June is the annual month-long celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer liberation.
At Students' Union UCL, we are committed to making sure our communities feel seen, heard and empowered.
As part of our commitment and the priorities of our Equity and Inclusion Officer, we are continuing to promote and observe different community observations so all our students can feel included.
Below, you will find some sections about the history of Pride, LGBTQ+ News from UCL, Events, Volunteering opportunities... and much more!
- What is 'Pride'?
LGBT Pride Month occurs in the United States to commemorate the Stonewall riots, which occurred at the end of June 1969.
Also called the Stonewall Uprising, the 'riots' began in the early hours of June 28, 1969 when New York City police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay club located in Greenwich Village.
There had been an ongoing policing of gay venues due to the homophobic view that the mere gathering of homosexuals was “disorderly.” Furthermore, it was still illegal to engage in homosexual "behaviours" in public.
The Stonewall Uprising is often seen as a result of this ongoing persecution, which caused rising tension- that finally snapped at the Stonewall Inn.
The raid sparked a riot among bar patrons and neighbourhood residents in response to the persecution and actions of enforcement. LGBTQ+ people were arrested, attacked and the Inn became a symbolic site for fighting back against oppression.
While this was not the first or last time LGBTQ+ fought hard for their own rights, it empowered others to fight for their rights.
On the one-year anniversary of the riots on June 28, 1970, thousands of people marched in the streets of Manhattan from the Stonewall Inn to commemorate this brave struggle. This what is often acknowledged as the first pride.
- Why is Pride important?
The first Pride, with the slogan “Say it loud, gay is proud.”, has a long-lasting reach that has encouraged LGBTQ+ people to feel empowered and proud of who they are.
LGBTQ+ People have faced ongoing oppression for their identities. So, encouraging LGBTQ+ people to take the streets, march and be visible is important in uplifting and usualising the community.
The Stonewall Uprising and similar struggles before and after have been important in paving a road for LGBTQ+ rights and freedoms in many parts of the world.
From many different countries, LGBTQ+ people still march and attend celebrations to challenge discrimination, build community, change minds and to maintain their rights.
From the UK and outwards, Pride is still observed and celebrated to honour these aspects and to continue to fight for freedoms across the community.
This is why Pride is important.
Meet our LGBTQ+ communities and leaders
There are a number of student and UCL-wide networks you can join to meet more of our LGBTQ+ community.
UCL LGBTQ+ Network - The student-elected officers representing LGBTQ+ students at UCL.
Out @UCL - UCL's staff & PG student network.
UCL Trans* Student Network - Led by the Trans* Officer, the Trans* Students' Network represents an opportunity for students to campaign against discrimination, as well as meet other members of UCL's Trans* community.
Our LGBTQ+ Officer - The LGBTQ+ Officer leads the Union and the Network alongside the Trans Officer in continuing to build an engaging, dynamic and rewarding community of LGBT+ students on campus and beyond.
Our Trans Officer - The Trans Officer leads the Union and the LGBT+ Network alongside the LGBQ+ Officer, and also oversees the Trans* Network.
Events and Socials
Throughout this month, we are hosting a range of activities - there’s something for everyone to get involved with so come and join in! we will be adding events throughout June, so watch this space!
Also, check out these external Pride Events!
Hear from our LGBTQ+ community...
Proudly Student-Led, Loudly Democratic
Here at the Students' Union, we are working hard to ensure every student feels heard, has a community and can make powerful change. Below, check out your elected representatives as well as policies relevant to Pride!
Your Officers
Policy
Each policy starts with you.
You can submit a policy proposal that will be debated at one of our three Policy Zones (Education Zone, Activities Zone, Welfare and Community Zone).
If you have an idea for a new policy or feel that we should amend one of our existing policies you should fill out the following form:
Give Back to the Community and Volunteer!
Spotlight on... elop
elop's (formerly East London Out Project) mission is to provide dedicated, high-quality, user-centred, responsive and professional services to lesbian, gay, bisexual & trans (LGBT+) communities.
"Our aim is to preserve, promote & improve mental, emotional, psychological and social health, wellbeing, safety and empowerment, whilst working to challenge and eradicate discrimination and inequalities faced by LGBT+ people, and others questioning &/ or exploring their sexual orientation and/ or gender identity."
elop does this through the provision of a range of services & activities including: counselling & therapy services, social & support groups, mental health crisis prevention & support, community safety & victim care, youth groups & schools project, same-sex families service, consultation, training representation & awareness raising, community activities, including a LGBT forum in Tower Hamlets, events & workshop; and a range of community volunteering opportunities....
Find out more about opportunities at elop & other LGBTQ+ volunteering opportunities below...
Advice & Wellbeing
While being out and proud, it's important to look after your wellbeing. Below are some resources around wellbeing and advice!
Students' Union Advice Service
We are a free, confidential and independent advice and support service. Our trained and experienced team can give you advice about:
- Academic issues - including extenuating circumstances, plagiarism and complaints
- Housing - including contract checks and housemate disputes
- Employment - including unpaid wages and part time employment contracts
- Money and Debt - including budgeting and welfare benefits
- Many other personal and university matters...
You can submit your query through our contact form - please allow 5 working days for us to confirm receipt of your query.
We can also supply free condoms and period products for those students in need. Just pop up to the office to collect them!
Feeling Safe
We believe that bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct are never okay.
That's why we encourage all students to use the following tools should they need to.