Image by Daniel Finch
A new communal area exclusive to queer students has been introduced by Newcastle University.
The LGBTQ+ safe space was opened on Wednesday, November 1, 2023. An announcement was posted to social media by the university’s current Welfare and Equality Officer, Lucy Leeds.
The room can be found in the Frederick Douglas Centre with opening hours of 9am-5pm every weekday.
Lucy said: “Our LGBTQ+ Safe Space is a social space where any students who are part of the LGBTQ+ community can enjoy with friends.
“There is no need to book, we want this space to be buzzing with activity so please come along and enjoy anytime.”
According to the official Newcastle University Students’ Union website, their aim is to provide a relaxed and welcoming space for the community. The room features an array of games and entertainment, whilst signposting outlets of support within the union and university itself.
The process was prompted by the feedback of students themselves three years ago.
A spokesperson for Newcastle University added: “This development of this area stems back to 2020 when student representatives came to us and let us know that they thought it would be beneficial for us to have a safe space on campus for the community.
“After a lot of research undertaken by the team, and conversations with the university around acquiring a permanent space, we were delighted to launch this space for students to use.”
The room’s establishment corresponded with further efforts of inclusivity by the university during Transgender Awareness Week. This year, these activities took place throughout the week commencing Monday, November 19.
As explained by NUSU via social media: “This week leads up to Transgender Day of Remembrance, an annual observance on November 20 that honours the memory of the transgender people whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence.”
Aside from reinforcing support available, a Trans Clothes Drive was organised on campus in the Hadrian Building’s Lindisfarne Room. This encouraged transgender and non-binary students to find gender-affirming clothing and community support.
The need for support in place for the LGBTQ+ community is perpetual today, especially in Newcastle.
In 2021, the ONS Census asked people about their sexuality and gender identity for the first time. Data regarding how many lesbian, gay and bi people live in main university student areas in the country revealed that 7.3% of Jesmond residents identify as queer.
Recent research from Stonewall configured a list of the ten universities ranking highest in their degree of gay-friendliness and openness to improvement. Newcastle University failed to make the cut.
Second-year student at Newcastle University and LGBTQ+ advocate, Nathan Hannah, said: “I definitely feel there is still room for improvement.
“The majority of my lectures are around the Helix area and I didn’t even know about the safe space opening. I think the concept of a segregated room in a building furthest from campus could be seen as an afterthought, rather than an act of genuine support. But it’s a start.”
For Newcastle University students seeking further support, the Union’s sabbatical officers are available to contact.
Email Tom (LGBTQ+ Officer): lgbt.union@newcastle.ac.uk
Email Lucy (Welfare and Equality Officer): welfare.union@newcastle.ac.uk