Gordon, the President of our LGBTQIA+ Society was recently asked to present a session for the Paramedic Science course. This was delivered as part of the 2nd year students' BHC module and was aimed at providing students with a better understanding of marginalised groups how to support people in the LGBTQIA+ community.

Gordon caught up with our Student Staff member Gemma to reflect on this experience.

What prompted you to give a talk to the students?

I was unexpectedly invited to participate in this event, which genuinely delighted me, as I hadn’t initially realised that I had the opportunity to engage with students on such an important and impactful topic. A faculty member reached out to me, strongly recommending me for this role, which sparked my interest. After some initial hesitation, I decided to take a step back and research the initiative more thoroughly. I also spoke with the lecturer involved, which provided me with valuable insights. Our conversation ignited my enthusiasm and passion for the subject matter, and I became genuinely excited about the prospect of sharing my insights and experiences with the students. I felt this was a chance not only to inform but also to inspire young minds to become more aware and empathetic towards issues facing marginalised communities.

What topics did you discuss?

My presentation focused primarily on the LGBTQIA+ community, especially considering its status as a marginalised group and the various challenges its members face within healthcare settings. I began by sharing personal anecdotes that illustrated my journey and experiences, giving the students a glimpse into my background and motivations for addressing these pressing issues. To emphasise the urgency of the topic, I presented compelling statistics about LGBTQIA+ identities alongside important healthcare-related data. For instance, I highlighted a startling statistic: nearly one in four LGBTQIA+ individuals (23%) have experienced discriminatory or derogatory remarks from healthcare professionals. This finding was among the more benign revelations; we unfortunately addressed numerous other distressing statistics that highlighted the barriers this community encounters when trying to access essential healthcare services. This information visibly shocked the students, illustrating the gaps that still need to be closed.

Furthermore, I recounted my own experiences as a member of the community and shared stories from others—with their consent—to illustrate the real-world implications of the statistics we discussed. We engaged in a constructive dialogue about how the community can effectively respond to these challenges. Together, we explored several strategies, including:

- Finding personalised solutions that cater to individual needs, recognising that every person’s experience and requirements are unique.

- Staying informed with the latest relevant information, ensuring accurate signposting to services and support.

- Practicing kindness and adopting a non-judgmental approach, fostering an inclusive environment for open discussion.

- Keeping current with ongoing issues affecting the community, understanding that advocacy is an ever-evolving journey.

- Refraining from making assumptions about someone's personal story, acknowledging the diversity of individual experiences.

- Understanding that it’s perfectly acceptable to ask questions if you’re uncertain, creating a culture of openness rather than silence.

Additionally, we discussed ways to celebrate the achievements and contributions of LGBTQIA+ individuals by exploring new artists, authors, and musicians, as well as delving into LGBTQIA+ history and heritage. This exploration is critical not only for recognition but also for understanding the richness and diversity within the community. We emphasised the essential role of healthcare professionals in fostering an environment conducive to open dialogue—highlighting the importance of being attentive listeners, possessing the courage to ask relevant questions, maintaining honesty, keeping an open mind, and appreciating that it’s okay to embrace uncertainty when faced with unfamiliar topics.

How did you feel during the talk?

At the beginning of the presentation, I felt a wave of nerves wash over me—a sensation that I believe was apparent to the audience. As someone who cares deeply about the subject matter, I wanted to convey my message effectively. However, as I progressed through the talk, I gradually found my footing, relaxed, and began to truly enjoy the session. My initial apprehension slowly transformed into engagement and excitement as I realised the impact my words could have on the students. It was a reminder that while nerves are natural, my passion for the subject matter could help me connect with the audience on a deeper level.

Were there any questions asked that you hadn't considered before?

I had anticipated and prepared for many pressing issues related to the topic, which minimised the number of questions afterward. Rather than a formal Q&A session, we transitioned into a more casual conversation, creating a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. This openness encouraged students to express their thoughts, share their experiences with me, and ask questions on a one-to-one basis they might not have felt comfortable asking in a more structured environment. Some of the questions they posed offered fresh perspectives that I hadn’t considered before and encouraged deeper discussion, illustrating the value of diverse viewpoints in addressing complex issues.

Was there anything in the feedback you received that surprised you?

The feedback I received from the lecturer was overwhelmingly positive, which was immensely gratifying. I felt a deep sense of relief when I discovered that my message resonated well with the students. What surprised me the most was how engaged they were throughout the presentation; many expressed appreciations for the clarity of my delivery and the relatability of the content I covered. It made me realize that my efforts to weave personal anecdotes with relevant data made the topic more accessible and meaningful. It was encouraging to know that my delivery was engaging rather than awkward or disjointed.

Has this experience inspired you to give future talks?

Absolutely! This talk ignited a newfound passion for public speaking and advocacy within me. I found the entire process incredibly rewarding, as it provided me with an opportunity to educate and empower others. Following this experience, I was fortunate enough to be involved in the recruitment process for incoming first-year students in the adult nursing program at the Lanarkshire campus. That experience was equally rewarding, as it allowed me to connect with a new cohort of aspiring healthcare professionals, encouraging them to consider the importance of inclusivity and representation in their future careers.

Did you learn anything new about yourself or your abilities, particularly regarding public speaking confidence?

As I mentioned earlier, I started off feeling quite nervous. However, as my presentation continued, I noticed a significant boost in my confidence. While a hint of nervousness remained, it was significantly diminished by the end of the session. This experience proved to me that I possess the capability to confront and overcome my fears associated with public speaking. It taught me that stepping outside my comfort zone can lead to personal growth and empowerment, both for myself and those I aim to inspire.

What was your favourite part?

My favourite part was undoubtedly meeting all the attendees and welcoming new members to the LGBTQIA+ society. Witnessing their interest in the topics I discussed and their enthusiastic engagement with the material was incredibly fulfilling. It reaffirmed the importance of these conversations and fuelled my hope for the future. Seeing students connect with the subject matter and actively participate in discussions about inclusivity and social justice made me feel that we are fostering a new generation of advocates and allies, dedicated to making a positive impact in our society. It was a beautiful reminder of the power of dialogue and education in effecting change.

LGBT+ History Month Panel Discussion - LGBTQIA+ Activism

• Gordon has also represented LGBTQIA+ students in activities across the whole university. In March, he spoke as a panel member in the UWS LGBT+ History Month Event.
• The panel was made up of UWS staff and students, who spoke about their experiences and answered questions on how best to approach LGBTQIA+ Activism

One of the key insights from the event was Gordon's advice on how you can be a good ally to support people in the LGBTQIA+ community:

“Being a good ally means; having an open mind, an open heart and listening to both sides of the conversation”.  

A huge thank you to Gordon for giving us an amazing insight and sharing such a positive experience. This is a great example of students taking the lead in representing students and creating a better university experience for everyone.

If you fancy joining the LGBTQIA+ Society, you can sign up here: https://www.uwsunion.org.uk/organisation/6744/

You can also check out all of our wonderful societies here: https://www.uwsunion.org.uk/societies/societies/