGBT+ students and make myself as accessible to them for their feedback and needs.
As well as this, I’ve been getting more and more involved in the student union during my time in University. I have sat on the Advice and Welfare exec, Scrutiny committee, senate and Societies exec and now have a more comprehensive understanding of the students’ union and its processes.
My main priorities for the year include:
- Increasing accessibility of gender-neutral toilets, particularly now focusing on the Heath campus. As well as increased awareness about the SU and accessibility to a radar key.
- Having a large active LGBT+ association, with as much representation as possible.
- Continuing the success of the Stand with LGBT+ campaign, looking at extending reach between other Universities based in Wales and further.
Speaking to clothing retailers in Cardiff about accessibility to gender neutral changing rooms, currently setting up meetings with Primark and St David’s to encourage implementing this as well as recognising retailers that already have such policies such as Urban Outfitters..
Ensuring the success and accessibility of the new Trans safe space which has been introduced through Student Support this year.
Liaising with VP Sports to ensure we’re doing all we can to make the Sports clubs in Cardiff as LGBT+ inclusive and accessible as possible.
Communicating with Res-Life to receive updates and feedback on LGBT+ accommodation.
Partnering with the LGBT+ (Women’s place) officer and ensure her priorities are also recognised.
Continue the collaborations between CU Pride, The LGBT+ association and Enfys to provide a comprehensive approach to catering to LGBT+ needs.
Liaising with other campaign officers to improve intersectionality and bring to light issues between all the communities.
• Run a campaign in LGBT+ history month that improves the visibility of LGBT+ issues across University schools, with the hope of highlighting approachable staff members.