Introduction
Welcome to Oxford! There are two main queer student organisations at the university:
The Oxford University (OU) LGBTQ+ Society, focused on welfare and social events
The Student Union (SU) LGBTQ+ Campaign, focused on advocacy and change
In addition, there are also college LGBTQ+ reps who organise events and advocate for queer students at each college, usually as part of the JCR or MCR committees.
The SU LGBTQ+ Campaign is a group of students linked to the Oxford Student Union (SU) seeking to improve the lives of LGBTQ+ people at the university and in the wider Oxford community. We focus on advocacy, pushing for changes at all levels of the university to support LGBTQ+ students and staff. We fight homophobia, transphobia, and all other forms of discrimination faced by the LGBTQ+ community in Oxford.
The Oxford University LGBTQ+ Society (“the Soc”) is a student society dedicated to queer welfare which puts on over eighty events a term. These include Tuesgays, a weekly drinks social, identity-themed “teas” (chill non-alcoholic socials), student drag shows, queer movie nights, bouldering, board games and more! Founded in 1975 and comprising over 3,500 members, we’re the biggest and longest-running queer student society in the UK.
The OULGBTQ+ Society
Executive Committee
The Executive Committee (“the exec”) is ultimately responsible for managing the society and consists of the President, Secretary, Treasurer, Social Secretary, and Welfare Officer
President: Ruskin (any pronouns)
DPhil in Asian & Middle Eastern Studies (AMES) at Hertford (1st year)
Favourite album: Carrie & Lowell by Sufjan Stevens
Favourite song: Lousy Connection by Ezra Furman
Fun fact: “I'm currently translating the oldest surviving anthology of Japanese poetry”
The President sets the vision and direction of the society as a whole, co-ordinating across different areas and working with the exec to manage Soc’s projects, statements, and partnerships. They ensure that the culture of the society is welcoming and sustainable by setting standards, making sure the committee has the support they need to put on events, and redistributing workload where needed. If you ever have an issue regarding the Society and are unsure who to contact, feel free to drop the President a message at ouprez@gmail.com
Secretary: Christian (she/they)
Egyptology & Classics at Queen’s (3rd year)
Why did you join committee? “As a fresher I was overwhelmed by how friendly, inviting and supportive I found the LGBTQ+ Society to be. I joined the committee in my first year as Trans Rep, and am now honoured to be your Secretary!”
Fun fact: “somewhat against my will, i am a member of the international cloud appreciation society”
The Secretary organises and minutes committee meetings and elections, takes care of the Soc’s official registration with the Proctors’ Office, and runs the Rainbow Parenting Scheme. She works with the President to manage the committee and steps in should they be unable to fulfil their function. If you ever want to apply for a role on committee, you can message the secretary at ousecre@gmail.com
Treasurer: Zoe 3 (she/her)
Philosophy & Linguistics at Somerville (2nd year)
Favourite song: Letter to Memphis by The Pixies
The Treasurer is responsible for managing the Society’s budget, promptly reimbursing any Society-related expenditures, and working with sponsors and partners to ensure the Soc has sufficient funds to put on events If you want to give the Society some money, you can message her at outreasu@gmail com
Social Secretary: J (they/any)
DPhil in Artificial Intelligence (AIMS) at Kellogg (1st year)
Why did you join committee? “OULGBTQ+ soc committee made me feel so welcome when I first arrived at Ox for undergrad and I wanted to be a part of creating that welcoming, joyful and inclusive space for others :)”
Favourite song: Gold Dust - SHY FX Re-Edit by DJ Fresh & SHY FX
Fun fact: I play Trumpet in Rough Edge, a cheesy fu k brass band in Oxford!
The Social Sec is responsible for running our biggest e takes place at a different college each week They app the drinks store, book venues and liaise with colle smoothly They also occasionally organise other big ev Tuesgays bar team, you can message them a
Welfare Officer: Rhiana (she/they
History and English at St Peter’s (3rd year)
Why did you join committee? “To help oxford become a more welcoming and safe place for those who identify as queer or lgbtq+. Without a sense of community life (at Uni and in general) can become isolating, having an impact on mental health.”
Favourite song: Abusin' me by YANAtheartist
Fun fact: “80% of the time can be found wearing purple and the other 20% regretting not wearing purple [so it is definitely easy to spot me at Welfare events!]”
