YUSU

For lesbian or questioning students coming to York...

As with all LGBT identities, there’s a certain image of what a lesbian ‘is’ - what they look like, how they act, what they do. And, for the most part these stereotypes are not true. Being a lesbian is not defined by being butch, or by having short hair or tattoos, and whilst all those attributes are legitimate, none of them are definitive factors. You don’t have to love sport, be a vegetarian, or wear flannel shirts to be a lesbian.

For me the term lesbian is very much a political identity. Whilst I’ve been out as gay for years I have only recently attached the word lesbian to myself. When I am in the street with my girlfriend people do not look over and see two women who may be one of various sexualities - no, they see two lesbians. Being gay, or of any minority group, influences a great amount of personal politics, so for me having a political identity is very important.

Growing up in liberal London I was a tad concerned coming to York and was worried about their acceptance of LGBT people. In fact it is a brilliant university to be gay in, and the only trouble I’ve ever had has been minor and out of ignorance. I’ve had no trouble making friends due to my sexuality, which I know is a concern for many and the university has a fantastic LGBT support network. My other concern was the lack of scene in York, but the LGBT Social Society is good about organising two events every week and regular city trips with discounts on rail tickets. For those who can’t bear to wait for a Social city trip Leeds and Manchester are fairly cheep to get to, and both have a fairly good lesbian scene.

York is a good example of an LGBT-friendly uni, as the recent Stonewall survey has shown (York scored 8/10) and I would recommend it to any prospective student.

Nell Beecham,
YUSU’S LGBT Officer and Lesbian Rep (2010)