My name is David Hockham, I’m the new chair of the LGBT+ staff community after being co-vice chair for the previous year. I manage the Bathway Theatre, the universities dedicated drama facility in Woolwich. I have a husband, a cat and my favourite colour is purple.
As chair I’m really looking to support the great energy and activity of the community. I want to bring together and co-ordinate the communities programme of activities: raising awareness, empowering individual’s and celebrating LGBT+ Cultures. I’m there to ensure there are spaces for conversation, both formally and informally and with the wider exec committee, take forward the community’s concerns to senior teams whilst also sharing our successes across the university.
We welcome LGBT+ Staff and Allies to join us. Having people working with us to champion positive change within the university and beyond means a lot to us. It’s also a chance to meet people from across the university, talk with colleagues and find more about each other.
To join us email LGBT@gre.ac.uk
Upcoming events
Look out for our Rainbow W/rites event, 26 November, QA063 5pm-6.30pm with new poetry (and short prose) by Greenwich Creative Writing Students.
As well as Professor David Evan’s Inaugural Lecture on 1 December marking Worlds Aids Day Online, 5pm-6pm.
We also have a number of socials throughout December!
We have a proactive exec committee including
Vice Co-Chairs: Idris Goni and Mike Hatherly
Secretary: Ciprian Alupei
Inclusion Officer: Reid Dudley Pierson
General Members:
- Maira Pasmaki
- Panagiotis Pentaris
- Alexander Rose
- Cherry Smith
- Andrew Macquarrie
Here’s what some of the exec committee said about why they are involved
I decided to put myself forward for a role as an Executive Officer of the LGBT+ Staff Community this year because I have thoroughly enjoyed being a member over last year, and giving input in projects and social events. I feel that I will be able to use the skills I have to help further inclusivity within the University, particularly relating to University systems.
It has allowed me to connect with colleagues from all over the University that I would never normally cross paths with. It has given me an opportunity to be a voice to our LGBTQ+ colleagues, and to make sure we are accounted for and listened to by senior leadership.
Being part of the executive committee is to me a proactive way to get involved in the ongoing process of making the university a place where I can be proud of myself and the work that I’m doing. Getting to know those from across different areas of the university who have a similar shared experience to myself helps me to feel confident and empowered.
