LGBTQ+

“Throughout my time here at Chesterfield College, I’ve been pleasantly surprised and amazed at the support that’s been available for me. Even during a time when it’s not been safe for me to come out as my own identity, and a time when my identity hasn’t been legally recognised as valid, I’ve personally felt Chesterfield has been there to provide me a safe space, off-the-books to express my own identity. Sometimes, it feels like the world outside can’t see my identity, yet at least the people of Chesterfield College can.

In particular, something that I’ve loved about Chesterfield is how adult and respected I’ve been treated. Whether that’s as part of the LGBTQIA+ community, or joining as an older student from work, I felt that I’ve been able to gain the respect and treatment that’s appropriate for me. Having a more relaxed attitude in general provided me with the breathing space and trust with my tutors which has offered me the right opportunities to be more open, and find support where I’ve needed it most- I can talk to my tutor like I would a colleague or a friend.

What I admire the most in particular is how, even when a problem does arise, be it over my identity or just in general, I’ve always been able to sort it directly with whoever it is in particular, face-to-face in a professional manner. Nobody is perfect, and the same applies to college’s, so it’s telling when a college is able to sort their problems directly and maturely. Furthermore, the people of Chesterfield College present a much more diverse and inclusive audience than other institutes have ever been able to offer me, both in regards to the tutors and the students, coming from a wide array of backgrounds and environments, you can walk around the college now and see for yourself the amazing variety. When first attending the Rainbow Allieance, despite there being more staff than students, I was stunned to find just how many staff were also LGBTQIA+, and knowing that you have the same shared experience as the people you work with makes you feel heard and understood.

Sometimes, it’s just nice knowing the college has your back. Now more than ever, queer minorities are being threatened more and more. I take pride in knowing that, for as long as the law lets them, Chesterfield College will remain commited to protecting my rights, and that of others within their grounds. Ranging from the small things, posters and banners promoting queer safe spaces, or right through to ensuring that name changes can be processed through the system, or that we can use the right bathrooms, I have full faith that Chesterfield College can stand by me.

The opportunities that have been handed to me are likewise spectacular; from the opportunity to help set work for other students to contribute to pride, to that of designing college’s own pride branded products, I’ve througoughly loved working here, College is the personal life for most of it’s students; when it’s your main focus, it becomes that, and so being able to work in a way which intergrates my personal passion into the place I work, makes me feel at home.”

 

Taye Tharris