LinkedIn Edition: Sharing my LGBTQIA+ programme graduation speech

I just wanted to share the speech I made when graduating from my university's LGBTQIA+ Empowerment Programme in June 2024.

"The LGBTQIA+ Empowerment Programme – The most necessary initiative for Queer students in Higher Education

One note before I begin talking about my reflections: I moved to London 3 years ago at the age of 18, and stayed in the closet firmly up until the day after moving here, and do not have any immediate family for support, as an Estranged Student. I have adverse life experiences, like all of the Queer people I meet, and there have been times I have felt the need to compartmentalise my queer identity for a shot at normalcy and achieving my career and education ambitions. I don’t feel that way anymore because of this programme.

It was exactly the kind of opportunity students needed; like a weight lifted, it has been a chance to engage with each other in situations and spaces where we could freely talk and express ourselves – what our lives actually look like, acknowledging all of the political topics that affect us constantly, and being able to decompress while focusing on our wellbeing. Even in an educational space as progressive as this university, it can just become normal to feel the need to conform. This programme enabled me to feel positive about the opportunities open to me without thinking about diminishing my queer identity and excited for my career and future. 

It allowed me to see the bigger picture; this is not only about queer joy and it's not only about the current political state, historical struggles or those problems that still need to be overcome. We have to focus our energy into ourselves, and we need each other for that, especially if we want to involve ourselves in the mission for a better future for all.

Queer spaces to me are most importantly about not needing permission to be yourself and being safe enough to do so, so seeing this form around me, allies and queer people alike, is an extremely positive and powerful thing. It is so important that we hear about other people's stories because our individual lives all affect each others, and we all need to feel hopeful about our futures. It has made me reflect on the sanctity of my queer identity and made me feel more optimistic and empowered, as well as renewed my enthusiasm and strength for positive social change going forward."