As it’s LGBTQ+ History Month 2025, we caught up with our LGBTQ+ Student Rep and Equality Ambassador, Chris, to chat about their role in celebrating diversity within the North Hertfordshire College community.
Why did you decide to apply for the Student Equality Ambassador role?
“During my first year at NHC, I joined the LGBTQ+ Society and found it incredibly welcoming. I had recently moved to the area and was keen to find a safe space to be myself following a negative experience at my previous school. I was so happy to find the support and openness available to me at the LGBTQ+ Society.
“Near the end of the year, I realised that some key members of the society were progressing on to university or employment, and I was determined to make sure the group could still run. When I found out about the Equality Ambassador role and the opportunities it could bring, I jumped at the chance to apply!”
Tell us about some of the key responsibilities involved in your role.
“One of the most important parts of my role as Equality Ambassador is ensuring effective safeguarding for the LGBTQ+ student-community. The LGBTQ+ Society continues to provide a safe space for students to share suggestions and ideas which I’ve found super helpful when it comes to safeguarding.
“I’m also passionate about boosting the visibility of our LGBTQ+ community. I’m hoping to hold a series of picnic events at our rainbow bench in the summer term as a way of celebrating our diversity as a college, and we’re decorating our base room as part of an LGBTQ+ project with our PAD Tutor, Jodie! I’ve been allowed to book the college minivan for trips with the LGBTQ+ Society, too! I’m planning to take us to the LGBTQ Museum, and Gay’s The Word bookshop in London so we can celebrate LGBTQ+ history.
“Another huge part of my role as Equality ambassador is ensuring that our campuses continue to be completely safe and accessible for all students. I will soon be sending out a student-survey so we can address any specific accessibility concerns and I’m working with the college to launch a call-line so students can express any behavioural or wellbeing concerns.”
What has been a highlight of your time in this role so far?
“I’d say that being able to see the impact of my work has to be the highlight of the role. I had a friend who joined college and started off quite shy, after joining the LGBTQ+ Society, they felt comfortable enough to become a Deputy Ambassador! They’re now involved in some really exciting projects like speaking to local politicians about street lighting, safety and LGBTQ+ issues. I’m so proud that I’m helping important voices be heard!”
How do you feel this role will compliment your career goals?
“I think the experiences I’ve had in this role so far demonstrates my initiative and priorities to future employers. My role has already helped me secure a place on a film course at one of my dream universities, and I’m excited to continue championing equality and diversity during my studies there.”
Once you finish your course with us, what are your plans for the future?
“I’d love to work in film, mainly pre-production and production. I hope to provide on-screen representation through drawing on themes like equality, feminism, and the human experience. I would like audiences to explore what it’s like being ‘out of the norm’, featuring people who aren’t experiencing life in the ‘typical way’. These ‘out of the norm’ experiences are shared by thousands of people and deserve representation and further exploration.”
Any closing thoughts or advice?
“Someone loves you. They will find you. Keep pushing because you will find your person, space, or passion. It can be hard, but if you push through, your happiness will be so well deserved.”
A huge thank you to our fantastic NHC Equality Ambassador, Chris, for making time to chat to us!