Alex Thomas recently joined our Student Leadership Team as our new LGBTQIA+ Rep, and they wanted to take the opportunity to introduce themself to you all.
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I am a Stage 1 Social Psychology student and have studied music, drama and creative writing in the past, so I’m returning to university doing something totally different. I’m really interested in gender and sexuality, and hope my studies can support that. I’m disabled and neurodiverse, and have felt very welcome at the OU where I have met other students like me.
Why did you want to become an LGBTQIA+ student rep?
It’s really important to me that LGBTQIA+ people are treated fairly and equally. We face barriers, like not having family support, misgendering, anxiety about being open about who we are, and minority stress. These are things that can be invisible to others but have a very real impact on our health and studies. This isn’t right, and if there is anything I can do to support making your voice heard, I will do it!
How does your queer identity influence your work as a student rep?
I wanted to be a rep to make sure we all have positive experiences, and that our LGBTQIA+ identity is something we can be open about if we choose to, without fear of being treated differently. I came out as non-binary in my last year of studying at Bath Spa University in 2015. I felt awkward and like I wasn’t fitting the system. Academic conversations about gender were limited to cisgender men and women, and I didn't feel confident to challenge this. In the ten years I have been out, things have really changed, and being an LGBTQIA+ student does not have to be a lonely experience.
Can you tell us about past experiences that shaped your approach to this role?
I’ve been so lucky to work in the LGBTQIA+ charity sector, mostly as a youth worker but some adult support as well. This showed me the diversity of the queer community, and taught me to make sure that different perspectives are heard. I also have also talked to lots of people who are nervous about asking for support – maybe thinking they should deal with it themselves or their problem isn’t big enough. If it’s something you want to talk about – no matter what it is – please get in touch. There will be no judgement.
What do you do in your free time when you’re not studying or working as a student rep?
I like to sing, play the ukulele, make art and write poetry. I also have a small dog who is currently harassing me to pay her attention. My favorite places are London LGBT+ Community Centre, Tate Modern and Shakespeare's Globe. I have limited mobility and they are all within a few minutes walk of each other! I also like going to events my local pride group runs, like art and craft meet-ups and drag bingo. When my disability means I need to have a duvet day, I like to watch Taskmaster, Doctor Who, Steven Universe and Our Flag Means Death.