PUSHING FOR A QUEERER YORK

IN MY TWO and a half years at university here in York, I have found myself learning and experimenting with labels and concepts of my identity.

Like many others, university has become a safer and more open space to express myself and my sexuality than my village back at home. However, I can’t help the pang of jealousy in my chest when I hear stories of cities and universities celebrating queer culture and notice how far York has yet to go. Networks like the LGBTQ+ Network, the Women, and Non-binary Network are a brilliant start from YUSU for a notion of gender and sexuality inclusivity across campus, however looking beyond events held by these networks, the city still lacks safe spaces for queer individuals. I absolutely adore Portal Bookshop and the work of Lali with the cafe and events they put on there. However, a tiny spot near the Shambles is all we have? Our literature gays are all set but what about our party gays? York has more than enough bars and pubs scattering its streets and you’re telling me that not one of many creative souls York University has and just how diverse the portrayal of it can be. For example, the LGBTQ+ Network’s Lesbian Subnetwork contributed through hosting a zine workshop, emphasising the importance of zines in lesbian and feminist punk subcultures. This collaboration was then furthered through the scanning of individual pages of the mini zines to and using them for page spreads. them is a certified gay bar? And don’t even get me started on the lack of queer clubs. Even our fortnightly gay Flares night has been undermined and infested with straight men in polo shirts. Is it too much to ask as a queer woman that I have a space to feel celebrated and not preyed on? As I come up to the end of my time at York, I couldn’t be more thankful for the queer community I have built around myself. Perhaps in this respect it is selfish of me to ask for more from York but I’m a strong believer of there always being room to improve!

The Glow Project also highlights the talent of student photographers at university and what they can do when given the opportunity to shine.

We are so excited to share this piece of art and community from the network in the hopes that the warmth grows throughout campus! This magazine is a true credit to Izzy and everyone who helped to make this glowing vision a shiny reality.