The Welfare Secretary runs weekly (non-alcoholic) welfare events, such as movie nights, aimed at the whole queer community They are also happy to chat to people about welfare concerns one to one, and direct people to support. Along with the Junior Welfare Officer, she chairs the Welfare Working Group, who enforce the Society’s rules and coordinate welfare support If you ever want to have a chat, just message ouwelf01@gmail com
Functional Roles
Most functional roles manage specific important tasks and help the exec, while a few, such as Academic Officer and Sports Officer, put on particular kinds of events We’re also in the process of reworking the Publicity Officer role into a new Social Media Officer The Junior Social Sec role is currently unfilled – feel free to apply!
IT Officer: Raya (she/her)
Computer Science at Keble (2nd year)
Why did you join committee? “Since we don't do enough computing in CS, decided to become the IT Officer”
Favourite song: .intoodeep.
Favourite band: Bug Hunter
Favourite album: Tales from Cazilor
Fun fact: “Way too into philosophy for someone who didn't take the philosophy & CS option”
The IT Officer keeps the website and the mailing list up-to-date, helps the Secretary run elections, and provides tech support to the committee, including making sure everyone can access their accounts. If you’re having trouble with the mailing list, you can email ouitofficer@gmail.com
Creative Officer: Angharad (they/them)
Biology at Brasenose (3rd year)
Why did you join committee? “LGBTQ+ soc events played a really big part in helping me find a community and feel comfortable in my identity, so I want to help that happen for new students :)”
Favourite band: The Amazing Devil
Fun fact: “I’m currently trying and failing to crochet a wizard hat...and as you may have guessed from this freshers guide, I like frogs”
The Creative Officer spearheads the Society’s aesthetic and designs event posts for the Society’s Instagram. They are also responsible for an annual stash drop where members can buy Soc-branded shirts, hats, badges, and other merch. If you have any questions about stash or design ideas you can message them at oustashofficer@gmail.com
Junior Welfare Secretary: Luca (he/him)
Psychology and Linguistics at St Anne's (3rd year)
Why did you join the committee? “I'm already JCR welfare rep at St Anne's, and I want to be able to carry on supporting students' welfare however I can. And I'm gay.”
Favourite artist: Hozier
Favourite album: Hozier
Fun fact “I knit my own socks :)”
The Jr Welfare Sec helps run weekly welfare events together with the Welfare Secretary. This includes booking venues and serving as a friendly face at welfare events. He is also happy to meet people to provide welfare support on a confidential one-to-one basis, and assists with the running of the Welfare Working Group. If you want to have a chat, just message ouwelf02@gmail.com
Academic Officer & Sponsorships Officer: Julian (he/they)
The Academic Officer runs events and talks involving queer studies and academia while the Sponsorships Officer helps the Society find sponsors who fund our activities in exchange for publicity and recruitment events. This year, they are the same person – Julian! If you have an idea for an academic talk on queer issues, drop him a message at ouacademicofficer@gmail.com and if you or your business might be interested in sponsoring the Society, you can email sponsorships.oulgbtq@gmail.com
Sports Officer: Rachel (she/any)
PPE at Harris Manchester (2nd year)
Why did they join the committee? “Meeting people :)”
Favourite song: Human Nature by Nightwish
Fun fact: “I am incapable of spelling in English because my brain always confuses a/e/i. I'll understand you if you use the phonetic alphabet :D”
The Sports Officer runs sports events, often collaborating with sports societies –if there’s a sport you would like to see, you can message ousportsoff@gmail.com
Identity Reps
Identity reps represent their respective communities on the general committee and put on weekly “welfare teas” (i.e. chill non-alcoholic meetups in the afternoon, drinking tea is entirely optional) These are usually organised around specific identities, such as Ace & Aro Tea but As some of our reps from last year have now graduated, we currently have positions open for gay, bi/pan, ace & aro, intersex, Class, Disability & Neurodiversity, International, Men’s and Racial & Ethnic Minorities (RaEM) reps! Just email ousecre@gmail com to apply
Lesbian Rep: Izzy (she/her)
Classics and French at Somerville (2nd year)
Why did you join committee? “I was a regular attendee at Tuesgays last year and thought being on committee would be a fun and easy way to meet new people :)”
Favourite Album: I brought you my bullets, you brought me your love by My Chemical Romance !!
