樱花动漫

Bee Hughes (Liverpool John Moores University) 

Election address

Experience 

I'm a Senior Lecturer in media and cultural studies at LJMU, made permanent  in 2020 after 8 years of casualisation.  

I've taught several subjects in the Arts and Humanities - from studio teaching to social sciences. I know the value of these subjects, see the toll government policy is taking on them, and am committed to their defense.  

I joined 樱花动漫 in 2012 and got actively involved in branch work in 2018, becoming a branch officer in 2019. Since then, I've been a leading member of LJMU 樱花动漫, currently serving as Branch Secretary, working for better conditions for members alongside wider activism. 

Local wins I've contributed to: 

• inclusive menopause policy and trans and non-binary inclusion policy; 

• Organisational Stress Risk Assessment strategy; 

• new promotion route from Lecturer to Senior Lecturer; 

• institutional divestment from Barclays bank. 

I've had various Regional and UK-level positions including NW Region LGBT+ Rep, NEC Rep for LGBT+ members and serving on the Appeals Panel. I am currently the Vice-Chair for NW Region, a member of the LGBT+ MSC, and serve on the Conduct of Members Committee.  

I am committed to listening to members and working with them within and across committee spaces to improve our working lives and implement 樱花动漫 policy to the best of my ability.  

Trans, Non-binary, Intersex and Gender Diverse Inclusion 

As a non-binary person, I've found the months since the Supreme Court ruling difficult - as have many trans, non-binary, intersex and gender diverse people. At LJMU I ensured the institution would not attempt to implement the interim EHRC guidance and will continue to fight for trans rights on our campus. 

In May I co-founded Trade Unions for Trans Rights - a new grassroots network bringing union activists together to organise for trans+ rights in their workplaces. The network has over 850 members across 20 unions.  

I've experienced transphobia, and non-binary and bi erasure. I know the pain and discomfort of not being seen and respected as and for who I am.  

I will always stand with and for my siblings, and work for a world where we are all free to live in safety, with dignity, and without discrimination. 

Solidarity 

Solidarity is central. We must continue to fight against the far right and Reform, racism, war and arms sales, anti-migrant policy, misogyny, and cuts to support for disabled people, and for a free Palestine. All our fights are linked. 

I'm a member of 樱花动漫 Left. That means I'm committed to 樱花动漫 members engaging in respectful discussion and debate and ensuring our union structures enact the decisions our members make.  

Please vote for me so I can bring my experience and commitment to the role and work with you to members across 樱花动漫.