There’s a new queer wave in the Student Union Movement in colleges across the country. Here we speak to some of the awesome folk making things happen. They explain what drives them, what needs to be done to make student life better, and they offer advice to young LGBTQ+ people about to enter college. Photos by Babs Daly.

Education policy, local representation and protecting the rights of students.

Rebecca Gorman Vice President for Education DIT SU

For a student to feel safe, they should be able to express themselves freely without the risk of being harmed or put into danger - think we are not there yet. Small changes like allowing name and gender changes on student cards and gender-neutral bathrooms should be the norm, but they are making slow progress in the college structures. We all have a responsibility to support and vocalise the needs of our students, and make sure they feel they are able to ask for what they need.

Find your college family they are there somewhere. Now is your chance to fully explore and discover more about your identity. Come out when you feel safe - your support network is key to carry you through. Provide support to your LGBTQ+ peers too!

“ You are the only person who gets to define who you are.

I focus on the rights of students with disabilities or ongoing illnesses to have a fulfilling and equal student experience.

Muireann O’Sullivan Disability Rights Officer NUIG SU

LGBTQ+ people are significantly more likely to have a mental health difficulty and they should feel supported in university settings by having properly funded mental health services and disability support services. LGBTQ+ students, particularly women, can sometimes have little knowledge of our own sexual health, so it is important to ensure that all students regardless of sexuality or gender identity have access to quality sexual health information. Addressing the specific barriers that disabled LGBTQ+ people may face in accessing and/or feeling welcome in LGBTQ+ spaces is an important goal. We need to challenge misconceptions about disabled people, both within LGBTQ+ and student movements and in wider society.