On National Day for Staff Networks earlier this week, colleagues from across the University met with network members for a campus walk in the sunshine to get to know each other and explore what our networks offer. We spoke to Keira Thomas, Senior Student Engagement Co-Ordinator and Co-Chair of the LGBTQ+ Staff Network, who told us what she loves about her role at Sussex and how the network supports LGBTQIA+ staff.  

When I was younger, I wanted to be a teacher. I started working in education in my twenties and very quicky realised I didn’t want to be a teacher, as homework has never been my friend. Student support was a better fit for me, whether helping students with additional needs or providing pastoral support in a specialised engagement programme for 14 to 16 year olds (which was a hard graft, but I loved it!). I believe in a humanistic approach - student support works in line with my personal values in that sense. I’m also EDI Champion for the Division for the Student Experience, and a Mental Health First Aider at Sussex. 

I have the utmost respect and admiration for my team, Student Engagement and Enhancement. Not only because of their hard work and commitment to provide a platform for student voices and enhance belonging in various ways at Sussex, but because of the genuine care for our students, their journeys, and their wellbeing. All of this makes me a very proud member of our team. I enjoy supporting all of the workstreams involved and seeing wonderful, creative collaborations come to fruition to engage students of diverse identities and backgrounds as part of our Access and Participation Plan. The work we do is close to my heart as I am part of an under-represented group, as a lesbian.  

It’s truly wonderful to co-chair a dedicated and supportive LGBTQ+ Staff Network committee. They nurture inclusivity, belonging, and meaningful connections within the LGBTQIA+ community at Sussex. We stand tall and proud in amplifying and echoing LGBTQIA+ voices. Holding regular events for our members (with some events open to allies) to commemorate and celebrate key LGBTQIA+ dates throughout the year, we provide a safe space for our members to connect. Working closely with the Trans and Non-Binary Staff Network, we wholeheartedly stand united with all our trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming staff and students. We’re also in regular contact with chairs of the other staff networks to deliver joint events that encourage social connectedness for staff with intersectional identities. 

I’m a lover of nature and really like the University’s rural location - except when I tried mountain biking for the first time last year in the outskirts. I have flashbacks until this day! That aside, we’re so lucky to have such beautiful spots of Mother Nature on our doorstep. It’s so lovely seeing students and staff enjoying this when the sun is beaming on campus.  

Away from work, the activity that make me lose track of time is a solo mini adventure with a backpack, an open mind and an open road. 

When facing challenges in life, the wisest words shared with me are: “Whatever you’re going through, there’s always someone going through something worse”. Quality advice from the legend that is my Mum! It’simportant to see from different perspectives.