LGBTQIA+ Champion

Meet Our LGBTQIA+ Champion

Simeon Petkov

I am an extremely easy-going person who is a great listener and has a fabulous sense of humour. Helping people and ensuring that everyone is being heard, understood, and represented brings me satisfaction and makes me a better person. I love to work on my self-development and keep an eye on new trends, opportunities, and innovations.

I am originally from Bulgaria, and I came to Scotland in 2012 for a 9-month English course at Dundee College, and never left. In 2017 I graduated from the University of Dundee with a joined degree in International Relations and European Studies (great choice considering what followed and everything around Brexit). Before joining the University of Aberdeen, I worked as a Deputy Manager in retail for just over 5 years and I had the opportunity to meet some amazing people. However, I decided that I needed a break and from a full-time manager I was unemployed for a month and a half. This was the first time in my life when I was not working, nor studying – it was me time! I finally had the opportunity to travel around Scotland, try new recipes (Aww, yes! Forgot to mention that I am a professional chef and love cooking too). Then I was so lucky (I mean, it was like winning the lottery, but much better) and got a job at the School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition at the University of Aberdeen, and here I am – your new LGBTQIA+ Champion.

Now let me tell you a bit more about myself. I am a gay man and live with my partner who is as people would describe him as “marriage material”. I like sport, music, cinema (I absolutely love Disney and Marvel films!) and festivals. I play for two different rugby teams, I attend weekly volleyball training, also going to the gym 4-5 times a week, playing chess and I also enjoy weekend walks into the unknown. I have participated in several charity events where I was raising money and awareness for Cancer research and Mental Health organisations. I use every opportunity to visit and explore new places which gives me the chance to experience new things. I am full of energy and an enthusiastic individual and believe in a brighter and more colourful future. I am looking forward to working closely with the University, NHS, Council staff and students ensuring current policies are adequately amended and new ones are being created and implemented. I will do my best to support the LGBTQIA+ community by advocating and promoting new initiatives and investing in people.