Queer diversity

In striving to support all members of our St Hilda’s community, 2020 came with the introduction of a Queer Representative role into the GC leadership team. Ciara Hadley was awarded the inaugural Queer Representative, and was also awarded the Change Champion award in 2020.

Ciara organised community participation in the globallyrecognised ‘Wear it Purple Day’ in August, an annual event celebrating the LGBTQI+ community while also pushing for education and further awareness. With the assistance of one of our residential tutors Cass, whose role as an SRA correlates with the Hilda’s Inclusion Portfolio, the pair organised a day of activities to stimulate discussion. Beginning with a purple tie-dye activity in the front quad, accompanied with face painting, the day continued on to a student-run question panel. Ciara was overwhelmed with the attendance at this event, which continued into a presentation by guest speaker Jason Ball who discussed his experience in the LGBTQI+ community. There has been noticeable change in pronoun use and general awareness throughout the college that Ciara should be immensely proud to have initiated.

Looking forward, Ciara hoped to organise a St Hilda’s Pride Night - an on-campus evening focused on beneficial conversations surrounding the Queer community. Starting with a rainbow themed Formal Dinner accompanied by a range of musical acts and entertainment, the night was sure to be a favourite. Coming together with other Colleges around the Crescent, St Hilda’s participated in the intercollegiate Queer group picnic to foster friendship groups that otherwise may not have met. Also sitting on Ciara’s 2020 ‘wish list’ was the introduction of LGBTeas, a frequent meeting of people from the St Hilda’s community to band together and discuss matters over a cuppa and nibbles. In the face of COVID regulations, Ciara is proud of the conversations her efforts have stimulated, and no doubt this culture will continue to flourish within our community.

Ciara Hadley