Why I joined the LGBTQ+ Society: a student’s perspective

Hi! I’m Emerson and I study Economics at the University of Brighton. I have been a member of the LGBTQ+ Society since my first year, and I was a committee member for my second year before stepping down ahead of my placement year. 

I joined the society because I needed it. The LGBTQ+ Society is there for students in the LGBTQ+ community who want to find a space to be themselves. I know that I have been very well supported in both my transition and in growing as a person at the LGBTQ+ Society. 

Some societies have very set activities that they do, but we aren’t beholden to just doing one thing. The society does a range of paid and free events including laser-tag, board game nights, film nights, and even parties and club nights. As we are managed by the Brighton Students’ Union, we can use their website for memberships and ticketing. Collaboration is key, so the LGBTQ+ Society regularly collaborates with other Brighton societies, which lets members experience parts of campus in ways they may not otherwise. 

(At the University of Brighton the societies are run by the Brighton Students’ Union – BSU)

What LGBTQ+ Society is all about 

Whilst we do host some great events, the primary focus of the LGBTQ+ society is to provide a safe space and resources for students who need it. Members have supported each other through legal name changes, access to healthcare, and finding accommodation. We focus on inclusivity, so most events do not revolve around alcohol; one of the society’s most popular events is a ‘Presentation Night’, where members can create and share presentations about their interests. A unique aspect of the society is how member-led it can be; with the committee frequently responding to event requests from members; as members have really enjoyed the Mario Kart Tournament and the Murder Mystery Night, the committee will almost certainly repeat them in the future.

A typical day in the LGBTQ+ Society

As the LGBTQ+ Society does not have a set type of activity, it can change week by week. However, the majority of events are held at 6pm on Tuesdays at the Moulsecoomb Campus. Most events are free, and there is also an active society Discord server which means members are accessible and can easily interact outside of scheduled events. 

Members have the option to talk to each other most days, although some members prefer to keep to themselves and that is also respected.

The best parts of being a member

For me, the best part of being a member of the LGBTQ+ Society is all the amazing people that I have met. I really enjoy a lot of the events and activities, and it’s great to make a difference when we raise money for charity, but it’s the people that really make the society what it is. Obviously, you will get new people every year, but I have found that being in a queer space is amazing. 

When I had top surgery in September 2024, it was the people in the society who were offering love and support, and when I was in the process of getting a Fibromyalgia diagnosis, the members were cheering me on and holding space for me when I was struggling. So, for me, the best part of being a member of the LGBTQ+ Society is the community of people that you surround yourself with. 

What I’ve learned and how I’ve grown

I have definitely learned a lot in my time in the LGBTQ+ Society, I think one of the biggest lessons has been improving my interpersonal communication skills. I am autistic, and interacting with so many people has really helped me learn better communication skills and has improved my existing skills. I also feel so much more confident than I used to be, not just in terms of public speaking and event management, but also in my personal life; I am so much more willing to put boundaries in place with people, and I feel a lot more sure of myself and my decisions. 

Like many people in the LGBTQ+ community I have dealt with bigotry in my own life, and I think being a part of this society has helped me to develop the tools and confidence to handle it. 

Advice for students considering joining

I highly recommend the society to other queer students. It’s quite easy to get involved, you can find the discord and membership link on social media or via the BSU website, or you can just turn up to events and say hi! 

It can be daunting to meet new people, especially if it’s a big group, so I recommend joining the discord first or messaging the society account if you feel nervous. Other people want you to feel welcome, so the committee and other members will do what they can to help! 

Why you should join the LGBTQ+ Society!

The LGBTQ+ Society is a great place to meet people and have some fun. It’s a supportive community for queer students, so if you want support, or even just fancy an eclectic mix of events, then it could be the society for you! 

Author: Emerson Fawcett – Economics BSc, School of Business & Law