ARYA BARKESSEH (HE/HIM)
LGBTQIA+ Officer
Get to know ARYA
What I StudY
3rd year, BA History.
WHY I BECAME LGBTQIA+ STUDENTS PTO
I became a PTO to better serve my community at LSE this year, especially for international students like myself who are alien to London's LGBTQ+ scene! Becoming a PTO meant that I can help fellow students take advantage of all the resources and excitement that LSE and London has to offer for queer people.
What I’m looking to achieve this year
I hope to increase LGTBQ+ visibility on campus through engaging community initiatives, such as Pride Week, and tribute to LSE's own history and role within the wider British Gay Liberation Movement. I also hope to initiate several sexual and mental health support mechanisms, so every queer LSE student is safe and supported at university.
1. Increasing representation on campus
- Increase the number of gender-neutral toilets on campus
- Build a monument that pays homage to the Gay Liberation Front’s origins at LSE
- Produce a video series that highlights LGBTQIA+ students, alumni and staff on campus, and LSE’s queer history
- Promote modules related to gender identity and sexual orientation
- Decorate campus during Pride Month to celebrate queer visibility
Building community
- Continue freshers’ week LGBTQIA+ events and Pride Week
Securing support for queer students
- Ensure access to free contraceptives
- Establish a buddy scheme to help incoming freshers settle into university
- Expand the number of mental health counselling sessions and support available
LGBTQIA+ STUDENTS GUIDE
Thiago, our previous LGBTQIA+ Officer, created a guide for LGBTQIA+ Students at LSE. It contains guidance on how the School can support LGBTQIA+ students, how LSESU can support LGBTQIA+ students and advice for taking care of your mental, physical and sexual health.
Click here to read the LGBTQ+ Students Guide
End of Term reports
Arya's End of Term report will be found here.
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