Democracy is Queer: Meeting the Needs of the LGBTQ+ Student Body by Jack

Democracy is Queer: Meeting the Needs of the LGBTQ+ Student Body by Jack - July 2018 Scholarship Essay

The role of student government is a simple one: to serve the interests of the entire student body and adequately address their concerns. That should mean traditionally underrepresented groups, people frequently rendered invisible by larger society because of deep-rooted prejudices, deserve a part in decision-making for the student community. LGBTQ+ people are no strangers to marginalization and everyday bias, especially on campuses. We make up a prominent portion of the student body at my university, Emerson College, due in no small part to advocacy groups like Emerson's Alliance for Gays, Lesbians, and Everyone, or EAGLE, so we ought to have a strong voice in government. As an openly gay student myself, it would be my responsibility to understand the issues facing this demographic at the school in seeking an office. By running for student body president, I would have the most significant platform to speak about these matters. And because of my connection to this community and our presence here, prioritizing the needs of LGBTQ+ students would be imperative in leaving a mark at the school.

We seek a safe and supportive campus for all queer and trans students. What is the means to achieving this end goal? If I were student body president, I would push for increased availability of gender-inclusive restrooms. I would ensure there is a satisfactory amount of funding for EAGLE. Given that our school is fortunate enough to have offices of Intercultural Student Affairs and LGBTQ+ Student Life, I would consult with their directors in hope of organizing a school-wide conference on gender and sexuality in an effort to teach cultural competency and learn how issues like heterosexism and cissexism meet with other problems like racism, which is also present at the university. I would meet with student government's LGBTQIA+ Commissioner to hear what they have learned from their consultation with queer and trans folks and to learn from them if instructors and other faculty have been compliant with school rules and following advice for teaching trans students, such as affirming gender identity. I would help address any questions with the school's process for name and gender changes. I would advocate for more LGBTQ-focused curricula. I would organize financial aid workshops for LGBTQ+ students, informing them of scholarship opportunities designed specifically for them. In what is often considered an LGBTQ-friendly school, these steps should be taken and measures should be put in place so it lives up to its reputation.

The job of president is not about promoting my own image or gaining a title to add to my resumé. It is about listening to my peers and creating a better experience for the people with whom I interact every day. My time working with other queer people on campus inspires me to seek the role of student body president. I want to ensure that government sufficiently deals with our concerns. This is the task that all groups have for those in power. It is about guaranteeing we all have a strong place in the policymaking process. Making that a reality is the most important effect I can have during my tenure and why I believe I am right for the job.