Feeling welcome in Falmouth

feeling

welcome in falmouth

By Ann-Sophie Sussmann, third-year Theatre & Performance student

As an openly bisexual woman from the countryside I know how hard and isolating it can be to be a part of the LGBTQ+ community there, so before coming to Falmouth, I had already told myself to expect a rather traditional social and cultural environment. But, throughout my stay here in Cornwall, this impression has been completely turned on its head.

Even at the very start, when I was filling out the first form the Uni had sent me, it asks you to state your official name but it also lets you put in another, preferred name. This might seem like a small detail but it can mean a lot to some people and immediately made me feel more comfortable.

More than that, from the get-go, the University, its societies and other students – some of whom have now become close friends of mine – made me feel welcomed.

Yes, Falmouth is in a rural area, but you can feel the buzz of fresh creativity and a lively community everywhere. The fact that Falmouth University is home to so many innovative courses means the town and area are filled with creative and open-minded people.

There are specific LGBTQ+ nights in some clubs like Mangos or The King’s, or if you prefer some quiet daytime activities, there’s also the Uni’s Pride Society. Open to everyone regardless of orientation or identity, they host Fresher’s events like quizzes, café mornings and other socials, which is a great way of getting to know new people and actively participating in the local community.

I’ve had eye-opening conversations with fellow LGBTQ+ students and over my three years here, I’ve come to think about parts of my identity that I’d never considered before, and have had other parts reaffirmed. It’s been lovely to find my feet in such an inclusive and diverse environment. To say it’s been encouraging and inspiring is an understatement!

EXPLORING IDENTITY

Take a look at some of the work being created by current students and alumni examining different aspects and expressions of identity.

Astitva

‘Astitva’ is a short experimental documentary film made by and for trans and gender-non-conforming people, directed by Nella Gocaland, and produced by Vedha Poddar and Jana TownsendGee, all third-year Film students.

But I’m a boy

‘But I’m a boy’ is a project by MA Photography student Douglas Stenhouse studying the life of Drew, a transgender man and the sole parent for his children. For Drew, who’s on the autism spectrum, the project was a way for him to explore his thoughts and representation of self through Douglas’ images.

Giv a Dam

‘Giv a Dam’ is an award-winning campaign exploring what it’s like to navigate sexual wellbeing, pleasure, and safety as a queer womxn*, created by Creative Advertising alumni Nina Forbes and Jessica Kielstra. *alternative spelling of women, used to avoid perceived sexism BOI

‘BOI’ is a short documentary film, which picked up a Royal Television Society Award, was made by Film alumni Dionne Rayner and Laura Grace Marr. The film explores the rights and journeys of members of the transgender community in the UK.

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