Maxim Davys

I am only currently a first year but I have been a member since coming to university and have made some of my best friends from it and felt very welcome by all members. This friendliness is something I would also like to continue with both new and old members. Doing a course that has a focus in politics I would hope that I would use the skills I’m learning and have leant in the past in my studies.

As the president of the LGBT I would like to continue to keep the energy that the society has in the work it does. I also feel I am a both a good listener and a good communicator as well as be a reliable person something I would hope that could help the role. I would like to make sure people feel welcome in our society which in my experience is a very close one and very friendly as for some people many have issues with there sexuality that I feel the LGBT society can help them though.

As part of the presidency I would like to try and develop the work of the previous presidents and society teams. I would also like to try and work on doing more charity work with the Society to raise money for LGBT as well as other causes. Also I would like to encourage as many social nights as possible with both the LGBT members and nights run by the LGBT like the successful night of boom as well as trying starting new ones. Working on gaining new members of both first and all other years would be very important to me and also to the society. I would so like to develop the campaign side of the society as well as the welfare of it members such as the campaign to allow gay and bisexual men to give blood.

Seconded by Danny Lyle

I’m seconding Max for president because I believe he is a good leader and I think he understands issues raised in the gay community. He is a talented speaker and a good friend. He is reliable and does his best to see things through. I think he will deal with the responsibility this position requires.

Robert Mansergh

Thanks to the time I have spent with the UPSU LGBT society in the last year, my subsequent growth as a member of the gay community here at the university has been enhanced. As a person, I feel more confident and outgoing and these qualities have overlapped to my degree course. Now I feel that there is something I can give back and this is the reason I present myself as a candidate for President of the society.

I hope that my open minded attitude and commitment will enhance the experience for all those involved with the LGBT. I hope to achieve open and lasting lines of communication with neighbouring LGBT societies, and strengthen our position as a positive contributor to the Portsmouth gay community by building on the strong foundations that past committees have laid down.

Positions on various other committees I have served on in the past have allowed me to gain invaluable experience and knowledge. I am a very organised person and take great pride in my strong abilities to work in teams and to assume the role of a leader. I also believe that as a leader or potential president I will be able to accept the responsibilities that come with the job.

I hope to ensure that the same level of commitment, time, thought and passion that I have for my degree course here at the university is channeled into the LGBT and I believe that I have the strength and energy to achieve the goals I have set out for myself as a potential president of the society, as a member of our gay community and as a future marine biologist.
My ultimate belief is that both existing and new members should have the same opportunities to explore their potential as I have by providing a fun and open atmosphere.

Seconded by Chris Gunner

Rob has proven to be a dedicated and active member of the LGBT, regularly attending meetings and taking part in any event. He is always ready to welcome new people into the LGBT and quickly establishes himself as friendly and genuine.

In addition to being approachable and dedicated, I believe that Rob is perfectly suitable for the role of president due to his admirable work ethic and belief in settling for nothing but the best. His tireless efforts to achieve his full potential on his degree are extremely impressive, and I fully believe that he is capable, and willing, to put as much effort into running the LGBT as successfully.

I am therefore seconding Rob for the role of president as I believe he possesses all the qualities a great leader should: unwavering commitment, a strong sense of dedication and professionalism, and a genuinely kind and loyal personality. I have no doubt that he would achieve great things as president of the LGBT.

Sean Taylor

I, Sean Taylor, would like to run for the position of president within UPSU LGBT at the upcoming elections.
I am applying for the above position because I wish to make a difference within the society, and more widely, the LGBT community. Through the past year of my membership with the society, and as a student at the University of Portsmouth, it has become apparent to me that there is a vast number of the student body that may be gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans, or even just plain confused who aren’t members of UPSU LGBT. I am aware of how these students may feel and how daunting joining a society such as ours can be. I will use my role of president to reach out to these members and to make the society a warming, welcoming place for them to come to relax, socialise, and talk with other people in the same situation as themselves. I want them to be able to talk openly about issues important to them without the fear of judgement, or having a stigma, or various stereotypes attached to them and I want to make the society a place where they feel they can belong, as acceptance is such an important issue for young people today.

I have also experienced a lack of cohesion between members in the society. In addition to reaching out to the wider LGBT community at the university, I aim to improve relationships between current members. I feel there is exclusion of people, and this is unacceptable. We are a society that promotes the diversity and rich culture of life, and if we are not welcoming members of our own community then we are failing. I want to make other members aware of the needs of other people, and urge for a more welcoming attitude. I am to do this through talks and workshops, improved social meetings, and the opportunity for all members to talk with one another, on an individual and group basis.

If given the opportunity to be president, I would continue to maintain current relationships with the LGBT community locally, and nationally, and maintain relationships with the Student’s Union. I would also seek to create new relationships for the benefit of all. I would like to raise the profile of UPSU LGBT within the union, and on a local and national stage.

Why do I feel I would be a good candidate? A president, whether it be of a country, an international cooperation, or a society, is a leader. Throughout my life, both personal and working, I have demonstrated the qualities of a good leader. I am diplomatic and have the ability to coordinate people. I have had such experience previously, in being the chair of the student council both at secondary and 6th form level and I’ve had vast experiences in working as part of, and leading a team in a number of projects, in school life, and work life.

All this considered, I hope that I’m the right candidate for us.

Seconded by Araba Molly Acquaisie

Sean Taylor has decided to apply for the presidency of the University of Portsmouth LGBT society and I feel that this role would be very suitable for him. Since the start of the academic year, Sean has been an active member of our society, not only by attending meetings but by participating in many of our activities, such as the World Aids Day abseil at the Civic Offices in Portsmouth and the sexual health awareness meetings we have had.
Sean has always been interested in the direction of our society and the part it plays in his life. He has always expressed a wish to play a bigger role in our society as he feels he could do a lot more than being a member. Having worked with Sean before on several projects, I feel he shows the leadership skills that needed in a role such as the one he is applying for. With his keen interest in our society and the welfare of its members, I believe if he were to become the president of our LGBT society, we could only become stronger as a group.