Endorsements from other NEU members
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“Kacey is a committed activist. A loyal, inclusive, leader who challenges and fights for the NEU to have equality at the heart of the work the union is doing. She led the NEU LGBT+ network with honour and integrity, creating safe spaces and building our movement. Her outstanding leadership had empowered the oppressed groups to be heard in the union, at the TUC level, and in wider society. She is a caring, creative, thoughtful leader and a great listener. She works tirelessly so that all voices in the LGBT + membership are heard and valued. I’m proudly endorsing Kacey to be re-elected as NEU LGBT + Executive Seat Holder because she is a strong voice for all LGBT + members at the NEU Executive level and all the other spaces she occupies in her role. Her remarkable leadership had a huge impact on my role as the Black Executive Seat Holder. She actively supports my anti-racist work across the union. During my address to Black Educators’ Conference in November 2022 , I commended Kacey on her allyship to the Black movement at executive meetings. We are an excellent team at executive level and union level to get the best support for our members in our constituencies. I encourage all LGBT + members to re-elect Kacey because if something is not broken you don’t try to fix it. Kacey will continue to build our movement and keep up momentum. Thanks Kacey for all you do to support me and unite all LGBT + members. I’m very honoured to have you as my representative. In solidarity forever.”
Denise Henry (she/her)
NEU Black Executive Seat Holder and Co-Founder of the NEU’s Black LGBT + Network
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“Kacey is an inspiring and impassioned natural leader. She has shown great determination and resilience in making sure trans & NB members in particular are heard. She is friendly, welcoming and inclusive; supports others to become more active within the union, and encourages togetherness within our community. She has a wicked sense of humour and is brave: she is not afraid to challenge those who seek to ignore and silence the voices of those within our community. I am voting Kacey de Groot no 1 for LGBT+ Executive seat holder because I have worked alongside Kacey on the OF for 3 years and I have seen first hand the journey she is taking LGBT+ members on within the union. I fully believe that Kacey has led us through a transformational stage where our members have become so active, there is so much regional activity going on, and we have been able to collectivise as at annual conference last year and ensure that we are listened to. I invited Kacey to speak to the SE LGBT+ conference in July 2022, and I was blown away with the impact her speech had on members. Kacey knows that there is always more to achieve when it comes to our members and our rights, and she won’t give up until we are fully listened to and respected within the union. As the current seat holder, Kacey is experienced with the politics behind the executive meetings. She is a trans voice within those meetings and I believe she can continue to smash it, as she has done for her previous term, in calling the union to account when it fails us and our community. I know there is more that Kacey wants to achieve, I know she wants to push things even further and continue improving the experiences of LGBT+ members within our union and within education, and this is why I am fully endorsing Kacey sitting a second term as LGBT+ Executive seat holder.”
Pauly Etheraads (he/him)
Hastings NEU (Herefordshire after Easter), workplace rep and South East representative on the NEU LGBT+ National Organising Forum
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“It’s crucial we have a diverse executive with people who have experience of both life issues and know how to get things done in the bureaucracy of the Union. Kacey has both. As an out and proud trans member she has made it clear what the Union needs to do to support and campaign for LGBT+ issues. There is much work to be done and to have someone who is familiar with the complex processes to achieve this is vital. I am confident that Kacey is a listener and will amalgamate new ideas wither own to ensure the union is a leader in supporting and campaigning for LGBT+ rights.”
Sue Sanders, Founder of LGBT+ History Month, Chair of Schools Out, Professor Emeritus Harvey Milk Institute
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“Kacey has supported all of the LGBT+ members in the union. She has ensured that we’ve got a strong, passionate advocate on the Executive. In Coventry, Kacey ensures that equalities are central to our work. She’s also a fabulous school rep who has worked collectively with members to win significant policy changes. I’ve worked with Kacey closely in Coventry and on the Executive. As an LGBT+ member, I can confidently say that Kacey is irreplaceable and has my full backing.”
Nicky Downes (she/her)
Coventry Joint District and Branch Secretary West Midlands Executive member
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“Passionate and dedicated. Great activism and organising. As well as having done an excellent job in that role for the past year I think it is vital to have trans representation in a high up position in the union.”
Rebecca Sheffield (She/her)
Birmingham Branch Executive and LGBT+ Organising Forum representstive
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“Kacey is kind, caring and supportive, while also having the confidence to speak up for herself and others. She has spoken about some crucial topics within the union and will defend minorities with a burning passion.”
