Being yourself on campus and beyond

Moving to a big city like London can be scary. But it can also be a great opportunity to explore your identity, meet your community, and thrive as your most confident and proud queer self. Whether you are out or not, Queen Mary’s campus is a diverse environment where you can bond and express yourself.

There are loads of fun, inclusive events that celebrate various identities and communities. There are also multiple LGBTQ+ themed clubs and societies which you can explore through the Students’ Union. As it is Pride Month, you can find a list of thematic events happening at Queen Mary in June.

Halls

Living on campus means sharing space with different people, and from my personal experience of being openly queer (💅✨), I can say that the neighbours and staff are friendly. Many people are figuring themselves out, too, and you might be surprised at the random kitchen chats that become deep conversations. If, however, you have any concerns or issues with your flatmates, feel free to express them to the reception team or Report + Support Service. Also, don’t hesitate to set your boundaries early—whether that’s about privacy, language, or your pronouns. You deserve to feel safe and respected in your space.

ResLife does a lot of inclusive events where you can socialise and meet your crowd. From crafts, picnics, and queer quizzes to kayaking and movie nights, all made specifically for those who live in halls. You don’t have to be super extroverted either—there’s space for everyone! The LGBTQ+ society also runs regular socials, so check out their calendar!

City life

London is one of the most diverse cities in the world. Hackney, Brick Lane, Dalston, and Soho are some of the very queer areas. There are amazing queer bookshops like Gay’s The Word or Common Press, inclusive club nights like Pxssy Palace and Riposte, and chill cafés like La Camionera or Dalston Superstore on Sundays. Whether you are into loud nights out or cozy poetry readings, London has a version of queer joy for you.

However, Pride still has to be a protest for a reason. From personal experience, you still have to be careful walking around London because queer people still face verbal and physical abuse.

Some basic tips to stay safe:

• Avoid walking by yourself at night and stick to well-lit streets
• Keep your phone charged and add emergency numbers to your contacts
• Be careful when interacting with strangers

Also, consider sharing your location with a trusted friend when heading out, and don’t be afraid to call out for help if you feel unsafe—people will respond.

That said, there are also services to protect you. If you are struggling with mental health, you can use the Queen Mary Advice and Counselling Service. If you experience or witness homophobia, you can report it anonymously and get support through the Report + Support service. There are other UK-wide helplines as well.

You are not alone, there are people who will help and listen.

Trust your gut, be aware, and stay positive!

See you at Pride on the 5th of July! 🌈