No Straight Answer

Concerned students have recently slammed a JCRC decision to co-opt a heterosexual student as LGBTQ Officer.

However, new James College chair Gareth Dybiec takes a different view: “Our main goal is that the LGBTQ community feels represented within the College and across University. It is my belief that Lewis Patel will do a brilliant job in representing these students.”

Dybiec commented on why Patel will be a good officer, “Although it is true that he does not self-define himself into that group, I have witnessed his passion and determination for this role. We have followed all the correct procedures and tried our best to follow both University and College rules.

“We have managed to come to a happy agreement, with the LGBTQ community, that Lewis’s official title will be ‘Supporting Officer’.

“Although I realise some people may wish to discuss this decision, I am more than happy to sit with anybody who wishes to speak to me.”

However, YUSU LGBTQ Officers Maddie Boden and Conor Roche appeared to have been left in the dark concerning recent changes on James’ JCRC.

“We haven’t even met the person [Patel] who volunteered themselves to help.”

“We do plan on having a discussion about how they might be able to help out the Network, but as of right now the James College LGBTQ rep position is vacant.”

College Officer Mike Britland told Vision: “As far as I’m concerned, it’s entirely a matter for the LGBTQ students of James College to discuss and decide how they’d like to be represented.”

Ex-LGBTQ Officer Helena Horton told Vision, “Regardless of intentions, lived experience is an incredibly important part of the role. LGBTQ students can understand each others sexuality issues in a way that I don’t feel heterosexual people can fully empathise with.”

The LGBTQ Officer protects the welfare of LGBTQ students by holding drop-in sessions, providing information and running college
welfare campaigns.