LGBTQIA+ Public Figures write open letter supporting Kacey’s campaign for DGS:
You can read the letter in full below:
“Dear Editor,
We’re writing to endorse and express our support for Kacey de Groot to become the first Trans person to be elected as Deputy General Secretary of the National Education Union.
As LGBT+ people we know and understand the powerful impact places of education can have on LGBT+ young people.
This impact can be empowering, affirming, and liberating.
Or it can be debilitating, humiliating and crushing.
It can be the difference between life and death.
Kacey is a full-time educator, award-winning activist, trade unionist and parent with her feet firmly in the grass roots of the NEU, working tirelessly with members, for members. We feel she is not only perfectly placed to take on this role as a proven change maker, but that it’s vital that a trans woman of her experience and stature not only have a voice but a leading place at the table.
With trans-denial in new RSE guidance, the recent Supreme Court ruling and impending guidance on trans students from the EHRC code of practice review, it is not only critical we have a strong LGBT+ voice at the table, it’s life-saving.
We need a voice who can help lead the educators of the NEU through these turbulent post Section 28 times. Someone who understands the union from the ground up. Someone who is a day-to-day educator. Who advocates not just for the voices of all NEU educators; teachers, support staff, supply staff, Welsh members and the Equalities sections, but also for the youth of today facing turbulent and uncertain times.
Kacey is exactly what this union and all of us needs.
We need all NEU members to have their say in this election. Send your ballot paper through the post by Friday 26th September.
Vote Kacey de Groot”