YUSU

For bi or questioning students coming to York...

Bisexuality is the term predominantly used when describing a person who is romantically linked and/or sexually attracted to both female and male genders. ‘Bi’ has now become more of an umbrella term when describing someone’s sexuality. It refers to a more fluid sexuality which, I personally feel, can now fit more members of the LGBT community. It demonstrates having feelings for another person regardless of their biological make-up or their gender; be it female, male, trans, or non-gender specific. It widens the scope and can help eradicate negative notions of bisexuals being people who are ‘greedy’, ‘easy’ or generally confused as they haven’t decided ‘either way’ yet.

‘Bi’ has recently been passed at the last LGBT NUS conference to now include similar, yet previously discounted orientations (such as those mentioned in the paragraph above). Many members of the LGBT community were not comfortable with the original definition and felt it did not include those who would not traditionally define as ‘bi.’ This demonstration of great understanding at a student level, and the focus no longer being placed solely on the attraction to two genders, I now feel more comfortable describing myself as a bi woman. This is an important and progressive step for all universities to show greater awareness and acceptance.

Whilst terms such as ‘gay’ and ‘lesbian’ are more commonly recognised and understood within society, a strong LGBT presence on campus has meant ‘bi’ is more accepted than ever before, and I have never personally experienced any animosity from other students at this university. With a well established LGBT committee and a social group, I have felt at ease being open about my sexual orientation with friends, other members of my course and other students across the wider campus. There is a broad spectrum of bi women and bi men on campus from all different backgrounds who attend committee and social activities, which helped me integrate very well when I first became actively involved on campus with LGBT.

Within the city of York, I have found locals to be tolerant and have not personally come across any negative issues. There is a pub which is openly LGBT and a weekly LGBT night organised by a nightclub in the city centre. Whilst I may not have come across any difficult situations, this is not the case for everyone, but these occasions are rare. Bisexuality can still be a confusing concept for some people and despite never getting into any conflict, I have been in situations where a number of questions have arisen, which has led to long explanations on my part regarding my own sexuality and ‘bi’ as a demographic.

With a tolerant and accepting university and wider city there aren’t a great many problems, but there is a bi woman’s rep and a bi man’s rep who can deal with any welfare issues, questions and concerns you might have - you should also feel free to contact the LGBT officers at any time at lgbt@yusu.org There are always people in place within the student’s union who can assist you during your time as a student at The University of York.

Rachel Nicholson,
Stand-In Bi Woman’s Rep