My name is Ben Rispin (they/he), I am an MSc Health Psychology student and a Student Community Organiser at Leeds Beckett Students’ Union.

In 2021, I moved to Leeds to study BSc Psychology at Leeds Beckett and instantly fell in love with the ‘Beckett Vibe’. As someone from a marginalised background, it was important to me to be part of an inclusive community, and I’ve been incredibly fortunate to find the passionate, creative, and endlessly generous academic community within the Centre for Psychological Research. It is this environment that empowered me to believe in the power of my voice. Stepping into this community has, therefore, been transformative in my development as a critical feminist and researcher. These skills have been transferred into my community organising, as I have been able to apply this theoretical knowledge in practice through campaigns.

Throughout my time here, I have been involved in lots of different parts of university life. From working in The Hive, to interning as an NIHR Research Assistant, to winning the BPS Undergraduate Award for my final year project - things have certainly been busier than expected! What underpinned these projects, however, was a resolute commitment to making life better for those around me. As a queer and transgender person from a deprived part of the UK, fighting for a place at the table and fair opportunities is something I have struggled with personally for many years. On a larger scale, we can see how the impacts of neoliberalism are affecting those most marginalised, and it is deeply unjust.

Taking on this role within community organising is therefore incredibly exciting; not only because it will allow me to develop my skills as a leader within collective action, but also because it provides an opportunity to build real power in our university to challenge these systemic inequalities. Together, we are unstoppable, and there is hope for a better future!