I find the LGBTQ spaces quite intimidating, is there anywhere I can go to express these feelings anonymously?
Well, first off, this page is a place where you can express those feelings anonymously, so congrats :)
Secondly, what is it about the LGBTQ spaces that you find intimidating?
- Is it that they tend to be alcohol-based? I realise that this is a problem, but this year the Society intends to hold more non-alcoholic events. I'll also be holding regular Oriel LGBTQ tea socials.
- Is it that you feel excluded by the tendency towards political activism, either because you feel others know more about those topics than you do, or because you are uninterested in such politics? If it is the former, I know that it can seem intimidating, but really most people are willing to explain issues that they care about if you ask, and they will not judge you for wanting to know more – I'm by no means the ultimate font of intersectional wisdom, but I can talk to you about a fair number of issues. One thing to be cautious about is that it is not the responsibility of members of oppressed groups to explain their oppression to others, as it can be exhausting to do so constantly. If it is the latter, this is why we have both the LGBTQ Society (not political) and the LGBTQ Campaign (political). I realise that activism is often present in both groups, but there are generally people of various a-/political schools of thought at Soc events, so hopefully you'll be able to find some like-minded individuals there.
Hope that helps! :)
Secondly, what is it about the LGBTQ spaces that you find intimidating?
- Is it that they tend to be alcohol-based? I realise that this is a problem, but this year the Society intends to hold more non-alcoholic events. I'll also be holding regular Oriel LGBTQ tea socials.
- Is it that you feel excluded by the tendency towards political activism, either because you feel others know more about those topics than you do, or because you are uninterested in such politics? If it is the former, I know that it can seem intimidating, but really most people are willing to explain issues that they care about if you ask, and they will not judge you for wanting to know more – I'm by no means the ultimate font of intersectional wisdom, but I can talk to you about a fair number of issues. One thing to be cautious about is that it is not the responsibility of members of oppressed groups to explain their oppression to others, as it can be exhausting to do so constantly. If it is the latter, this is why we have both the LGBTQ Society (not political) and the LGBTQ Campaign (political). I realise that activism is often present in both groups, but there are generally people of various a-/political schools of thought at Soc events, so hopefully you'll be able to find some like-minded individuals there.
Hope that helps! :)