Kelcie Atkins She/They
City of Derby - LGBT+ Officer and East Midlands LGBT+ Organising Forum representative
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"Kacey has been a tough and stalwart supporter of LGBT+ members on the executive. She is their champion and will continue to be."
Annette Pryce
South East Representative, LGBT+ Organising Forum
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“Kacey made me realise the importance of listening to and letting those from minority groups be heard, in order for equality and equity to be achieved. She deserves the chance to fulfil your role as Executive member for two more years.”
Robert Young (he/him)
NEU workplace rep, Birmingham
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“Kacey is a passionate advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, union and teaching profession. Her lived experience as a trans woman offers a unique insight into what it is to be a trans person in the teaching profession. This is so important for the NEU as I believe only people with lived experience can truly help to make the right changes and decisions. On top of this, she is the most genuine, welcoming and helpful person that I have had the pleasure to have met in my short experience in the NEU. I believe her lived experiences give her the correct insight into making the changes needed within the NEU. I feel her professional, yet friendly and inclusive demeanour that I have seen at LGBTQ+ conference and in meetings that I have attended help her to be a great representative of the LGBTQ+ community as a whole. Her beliefs and values align to all those that I stand for. She has personally set aside her own time to help with the work I am attempting to implement in my region and I truly believe she would do this for anyone, for the sake of the union, the cause and also because she is a genuinely helpful person.”
Liz Agland
Wales representative on the LGBT+ National Organising Forum
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“Kacey has many qualities that are, in my opinion, essential for our Exec Member: She is an inspirational speaker; she is calm, clear and considered in everything she says and does; she demonstrates unshakable and passionate support for all her LGBT+ siblings; and she is fiercely clever. More than this, though, is the simple quality of being kind and thoughtful. She has the ability to not only lead but to make everyone feel her equal. This year was my first LGBT+ conference and, hardly knowing anybody, and Kacey not knowing me, she made me feel welcome and important. The contagious nature of her activism has inspired me to be far more confident and active in the union. Kacey fiercely advocates for all LGBT+ people at executive level, in an atmosphere where transphobia is tangible. Outside of the Exec, Kacey stands shoulder to shoulder with LGBT+ educators and young people. After the hugely upsetting murder of Brianna Ghey, Kacey led our community in a period of mourning, helping us in our anger and grief to take a moment and then focus our anger into positive action. At a time when Trans and Non binary people are under such fierce attack, Kacey is unwavering in her protection of us all. She is the voice we can all stand behind and the person we know represents us all.”
Grey Roberts (they/them)
Doncaster NEU member
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“I believe Kacey has the passion and experience to take forward our new motions passed at this year's annual conference. Kacey is passionate about LGBT+ rights and is driven, determined but also caring. She made sure to check in on me during my first Organising Forum meeting and first conference to check I was happy and confident. Kacey likes to see new activists taking charge and achieving in their regions/districts and actively encourages this.”
Sam Lewin (he/him)
South West representative on the LGBT+ Organising Forum
LGBT+ District Officer, Somerset NEU
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“Kacey is fiercely passionate about equalities and always willing to give advice and help. She always has time for members and is courageous and fearless leader. I'm really happy she is standing again, her work through organising LGBT+ events like Birmingham Pride is actually what got me to become an active NEU member. I think she has done an amazing job in her role so far and want to see it continue.”
Imogen (she/her)
Workplace rep in Coventry
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Passion and dedication to a cause that is not limited to one issue, group or challenge. Kacey has shown time and time again that resilient, determined, passionate activism is how we make our union, our country and our world a better place to be yourself. She has shown incredible strength in the face of too much adversity. Kacey speaks passionately, authentically, and optimistically about our collective struggle to create real equality. She welcomes people with open arms and, more importantly, an open mind.
Kyle Marsh (he/him)
Joint Secretary, North Kent NEU
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“The work Kacey has managed to do in leading the Organising Forum as well as her work on the Executive during a global pandemic is entirely phenomenal. She has worked so hard to activate the activists in us, grow the LGBT+ network, fill vacancies and ensure that we are heard and present at all levels of the union.”
