Notes on ELGBTA meeting
18 May 2017
University of Essex
Room 5A.330
AttendeesLiz Algar – Acting Chair
Kaez Condon
Lewis Davey – Terence Higgin Trust
Matt Hill – Essex County Fire and Rescue Service
Vinnosh Kumak – Students’ Union – UoE
Karen Stephenson
Shamrika Sydes – Basildon County Council
Jon Tilley – Thurrock Council
Teresa Warren / Apologies
Natalie Cattell – Essex County Council
Allan Hildon - UoE
Madelyn Wright – The Wright Fit
Matt Forrester-Shaw – Essex Police
Sophie Milner – Terese Higgins Trust
Robert Taylor – UoE
Maz Brook - UoE
Apryl Hammett – Essex Libraries
Alesander Genov – UoE
Minutes
Minutes of last meeting approved.
Matters arising
Careers Event – although numbers were small, Liz Algar reported that a student gave her great feedback from the event. He really felt it made a difference to him and he felt less excluded. This event should continue to run but we need to make sure that we choose a good date that does not clash with London Pride, etc.
‘One Essex’ Inclusivity and Community Campaign – KS explained that this is a county-wide initiative by the University of Essex working with partners such as Colchester Borough Council, Firsite, etc. All ELGBTA members were invited to participate and badges were given out.
Essex Pride 24 June 2017 – Chelmsford
Shamrika will display the ELGBTA banner at her stall and she and Matt Hill will distribute the ELGBTA business cards. Apryl Hammett and Natalie Cattell have very kindly offered their help as they too will have stalls at the event.
KS pointed out that if the ELGBTA would like their logo on the Essex Pride web page, it will cost approximately £100. Donations will be needed so if anyone would like to contribute, please contact KS at .
Inclusivity Event - 3 July 2017 from 6:00 – 7:15 followed by a drinks reception at the University of Essex
This will be more of an inclusive event around ‘Intersectionality’ and diversity. There will be three expert Speakers from the University community and a Panel discussion. The event will be opened by Aletta Norval, PVC Education at the University. The main session will be followed by a drinks reception with a chance to network with other LGBT+ practitioners and researchers.
Facebook and Twitter presence – Hannah Hunt has beenTweeting and Madelyn Wright has been trying to update our Facebook account, but help is needed. Please let KS know if you would like to help with marketing on social media.
Future events
Various suggestions were mooted:
Half-day conference – Matt Hill suggested that ELGBTA should hold a learning event - keeping it corporate – perhaps linked to the Careers Event or as part of LGBT History month in February 2018.
Nursery Event
Careers Event
KS will report back to Liz Algar after 24 May when she has had a skype call with Stonewall for guidance on ideas.
It was decided that a small working party will need to be set up for the next event which will probably take place in February 2018.
Any other business
Action Points
Matt Hill to send list of Housing Association members to ELGBTA members.
Donations needed from Alliance members for logo on Essex Pride website.
KS to find out about Colchester Pride at Firstsite. (Sally Shaw is the Director of Firstsite – Tel: 577067)
Shamrika Sydes – Basildon Council – 65-seater bus going to London Pride - £11 per ticket – she will send me the link.
Teresa Warren – training for nursery staff needed in February 2017.
Liz Algar to send link to Chechnya – concentration camps for Gay people. Amnesty petition.
Colchester Festival on 24/25 August KS to find out more.
Date of next meeting : The next meeting will take place at Essex County Fire and Rescue. LA to liaise with Matt Hill on dates, probably early September.