Name:
Alex Thomas
My role:
LGBTQIA+ Representative
Information about my role:
As LGBTQIA+ Student Representative I represent the views of LGBTQIA+ students at the OU. I work with Open SU at all levels to ensure your voices are heard. I collaborate with other student leaders, and you can get in touch with me if you want to discuss any needs, feedback or experiences you have had as an LGBTQIA+ student.
My priorities for the 2024–26 term:
I want to make sure that everyone knows their voice is valued, and feel confident and comfortable being open about their LGBTQIA+ identity. I will be actively creating campaigns and responding to ongoing changes in the wider LGBTQIA+ community that affect students at the SU. I want to work with other students on this to ensure diversity of perspectives and experiences. I commit to the statements made by Ross Thorne and Lauren Atkin-Hill in their Belonging matters – our support for trans students news article.
What I’ve been up to and what I’m currently working on:
I’ve been doing a lot of training and reading, and am looking forward to attending Transgender Awareness Week events.
What I'm studying:
I’m studying Social Psychology and am currently taking DD102 ('Introducing the Social Sciences').
What I do when I’m not studying:
I am a non-binary queer person, with physical disabilities, ADHD and dyslexia. I recently learnt the term ‘multi-disciplinary artist’ which is the quick way of saying I sing, play instruments, write and make visual art. I am also disabled so I spend a lot of time in bed with my dog, who has no complaints about chilling out with me. I live with my wonderful partner, and we like going to music and comedy gigs.
My favourite queer resources:
- Queer AF – a brilliant news website that also publishes articles about different queer experiences.
- Spectra – offers social and support groups (both in person and online) to transgender and non-binary people, plus sexual health services and support for young people.
- Switchboard – a phoneline and webchat service for LGBTQIA+ people looking for information and emotional support.
- What The Trans – a fantastic podcast that talks about transgender current events in the UK and worldwide.
- LGBT History Month – works with schools to increase visibility of LGBTQIA+ history.
- London LGBTQ+ Centre – a community centre near Blackfriars which is a safe space for queer people to meet. They host workshops and events, clothes swaps and book swaps.
Where to find me:
Email:
Please note that a handful of Open SU staff team members have access to this mailbox.