Fun Fact: “I have a pet leopard gecko called Pedro”
The Lesbian Rep provides resources, runs events, and acts as a point of contact for anyone who identifies as sapphic or lesbian in the University If you’d like to join the lesbian WhatsApp group or get in touch, just message oulesbian@gmail.com
Trans Reps: Isaac (he/him) and Isra (she/her)
Isaac:
Computer Science at Hertford (2nd year)
Why did you join committee? “I wanted to be a voice for trans students, especially trans men & mascs who I'd noticed rarely attended soc events.”
Favourite song: Hand Of God (Outro) by Jon Bellion
Favourite artist: The Happy Fits
Favourite album: The Underworld Saga (EPIC: the musical)
Fun fact: “I try and go bouldering regularly -- I'm terrible at it, but it's lots of fun anyway :D”
The trans reps run represent the interests of trans folks to the rest of the committee, act as a point of contact for any welfare concerns pertaining to being trans, and run events such as Trans & Non-Binary Tea (or “Tea4T”), which is every Friday They are also in charge of putting on the annual Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR) memorial service on November 20th, which is open to everyone, and manage a trans & non-binary Facebook group and Discord server where people can chat and share resources – if you’d like to join, you can message Isaac at outrans01@gmail com and Isra at outrans02@gmail com
Non-Binary Rep: Rob (they/them)
BA History and Politics at Queen’s (2nd year)
Why did you join the committee? “It was such a nice group of people and I wanted to give back a little”
Fun fact: “I am really resistant to sourness, sometimes I drink pure lemon juice”
The Non-Binary rep runs events for non-binary people, represents their interests on the committee, and serves as a point of contact for welfare concerns related to being non-binary. Together with the trans reps, they put on Trans & Non-Binary tea every Friday and manage the trans & non-binary Facebook group and Discord server – if you’d like to join, just message ouenby01@gmail.com
Women’s Officer: Olivia (she/her)
The Women’s Officer puts on social and welfare events for queer women where they can feel comfortable meeting each other and have lots of friendly chats and laughs! These include Women’s Wednesdays, Women’s Wine and Watercolour, and lots of other things beginning with W. She’s also happy to offer advice and discuss welfare issues, so if you’d like a chat just message ouwomoff@gmail.com
Grad Rep: Jovan (he/him)
Maths at Balliol (3rd year)
Why did you join the committee? “Friends” Favourite Song: "Rape Me" by Nirvana
The grad rep organises social and welfare events for postgraduate students and researchers, including drinks events, karaoke, and wine and cheese nights. If you have any questions you can message him at ougradu01@gmail.com
Interfaith Rep: Sophie (she/her)
The Interfaith Rep provides resources and runs events for LGBTQ+ people of (any) faith, and represents them on committee. Past events have included film nights, panels and an event in collaboration with faith societies. She also points of contact for anyone who’d like to talk, runs LGBTQ+ 101 training for chaplains, and helps out with the Safe Churches Project. To get in touch, email oufaith01@gmail.com
The SU LGBTQ+ Campaign
Co-Chairs : Luca and Julian
Luca (they/xe)
Philosophy & Linguistics at St Hilda’s (3rd year)
Why did you join Campaign? “Fighting for better lives for trans people”
Favourite Song: basically any song by the mountain goats
Fun Fact: i used to be a competitive climber
Julian (he/him)
History and Politics at University College (2nd year)
Why did you join Campaign? “I joined LGBTQ+ Campaign because I am genuinely passionate about promoting LGBTQ+ inclusion. For many queer people, uni is the first time they can openly be themselves and I hope to help create a welcoming atmosphere for them ”
Favourite song: Sports - Beach Bunny
Treasurer: Anwyll (he/him)
Music at Oriel (3rd year)
Why did you join Campaign? “I had an amazing time being the LGBTQ+ Officer for my JCR and wanted to continue my involvement”
Favourite song: at the moment it’s probably gotta be California by Chappell Roan
Fun fact: I can do a Rubik’s Cube and I own about 20 different types :)
The Treasurer is responsible for compliance with Oxford SU’s financial policies and procedures, all financial arrangements and expenditure and the sustainability of the Campaign budget.
