June marks Pride Month, a month to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, enabling them to be proud of who they are. LGBTQ+ stands for lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer with the + meaning “and others” being inclusive of people of all identities

Throughout the month, each day recognises a specific identity; LGBTQ+ encompasses a wide range of sexual identities and gender identities. The most important thing is to accept people for who they are and respect their identities.

Finding acceptance

While we have progressed significantly in terms of acceptance, there is still a long way to go with members of the LGBTQ+ community often struggling to fit in or be respected for who they are. Moreover, in other countries, members of the LGBTQ+ community may not be protected under the law. In the UK, the law for same-sex marriage was passed in 2013, but Greece, for example, only legalised same-sex marriage in February of this year, with other countries still viewing it as illegal. This can be quite damaging; it is important to make sure that members of the LGBTQ+ community feel safe to be who they are.

Pride month is also important for combatting internalised homophobia and transphobia because homosexuality and being transgender are not something to be ashamed of. But it can be difficult to come to terms with it especially when an individual feels like they don’t fit in with the norm or if they are surrounded by homophobia or transphobia.

From personal experience, I knew that I was attracted to women (as a woman myself) from age 11 but it took me till age 15 to even admit it to myself then to age 17 to accept myself and even now internalised homophobia is difficult. It can be hard living in a heteronormative society and feeling like you are not living the way that you are supposed to be living.

A safe space

The University is a safe space for everyone, regardless of how you identify. In particular, the LGBTQ+ society is extremely inclusive and enables people to feel welcomed. They host coffee mornings every Wednesday throughout term time as well as various events throughout the year. It is a great way to meet others that are like you.

The University also takes issues like homophobia and transphobia seriously and you can report incidents of them both anonymously and non-anonymously.

LGBTQ+ spaces in Brighton

Brighton is known as one of the most accepting places for LGBTQ+ people with there being many places and events for queer people to hang out. A popular place is R-bar and Revenge Club, the gay bar and club. R-bar is open every night of the week and has a variety of events. Revenge is a club run by the same people and is centred around LGBTQ+. In addition, there is the Ledward Centre, which is by Jubilee Library and is a community space for members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies; it involves a café, gallery and cinema as well as soon involving a community kitchen.

Visit Brighton has more information about the unofficial LGBTQ+ capital of Britain.

Take part in Brighton Pride

Pride marches happen in major cities in Britain throughout the summer. Brighton Pride is on 2^nd August to 5^th August. On Saturday 3 August, the University will be entering the parade with a walking party which all students, staff and alumni can join.

Pride Month serves as a reminder that it is okay to be different, it is okay to not live as society tells you to and to live how you want. It also reminds us of the importance of accepting and celebrating each other. It is important to respect each other.

Tugce studies Psychology with Neuroscience. She enjoys going for walks in nature and attending dog-walking society at uni.