Lesbian not allowed to have a say in LGBT representative

[TaylorLangrish]

Hi,

I've never posted here, but I'm confused and angry with my Student Union.

They are currently in the process of electing new student representatives for the academic year 2023-24. To vote for certain positions (BAME rep, Women's rep, etc.) you must confirm that you are a member of that group. After confirming I am a lesbian I was told I was not eligible to vote for the LGBT rep because (and quoting the website) "You are not a member of this group - Membership of 'Self Defining Groups - Non-Binary'".

I genuinely feel sick, and I have no idea what I'm supposed to do. I am a lesbian, I know what homophobic harassment can feel like and how little protection there is already and yet I'm not allowed to have a say in who represents me in my own student union.

A part of me feels like I should say something to someone but at the same time I'm terrified of rocking the boat and what speaking out would mean for my own safety.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated <3

What even is Trans Misogyny!?

There will be an office in your university which oversees the activities of your Student Union, and liaises with them. See if you can find out where/what it is, and contact them.

You have been unlawfully excluded under the 2020 Equalities Act as far as I can see.

I know when I faced a student complaint (oh yes, of "transphobia") it came via the student union, and the HR people I was dealing with were in pretty close contact with the SU, over this matter & advising about process in any future such complaints. Actually, they were able to shut down the SU somewhat, because of the Equalities Act & my protected characteristic.

Good luck! Happy to try to help further in wading through university websites if you need support.

TaylorLangrish · Today 16:03

I have also contacted an academic, who isn't in my department but is a GC lesbian expressing my fears and I'm hoping she might have some advice

It's hardly surprising that you have anxiety, given the current climate! I'm so glad that you've found someone to connect with, who can support and advise you. It's all so insidious, this cold shouldering and bullying of people like you, if you dare to step outside the bounds they dictate.

@BlueHeelers Thank you so much, I appreciate that.

I haven't heard of an office like that at my university, I've had a quick look but have not seen anything.

I wasn't actually excluded from voting for the rep, I was just told that I was, which did cause me a lot of anxiety. I'm now just nervous about whether I did the right thing

I understand that challenging this yourself is frightening, which is why I recommend you get the EHRC involved. Ask them to step in.

Phone: 0808 800 0082

My eyes rolled so much at this I can see behind me.

Same here!

Hi Everyone,

I just wanted to come back and thank everyone for all the support, it really was appreciated. Unfortunately, I don't have much of an update, other than I never heard back from my SU, which isn't really surprising. I'm wondering if it's worth trying to contact one of the reps and explain what happened and my lack of response, or if I should leave it.

I also never heard back from the GC academic, although my sister (who has connections with her as they are in the same discipline) has said she gets a lot of online abuse and as a result doesn't check her emails very frequently. I've thought about going to her department, but I'm on a big campus and I'm not 100% sure where it is.

I know that's probably not the update people were hoping for, but I will post again if I hear back from the SU or the academic.

Thank you all again for your help ❤

TaylorLangrish · Today 09:45

I also never heard back from the GC academic, although my sister (who has connections with her as they are in the same discipline) has said she gets a lot of online abuse and as a result doesn't check her emails very frequently. I've thought about going to her department, but I'm on a big campus and I'm not 100% sure where it is.

What about writing her a physical letter? You can put your details on the back as a return if not delivered, she'd see that an abusive idiot wouldn't do that and definitely open it. MPs say that they always read and reply to letters, emails much less so.

My MP has all her mail opened by an assistant first and only sees things the assistant thinks are important. Lots of evidence here in Wales that Senedd members never get to see anything their assistants deem of no interest to them. And yes, we've tried letters and even registered letters.

Blimey, Patti. That said, it's unlikely that a university academic will have lackeys to open and screen her post.

totally correct there, @SinnerBoy I get around 30-40 emails a day. Absolutely no assistance with any admin work.

There was a fair amount of evidence here in Scotland that MSP's office staff were withholding correspondence from constituents expressing concerns about the GRR Bill.

@SinnerBoy , I've thought about that, I'm just trying to track down the right address for her department (at the minute it seems like the only address is the University one). I have also considered just going to her department, but that might be slightly more difficult