Ben Dolata (they/them)
North West Representative on the LGBT+ Organising Forum
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"I have known Kacey since we both got elected onto the executive in December 2020, she has shown true dedication to supporting LGBTQ+ members in all aspects of discussion and debate in executive meetings. She is incredibly professional and an excellent listener. Kacey has also been an excellent supporter of members in Wales, and is always on hand support with Welsh related issues."
Hannah O’Neill (She/her)
National Executive Member for Wales
Branch and District Secretary for Blaenau Gwent
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“Kacey is a passionate and hardworking advocate for the LGBT+ community who places an intersectional approach at the centre of the work she does. She has my full support as she campaigns for another term in her role because she is the voice our community needs on the exec.”
James Armstrong (he/him)
Brighton & Hove NEU Independent Schools Officer
Workplace Rep
NEU 2023 Conference Delegate
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“Kacey has made me feel welcome and appreciated as an LGBT+ member of the union. Her passion, enthusiasm, and dedication have been a source of inspiration to me, and it is thanks to her that I have become more involved with LGBT+ causes in the union. I find that involvement with the union can be intimidating at times, but Kacey has always made time for me, even in the flurry of an LGBT+ conference in full-swing. Her shining beacon of inclusion has made all the difference. I am endorsing Kacey because I support wholeheartedly her inclusive and intersectional approach. Her activism encompasses all marginalised groups and I know that she will continue to bring us together in solidarity. I also admire Kacey’s ability to stand strong in the face of adversity and fight for what is right despite opposition from others. Now more than ever we need a strong voice to challenge those who seek to fight our cause, and Kacey is the one whose voice I trust most.”
Kat McCarthy (she/her)
LGBT+ Organising Forum member
Joint LGBT+ Officer and International Officer for Doncaster NEU
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“I'm proud to support Kacey for the LGBT+ Executive seat. When issues around trans rights and trans liberation have come up on the Executive, Kacey has been on the side of trans and non-binary members like myself every time. Given the Tories’ increasing "culture war" attacks on queer and trans people, particularly trans and gender non-conforming children, it is crucial that the Union is firm in its opposition to transphobia, homophobia and all forms of discrimination. Electing representatives like Kacey is an important part of ensuring that. I've worked closely with Kacey in Coventry and I know she will continue to stand up for LGBT+ members. Make sure we retain a strong voice for trans and queer rights on the Exec - vote Kacey #1!”
Danni Crowter (she/they)
NEU Coventry member
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"I saw Kacey speak at the NEU LGBT+ Conference in Bristol and felt inspired. She's a good speaker, and speaks with passion and conviction."
Scott Roberts (he/him)
Denbighshire NEU member
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"Kacey has caused many on the Executive to consider their own values and perspectives. She returns to the fight after hearing stories that would make me give up. She does this calm and collected, with kindness and positivity and is the embodiment of the change this union needs."
Andrew Huntley-Roe (he/him)
Yorkshire and the Humber representative on the LGBT+ Organising Forum
Barnsley NEU District Support Staff and Equalities Officer
School rep
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“I’m endorsing Kacey because of her understanding, commitment and passion for the LGBT+ Community. She has an understanding of the community that is unrivalled.She has confidence in sharing your knowledge with others and is not afraid to stand up for the rights of others to make our workplaces better for each and every LGBT+ individual.”
Jessica Dalton (she/her)
Equality Officer, East Essex NEU
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“I saw Kacey at the LGBT+ Educators’ Conference and admired her tenacity when speaking. I also think it is incredibly important to have trans voices in leadership but that isn’t the sole reason I want to endorse Kacey. She is an incredible role model, passionate, eloquent, and shows such wonderful levels of empathy.”
Kate Robinson (she/her)
Workplace rep in Nottingham
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"I am endorsing Kacey as I believe her caring, collaborative approach that never rests in the face of outrageous opposition makes her a great leader. In a time when trans and non-binary people are finding life increasingly tough, we need a trans woman leading the fight for queer liberation. While the current government show contempt for educators and seek to vilify us, we would benefit from a continuity of service from an inspirational leader."
Victoria Cleary Symonds (she/they)
NEU member, West Sussex
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"Kacey is an exceptional candidate with a deep commitment to the rights and welfare of the LGBT+ community. Kacey has worked tirelessly to advance their rights and promote equality. She has been a vocal and visible ally and is a powerful force in promoting awareness and understanding of LGBT+ issues. I believe that Kacey de Groot is the best candidate for this election, and I urge you to support her. Her commitment to the LGBT+ community is unwavering, and as she has already proved, she will continue to be a loud and effective voice for all members of this community."
