My name is Fran and I am a queer student studying Biomedical sciences. As a student ambassador for the Department of Biology I am often asked what life is like living in York and what does the University do to be more inclusive and to make students feel safe.
Queer York
If you are worried about finding people with similar interests to you or who will understand what it is like to be part of the LGBTQ+ community then let me put those worries to rest. With over 200 societies, there is a place for everyone. You may find lifelong friends in the YorQueer society or maybe one of the more niche societies such as Bellringing or DnD society! YorQueer society holds a variety of regular events such as boardgames, movie nights and queer drinks and is a fabulous society to meet other people in the community. During the York Pride parade a variety of societies will meet to join the march down to the event. I went to York Pride with my housemates last year and it was great fun! We cheered the parade past and then joined in at the back and spent the day eating great food and listening to some fantastic performances on stage. As a city, York is very safe and has some fabulous queer spaces. From bookshops like Portal bookshop, to queer cafes such as Over the Rainbow, there is a place for everyone.
Feeling at home within the Department of Biology
Now I can’t talk about how fantastic the Uni and York in general is for being a safe space without talking about the Biology department. The support which is available from within the department is immense, varying from your personal supervisor to Biology student services, to the EDI reps and Stage reps who are there to make your uni experience the best it can be. On top of this there are often events happening within the department such as the International Women’s Week event and LGBTQ+ History Month Event where the department has areas to create conversations on a different theme each year. There is not a day which goes by where I don’t see a rainbow flag or lanyard, which for me just makes me feel more at home in the department.
Who inspires you? LGBTQ+ History Month event in the Department of Biology (whiteboard photo)
Pronouns badges from Department of Biology Post Offer Visit Day
University support
I have been very fortunate to only experience a small amount of homophobia while being a student however if you do find yourself in an unsafe situation, campus safety is available 24/7 for on campus incidents. There is a lot of support available within the university such as OpenDoor (for those experiencing psychological or mental health difficulties) and TalkCampus (for mental health and wellbeing support from other students) where you can talk to mental health professionals and others in the community about struggles you are experiencing. The university offers a wide variety of support and I recommend making use of it, if you need it, while you are a student here.
To end on a lighter note, York is wonderful and is a place where everyone can be themself! As you walk around campus and throughout town you’ll spot rainbows everywhere and find lifelong friendships wherever you turn.
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