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As LGBT+ History Month continues throughout February we hear from Simone Webb, EDI Consultant focusing on LGBTQ+ inclusion. Simone tells us about how the role is helping expand their knowledge - and how diving into a video game is their favourite way to relax.

As a child, the first thing I remember wanting to be when I grew up was a ballet dancer. That was when I was very little, and I think a good fifty percent of that was getting to wear a tutu - which is far less my vibe now...

My role brings together my skills and interests as well as stretching and challenging me. I've just joined the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Unit as EDI Consultant, leading on LGBTQ+ inclusion. Previously I worked at the Business School as a Student Academic Success Advisor, so I'm not new to Sussex. I manage the University's LGBTQ+ inclusion action plan, making sure that actions are progressed at a good rate. At the moment, my priority is developing the University's trans and non-binary inclusion guidance.

When I was a PhD student my academic interests were in feminist philosophy and the work of Michel Foucault. I love thinking about how those ideas of power and marginalisation connect to the world of EDI. I'm also really deepening my knowledge of areas such as case law and policy work, which almost makes me feel like a student again.

I've been surprised by the variety that my role offers. In one week, I might be looking at data, trying to understand systems integration, working on policy and guidance, and attending a network event. Recently the LGBTQ+ staff network hosted a workshop on Polari, the slang used by gay men before homosexuality was decriminalised in the 1960s; I learned so much!

I generally really like the architecture on campus, especially Falmer House moat, although I know it can be a bit of an acquired taste. I also love how campus is so embedded in the countryside and nature. In the spring I like seeing rabbits hopping around on the verges and wildflower patches.

The hobby that makes me lose track of time is video gaming. I do this a lot less now that I have a baby daughter, but I still manage to fit it in. I enjoy a really wide range of games, with my absolute favourites including Disco Elysium, Hollow Knight, Hades, and Baldur's Gate 3. Recently I've really been losing track of time on my commute in while playing Katamari Damacy on my Switch! 

My 10-month old daughter has had a big impact on my life. She's been such a joy to get to know as she grows, and I love how determined she is when she wants something. She's just starting to say her first words now - she enjoys pointing at things and saying "there!" She's also a big fan of peanut butter and will roundly tell me off until I give her some. I look forward so much every day to her coming home from nursery.

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