Jane Nellist (she/her)
NEU Coventry
Health and Safety OF member
Former executive member
Socialist Party TUSC Local Government candidate
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"Kacey has been there for my entire time as a member of the LGBT+ Group. She has been approachable and knowledgeable. She knows the members and knows the issues. She is passionate about union work and is fierce in her desire to make a difference for children via her work with the union. I have no hesitation in giving her my endorsement."
Claire (she/her)
NEU Member, Isle of Wight
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“Kacey lives what she fights for. She is an educator through and through who fights for a fair and kind world for ALL people to live in. Kacey is kind and supportive as a union rep, colleague and friend and will always stand up for what is right. When acting on my behalf she worked with great professionalism whilst making sure I felt comfortable and supported throughout the process.”
Alex (she/her)
Coventry NEU member
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“Following my first time getting involved in the union and attending the national LGBT+ conference in Bristol last year, I was impressed by how Kacey held herself and ensured every group had a voice. She had time for anyone and was clearly passionate about the progression of LGBT+ rights and equality. She, and many others, made the event such an enjoyable safe space and gave me the courage to return to my school and begin making positive changes to create awareness of all groups within our society.”
David Jackway (he/ him )
NEU member, South Gloucestershire
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“Kacey has worked tirelessly to support NEU members. She is knowledgeable and takes opportunities such as CPD, events and workshops to share this with other members, working with them to support their understanding of LGBT+ rights. Kacey has helped to build a strong community in our existing LGBT+ members and continues to increase membership. This means that LGBT+ voices nationally can be heard, something that is important in the battle to end discrimination and prejudice. Kacey supports members in being better represented at conference and has helped to improve visibility for more marginalised communities. Kacey and her work makes a huge difference to the union and this is why I would like to endorse her place in the LGBT+ Executive seat.”
Holly Tea (she/her)
Vice President, Nottingham NEU
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"With all kinds of rights at risk and the threat of a new Section 28 for the trans children in our schools, as well as threats to inclusive SRE and to teachers who want to treat LGBTQ+ children with the fairness, inclusiveness and respect all our pupils deserve, it is vital that Kacey is elected. Educators will need someone who is a strong voice in support of inclusion and diversity and the values most of us hold dear, as well as being someone who will stand up to bullying by government, the media, the establishment and dictatorial managements and who will stand up to the far right and their dishonest and destructive narratives now targeting our schools. For all educators, Kacey de Groot will have your back in defending what is right and protecting our professionalism and livelihoods. Vote Kacey de Groot #1."
Dr Natacha Kennedy (she/her)
Former union rep (NUT) in Norfolk, Tower Hamlets and Islington
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“Kacey has time for everyone. She will hear all your troubles and be the most supportive person. She has helped me with feeling validated after suffering biphobia and bi-erasure. I would love Kacey to continue to make us stronger by helping us realise our true selves and the power we have. Kacey has recently successfully put a motion through annual conference which will support and raise the aspirations of our LGBTQ+ young people in our schools. She has been the pioneer of the LGBTQ+ Inclusion Charter which includes staff feeling secure and resourced as well as students and that resonated with me because if us as staff don't feel safe where we are, how are our young people going to? I would love to see Kacey at the helm again for another term because I know progress will be made.”
Shelby Millard (she/her)
NEU member in Sutton, London
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“Kacey is consistent and very invested in LGBT+ matters and I am very excited to see her next steps within the NEU. She is very approachable and keen to promote others and support others. Kacey has a raft of experience and capabilities to continue standing as the NEU LGBT+ representative. Her work ethic and dedication is exemplified and her dedication to driving her community forward through intersectionality and inclusion is authentic. She’s a great advocate for change and a driver for all.”
Nay Francis (they/them)
NEU member, Greenwich
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“I have had the chance to walk Pride Marches with Kacey and to take part in NEU LGBT+ Educators’ conferences with her. She’s been an inspiration to other members. I am endorsing her as she understands more than most what equality means for our members. She leads by example, listens to others and fights not only her battles but all battles that are key for all educators.”
Gaël (he/him)
NEU member, Lambeth