Coming to Oxford from my socially conservative town in the North West of England, I felt apprehensive about being myself. However, within a few days of arriving in Oxford, I realised that I had nothing to worry about. Oxford has such a welcoming and inclusive environment in which there is a thriving LGBTQ+ scene and many opportunities available. I threw myself immediately into the LGBTQ+ scene in Oxford and attended many of the events put on by the university LGBTQ+ society. They host drinks events on Tuesday evenings in a different college each week which Is a great way to explore the rest of the university. It is also a great way to make new friends from all different colleges and I've met some of closest friends here from these socials. If clubbing is your thing, lots of people then go onto Plush nightclub which is the local LGBTQ+ club that plays some great 00s throwbacks alongside 80s classics - who doesn't love a mix of Beyoncé and ABBA?? If clubbing isn't your thing, there are often LGBTQ+ movie screenings in the T.S Eliot Theatre in Merton. I recently went to see Call Me By Your Name and Love, Simon there myself. There is also the annual Oxford Pride Parade held in Trinity in June. We walked through town with the parade to the Oxford Castle where there was live music, drinks and friendly vibes. We had an amazing day and, best of all, it was free!! I also enjoyed getting involved in the Oxford Union as the LGBTQ+ rep in Hilary term last year . It was great to see such a big society here in Oxford showing support for the LGBTQ+ community, represented by the large number of LGBTQ+ guests they invite to speak, such as Tom Daley, whose talk I really enjoyed attending.
I can't imagine a better environment in which to be myself and make the most of my time here at university!