Not for nothing has Balliol been
nicknamed ‘Gaylliol’ – it’s a great
college to be LGBT, or to start thinking about your sexuality
or gender identity. Students and staff are open-minded and
friendly, and we have a number of LGBT events on every term,
both ‘open’ (for anyone who is interested) and
‘closed’ (for LGBT students).
The LGBT Officers’ role is threefold – Representation,
Welfare, and Entz. We are part of the JCR committee, representing
LGBT students’ interests. If a student feels they have
experienced homophobia/transphobia, we can also present their
concerns to college or committee. We also get involved in
LGBT campaigning, internationally and on UK issues.
Welfare provision is another important aspect of the role.
We are always available to speak to if you have concerns,
whether about homophobia, coming out, sexuality/gender identity,
sexual health etc. In previous years welfare surgeries have
been held, but individual meetings as need arose have proven
more successful, so if you would like to chat drop us an email,
pidge us or call. Welfare also involves sexual health provision
– in the last year dental dams were successfully added
to the existing JCR emergency condom store, available from
outside the nurse’s room or the LGBT Board in the JCR.
We have also produced new sexual health information sheets
(to be found in the college loos), and ran a sexual health
peer-education workshop in Trinity this year – another
is due to be held in Michelmas 06.
Finally, we are also responsible for putting on LGBT entz
to keep Gayliollites and their friends entertained. These
range from large to small, including film nights, speak meetings,
drinks and lunches. Last year’s highlight was a talk
from gay historian Dr Rictor Norton, author of ‘Mother
Clap’s Molly House: The Gay Subculture in England 1700-1830’,
in aid of Broken Rainbow. Events planned for this year includepub
trips, film nights, speakers, World AIDS Day event, Interational
Day againt Fascism and of ourse the annual LGBT Bop –
a themed cheesy disco to raise money for the Terrence Higgins
Trust, and the highlight of the LGBT year at Balliol.
If you have any questions, concerns, or sugestions, don’t
hesitate to get in touch with either of us. We are happy to
speak with any student, not just those who identify as LGBT
– questioning or thinking about your sexuality/gender
identity doesn’t pigeon-hole you, and we will keep whatever
you tell us confidential, within reason.*