Trans Officer: Zoe 2 (she/her)
Computer Science at St Annes (2nd year)
Why did you join Campaign? “I wanted to help queer people at the uni”
Favourite song: Hate to see your heart break by Paramore
Fun fact: “I once went to Berlin pride/CSD by accident"
The Trans Rep is responsible for representing the views of Trans Full Members to the Campaign and other bodies
Ace/Aro Officer: Bella
The Ace/Aro Rep is responsible for representing the views of Asexual and Aromantic Full Members to the Campaign and other bodies.
Faith Rep: George
The Faith Rep is responsible for representing the views of Faith Full Members to the Campaign and other bodies.
LGBTQ+ & Disabilities Rep: Ioana
The Disabled Students' Rep is responsible for representing the views of Disabled Full Members to the Campaign and other bodies
Sexual Health Officer: Sonny
The Sexual Health Officer is responsible for promoting sexual health initiatives for the LGBTQ+ community, and welfare for students in need of emotional support or guidance
If you want to get involved there are a number of other positions you can apply for, including Secretary, Communications Officer, Community Action Officer, College Reps Officer, Campaigning Officers, Bi/Pan Officer, Lesbian Officer, Women's Rep, Working Class Rep, and BME Rep! You can also get in touch with the LGBTQ+ Campaign at lgbtq@oxfordsu ox ac uk
Queer Life in Oxford
Queer Week (Michaelmas)
In 6th Week of Michaelmas, Wadham (the gay college) puts together a week long festival of speakers, workshops, and events which culminates in Queerfest, a night of partying in Wadham’s gardens.
Glitterball (Hilary)
First held in 2017, Glitterball is the first ever LGBTQ+ ball, both in Oxford and the UK as a whole. With hundreds of guests each year, it’s a spectacular night of music, dancing, and entertainment!
Oxford Pride (Trinity)
A collection of events from the end of May to start of June, ending with the Oxford Pride Parade. Beginning at the RadCam, it is accompanied by a day-long festival featuring a variety of stalls and performances.
T(ART) Productions
An Oxford-based arts and cabaret company that also hosts events for the queer community, including queer yoga, life drawing, and a trans, non-binary, and intersex meetup called Fruit Salad.
The Jolly Farmers
The Jolly Farmers is Oxford’s oldest LGBTQ+ pub, located on Paradise Street by the Westgate shopping centre. It’s full of character with lots of hidden curiosities and a super relaxed vibe. With a gorgeous beer garden, a pub dog called Sherlock, and a monthly pub quiz in collaboration with Oxford Pride, it’s a great and inclusive place to chill out and catch-up with friends!
Drag & Disorderly
Drag and Disorderly is a Oxford-based drag collective featuring such beloved acts as Rusty Kate and Felicity Suxwell – each term they help the LGBTQ+ Society put on a drag cuppers tournament for amateur drag acts. If you’re interested in joining, just shoot us a message!
Resources
Online Social Groups
There is an OULGBTQ+ Society WhatsApp Group and a Discord Server, which you can join by scanning the QR codes below:
Rainbow Families
The rainbow parenting scheme is a buddy system similar to college parenting where we match up freshers with upper year students These older students can then introduce their rainbow children to the LGBTQ+ community at Oxford on a collegiate and university-wide level It is a longstanding institution of the society that helps to integrate freshers into the community and is typically run by the Society’s Secretary.
More information and the signup forms are available on our website at: http://www.oulgbtq.org/rainbow-parenting-scheme.html
Gender Expression Fund
ManyJuniorCommonRooms(JCRs)acrosstheuniversityoffergender expressionfunds.Thesefundsrangeinsize,butallowstudentsto purchasegender-affirmingproductssuchasbinders,makeup,or clothes.Theycanevenbeusedtopayfortransporttomedicaland therapeuticappointmentsoreventopayforanynamechangesto governmentdocuments
Pleasenotethattheexactitemsgenderexpressionfundscancoverand theamountswillvarybycollege.
TheSUalsooffersacentralgenderexpressionfundtosupportstudents whodon’thaveaccesstoagenderexpressionfundthroughtheirJCR.
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