Proudly accepting diversity
A lot is going on at Oxford for everyone who identifies as LGBTQ+. The University of Oxford might be the oldest academic institution in the United Kingdom, dating from 1096, but you will find that mindset has evolved a long way since then!
Despite being quite old-fashioned in many ways, when it comes to inclusion, the University of Oxford is very forward-thinking, priding itself on its acceptance of diversity.
The city of Oxford hosts its Pride parade every year, and the local universities are home to vibrant communities. With many events and venues at both town and University levels, every week will present many opportunities for you to get in touch with the local LGBTQ+ community.
Your LGBTQ OxNight out: Queerfest, Tuesgays at Plush, and drag shows
One of the finest examples of Oxford’s LGBTQ+ events is Wadham College’s Queer Week, the biggest student celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual history, art and culture, complete with live music and dancing.
Every year Queer Week offers a full schedule of LGBTQ-themed events that range from panel talks and debates to art exhibitions and movie screenings, culminating with the extravagant Queerfest — one of the biggest parties of the year and a joyful celebration of LGBTQIA+ culture.
Queerfest is just one of the many nights out to look forward to! The University’s LGBTQ Society routinely organizes socials for students, particularly on Tuesdays (also known as “Tuesgays”) when people get together for pre-drinks at a different college each time before heading out to The Plush (Oxford’s gay club) for a night of dancing.
If you want to party with drag queens and kings because you can’t resist a good drag show performance, you definitely don’t want to miss out on Haute Mess (@hautemessparty) and the gigs by the Oxfordshire Drag Collective.
Social events, academic life, and welfare support
If you like to be social but you are not one for clubbing, don’t worry: every college at the University of Oxford has LGBTQ+ representatives for students, and they are usually in charge of organizing all sorts of events, such as dinners, teas, movie nights and picnics.
Of course, being Oxford, you can also expect to find several study groups, seminars, and conferences on LGBTQ+ themes in any discipline. The Interdisciplinary Queer Studies Network, for example, was launched in 2017 and brings together all scholars engaging in queer studies.
At the college level, LGBTQ student representatives will help you settle in and stay up to date with local events and news from the community, and most of the Common Rooms (both for undergraduates and postgraduates) have a budget to set up initiatives for LGBTQ+ welfare.
If you are struggling with any aspect of your gender or sexuality, or you would simply like to know more about LGBTQ+ issues, Oxford is the right place to be. There are many ways to get the answers you need in Oxford, starting from the University’s extended network of LGBTQ welfare officers from all sorts of different backgrounds.
Whether you are a prospective or current Oxford student, whatever your gender identity, expression and/or orientation, Oxford will welcome you with open arms and various events to meet everybody’s taste and comfort levels.
Photo credits: dpreview.com