WNB AND LGBTQ+ CANDIDATES

Women and Non-Binary Students’ Officers have driven campus events and created change to benefit the lives of women and non-binary students. Through events, campaigns, and lobbying, the Officers represent self-defining women and non-binary people on campus. They also lead the Women and Non-Binary Students’ Network which is supported by a committee - in 2023 the Network set to change names Gender Liberation, promoting more inclusivity.

TILLY GOSLING (SHE/HER) AND SOPHIE BEEVER (SHE/THEY) | A VOTE FOR US IS A Education | Genetics | First Year VOTE FOR VISIBILITY, SUPPORT AND INCLUSIVITY

2023 saw the change of the network to ‘Gender Liberation’. Beyond this, what other steps will you take to ensure the network is inclusive and representative of all students at York?

We aim to focus on reaffirming the place of women, non-binary, and trans students at the University, ensuring equal representation in committees Uni-wide. Normalising discussions around identity is so key in creating an inclusive community, and we want to create opportunities where students can build relationships with their peers free of judgement. If elected, we will give a platform to students, and really provide a place for them to project what they want, and need, to thrive.

What should the University’s next merch line be?

A series of t-shirts for graduates simply saying ‘finally’.

Three Key Manifesto Points

1. Aim to tackle gender discrimination within University sports and create a safe environment within York’s social scene.

2. Create a welcoming and supportive community that provides social and professional opportunities.

3. Increase awareness of current gender-based issues around campus and effectively signpost to relevant help.

The LGBTQ Officer is responsible for representing the views and needs of LGBTQ students and making sure they are taken into account by the Students’ Union and the University. They run campaigns to make York a more inclusive and diverse place for LGBTQ people and see that awareness of LGBTQ issues is increased. They also lead the LGBTQ Network which is a student group which exists to help LGBTQ students get to know each other, run discussions, relaxed meetings, and gets involved with events like York Pride.

FREDDIE (HE/THEY) AND FRAN (THEY/THEM) | LIBERATION, INTERSECTIONALITY AND

His/Pol | English | @freddienfran4lgbtq ACCESSIBILITY:

Transforming The Queer Experience

How would you improve YUSU and the University’s support for trans students, in light of government policy?

We reiterate our unconditional support for the Trans community, the fight for inclusion is always an uphill struggle. Speaking from non-binary/genderqueer perspectives, both institutions should receive more specialist training on issues faced by trans students. We would also advocate for both institutions to carry out a consultation open to our community to gage issues specific to York LGBTQ+ students. We believe in giving a voice to the most vulnerable to promote an inclusive environment.

What should the University’s next merch line be?

Although the University does provide a plethora of fantastic merchandise, there needs to be merchandise that celebrates the diversity of our community here in York. We would support the idea for more intersectional and genderfluid merchandise that represents the increasingly diverse communities that we are proud to have at the University!

Three Key Manifesto Points

1. Putting additional pressures upon the University and IT services to reconfigure student ID cards.

2. Putting additional pressures upon York Council to provide safe spaces for our disabled /neurodivergent communities at York Pride.

3. Consulting the University on their strategy towards free speech events for the protection of our communities.