As part of Coleg Cambria’s successful Culture Collective series, more than 230 learners attended workshops and guest presentations at the college’s sites in Deeside and Wrexham.
Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Coordinator Judith Alexander said: “We had a very inspiring two days, filled with incredible guest speakers, an exhibition and thought-provoking conversations with learners.
“Culture Collectives are centred around dialogue and connection, encouraging openness to diverse perspectives, experiences, and values.
“We have explored the historical context and challenges faced by LGBTQ+ communities from the 1800s to the 1980s and into today, while also highlighting the economic benefits and growth opportunities within LGBTQ+ inclusive businesses.
“The feedback has been very interesting, and we hope to hold similar events from this year onwards.”
Among those presenting at the college were Emma Holland, a Heritage Assistant from Grade II-listed Plas Newydd in Denbighshire who spoke on the famous ‘Ladies of Llangollen’ Eleanor Butler and Sarah Ponsonby, independent women and members of wealthy Irish families who left the country together before retiring to North Wales where they would live as a couple for almost half a century.
There was also a discussion with lecturer Jayne Francis-Headon, who gave an inspirational talk about the LGBTQ+ collaboration during the miners’ strikes in the mid-1980s and her links to the award-winning movie, Pride, starring Bill Nighy and Imelda Staunton.
The next day featured a session with Richard Euston, CEO of Chester Pride, and The Hair and Beauty Equity specialists hosted a stand at Deeside, supported by Hair and Beauty learners and lecturers who provided guidance on makeovers, skin tips and make-up techniques.
Supported by Cambria’s Learner Experience and Inclusion teams, college chaplain Tim Feak says the events were well received and praised learners for the “commitment and engagement” which has reached new levels post-pandemic.
“These talks and activities were a wonderful example of celebration and learning, and what made them so special was that they were organised and led by students as well as staff,” he added.
“Working with our amazing learners is a privilege and adds a level of depth and significance to the Culture Collectives.
“I’m really proud of everyone involved and it feels as if we have achieved something quite significant again through their work, which has gone from strength to strength over the last three years.”
Judith and Tim congratulated student representatives Max Williams and Jacob Sterio who worked with staff members to organise the programme and promoted the Student Voice LGBTQ+ clubs and organisations.
For more information, email judith.alexander@cambria.ac.uk or tim.feak@cambria.ac.uk.
