“It is time that we all see gender as a spectrum instead of two sets of opposing ideas”
- Emma Watson.

I’m a first-year drama studies student involved in a number of RSU societies, as well as the founder and president of RoePaul’s Drag Society.

I am running for the position of Gender Equality Officer because I care greatly about the equality of all genders- male, female, transgender, non-binary and all that lies between. I am so proud of the steps Roehampton has already made to ensure a positive university experience for all gender identities: gender-neutral bathrooms in the library, tax-free sanitary products in the student shop, and the bystander intervention team. However, I still feel there’s more to be done:

• Sexual assault and consent

I believe sexual assault and consent is one of the primary issues that the university need to address. Whilst I’m proud of the recent Roey Consent campaign, I felt it focused too heavily on consent within relationships which in many cases is not realistic to student life. It needs to be made louder and clearer that in absolutely all circumstances, no means no. Inspired by the recent #metoo and Times Up movements, I want to help all students to feel safe to speak out about sexual assault to raise awareness of the extent of this issue.

• Break down gender norms

I want to minimise the effect gender norms have on student’s experiences both in and outside of lessons. I want to encourage female students to speak out about times they’ve felt patronised or intellectually disregarded, as well as encourage male students to open up about their emotional wellbeing and to seek support when needed. I want to prevent slut-shaming on campus, especially to challenge the idea that an individual cannot be sexy and smart in their own right.

• Representation of transgender and non-binary students

If elected Gender Equality Officer it would be vital for me to address the issues facing students of all genders, and to acknowledge gender as a spectrum. I will work closely with the Trans Officer to address issues affecting transgender and non-binary students, with the aim of making sure they feel as equally respected as any other student. I also want to increase awareness and understanding of gender as a spectrum as I feel it’s an important topic which although is now being more popularly discussed, many students still enter university having never encountered it.

Bottom line:

I would love for the opportunity to work my hardest at ensuring no students experience at Roehampton is disadvantaged because of their gender identity. I believe university is a vital stage in our education because for many this is the last place where we’re learning constantly, before moving on into the ‘real world’. As Gender Equality Officer, I would make it my responsibility to make sure Roehampton students graduate with a strong understanding of gender equality so that they are the smart, considerate, and understanding individuals that make this university proud.