Stars of Drag Race UK and prominent figures in LGBTQ+ activism have come together to endorse a secondary school teacher for a historic leadership position. Kacey DeGroot, a drama teacher from Coventry, is campaigning to become the first trans person elected as deputy general secretary of Europe’s largest teaching union.
DeGroot has a long-standing history with the National Education Union (NEU), having served five years as the LGBTQ+ seat holder on the NEU executive. She is now aiming for a leadership role that will allow her to fight against anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric in schools. Her opponent for the role is Sarah Kilpatrick, an art teacher.
Describing herself as a "candidate for all educators," DeGroot is passionate about promoting equality and representation within the union. She aims to "rebuild the profession, enhance social justice, and cultivate an equitable and diverse education system for students." Her campaign has garnered significant support from various LGBTQ+ advocates and Drag Race UK stars, who have signed an open letter backing her candidacy.
A Diverse Coalition of Support
The open letter highlights the profound impact educational environments can have on LGBTQ+ youth, stating that these spaces can be "empowering, affirming, and liberating" or "debilitating, humiliating, and crushing." The letter emphasizes the importance of DeGroot’s candidacy, noting her experience and stature as crucial for ensuring a trans voice is heard at the decision-making table. The letter states that this representation is "life-saving," particularly in the face of current challenges such as new RSE guidance and recent legal rulings.
The signatories include well-known names such as drag icons Baga Chipz, Bimini, Divina De Campo, Kitty Scott-Claus, as well as LGBTQ+ activists like Drag Queen Story Hour founder Aida H Dee, former Stonewall leader Nancy Kelley, and UK Black Pride founder Phyll Opoku-Gymah, among others.
DeGroot’s Vision for Change
On her campaign website, DeGroot shares that she is running for the deputy general secretary position at a pivotal time in her career, with around ten years until retirement. She wants to dedicate a significant portion of her remaining career to improving education for all educators and students. Her lived experience as a trans woman has been a driving force in her work with the NEU.
DeGroot reflects on her experiences, stating, "I’m a fifty-something trans woman who transitioned while working at the same Coventry secondary school. Back in 2017, I was accepted by my school community. However, the reality for trans people has shifted, influenced by right-wing culture wars, altering my workplace environment dramatically."
Her leadership has already seen growth in LGBTQ+ representation within the NEU. "Under my leadership, LGBT+ members have increased from 14,000 to 20,000. They are also overrepresented as reps, officers, and district secretaries," she notes.
Breaking New Ground
DeGroot believes that having a trans woman in a leadership role within the NEU would not only be groundbreaking but would also shift narratives. "I will use the platform to advocate for all our members and workplaces," she asserts. Her commitment extends beyond trans and LGBTQ+ rights to include advocacy for Black members and students, disabled individuals, and women.
As voting approaches, DeGroot continues to gather momentum with her campaign, backed by a diverse and passionate coalition. The final date for postal ballots is September 30, and only NEU members are eligible to vote in this critical election.
DeGroot’s campaign symbolizes a broader struggle for representation and equity in education, serving as a beacon of hope for many within the LGBTQ+ community. Her potential election could mark a significant step forward in the fight for inclusivity and diversity within educational leadership.
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