Personally, I'd like LGBT+ Laidlaw to be a celebration of the diversity of Laidlaw Scholars – not just in terms of sexual identity and orientation but across disciplines and research interests, nations and institutions. I'd like LGBT+ Laidlaw to bring together Laidlaw Scholars and alumni from all institutions to come together and share experiences, both similar and different.
I'd like LGBT+ Laidlaw to set an example for LGBT+ Scholars which represents a significant departure from the environment in which I grew up – an environment which wasn't unsupportive but which expected LGBT+ people to have limited and stereotypical aspirations, determined simply by their sexual orientation or gender identity.
In practical terms, I'd like LGBT+ Laidlaw to offer unique social opportunities for Scholars who identify as part of the LGBT+ community, both within the Laidlaw Scholars Network and in person, in local, inter-institution events and maybe perhaps eventually at the annual conference.
I also hope that LGBT+ Laidlaw can act as a pathfinder for other sub-networks which will allow all Laidlaw Scholars to feel proud of their heritage and identities, and through this reach their full potential.
– J.R.H.