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Welcome to SUBU LGBTQ+ Students!

Students' Union Bourneouth University is a LGBTQ+ friendly organisation and believes that no student should be made to feel uncomfortable because of their sexuality or gender. We run events and campaigns througout the year to raise awareness for and support LGBT+ Students at BU. The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Plus Students' Campaign and Transgender and Non-Binary Students' Campaign are elected to represent you and connect student members, enabling students to build friendships and share experiences and to act collectively in highlighting issues, raising awareness and campaigning for change.

This space is for those who identify as LGBTQ+ to find information and resources for support as well as to help educate those who would like to learn more about the community. 

 

These definitions are designed to provide basic understanding of LGBTQ+ identities and are in no way meant to restrict or exclude those who don’t ‘fit’ the definition perfectly. Gender and sexuality is fluid and unique just like every person is unique. If an identity is missing, or you don’t agree with or have a better definition for any of these identities please contact: mtonge@bournemouth.ac.uk 

ALLY

A (typically) straight and/or cis person who supports members of the LGBTQ+ community.

ASEXUAL (OR ACE)

Someone who does not experience sexual attraction.

BISEXUAL

Bi is an umbrella term used to describe an emotional, romantic and/or sexual orientation towards more than one gender.
Bi people may describe themselves using one or more of a wide variety of terms, including, but not limited to, bisexual, pan, bi-curious, queer, and other non-monosexual identities.

CISGENDER OR CIS

Someone whose gender identity is the same as the sex they were assigned at birth. Non-trans is also used by some people.

HETEROSEXUAL / STRAIGHT

Refers to a man who has an emotional, romantic and/or sexual orientation towards women or to a woman who has an emotional, romantic and/or sexual orientation towards men.

HOMOSEXUAL

This might be considered a more medical term used to describe someone who has an emotional romantic and/or sexual orientation towards someone of the same gender. The term ‘gay’ is now more generally used.

INTERSEX

A term used to describe a person who may have the biological attributes of both sexes or whose biological attributes do not fit with societal assumptions about what constitutes male or female.
Intersex people may identify as male, female or non-binary.
Stonewall works with intersex groups to provide its partners and stakeholders information and evidence about areas of disadvantage experienced by intersex people but does not, after discussions with members of the intersex community, include intersex issues as part of its current remit at this stage.

NON-BINARY

An umbrella term for people whose gender identity doesn’t sit comfortably with ‘man’ or ‘woman’. Non-binary identities are varied and can include people who identify with some aspects of binary identities, while others reject them entirely.

PANSEXUAL

Refers to a person whose emotional, romantic and/or sexual attraction towards others is not limited by sex or gender.

QUEER

In the past a derogatory term for LGBTQ+ individuals. The term has now been reclaimed by LGBTQ+ young people in particular who don’t identify with traditional categories around gender identity and sexual orientation but is still viewed to be derogatory by some.

TRANSGENDER

An umbrella term to describe people whose gender is not the same as, or does not sit comfortably with, the sex they were assigned at birth.
Trans people may describe themselves using one or more of a wide variety of terms, including (but not limited to) transgender, transsexual, gender-queer (GQ), gender-fluid, non-binary, gender-variant, crossdresser, genderless, agender, nongender, third gender, two-spirit, bi-gender, trans man, trans woman,trans masculine, trans feminine and neutrois.

These definitions are provided by Stonewall 

Pronouns are the words that refer to a person, or that they use to refer to themselves. Pronouns can be he, she, they or another personal pronoun that the person feels most comfortable with. Using the correct pronoun for someone is incredibly important as shows them that they’re in a safe environment to express their gender identity however is comfortable for them.
If you meet someone and are unsure of their pronouns, introduce yourself using your own pronouns. Don’t assume their pronouns immediately, it’s always better to ask than to unintentionally offend. Stick to gender-neutral “they” until you’ve asked – if you can. The most respectful way or asking would be “What are your pronouns?” or “What pronouns do you use”. It is a privilege to not have to worry about how others will refer to you based on your perceived gender so remember this when asking someone about their pronouns

Helpful Tips

  • People will understand that it can initially be difficult to adjust to a pronoun which you may not be familiar and you may slip up from time to time with as long as you acknowledge any mistake and correct yourself.
  • There are many different pronouns a person may use for example they, ze, xe and more. If you are not familiar with someone’s pronouns it is important you respect them by using their correct pronoun. You can research it yourself later rather than questioning them which could lead to them feeling invalidated.
  • If you misgender someone apologise, correct yourself and move on. Set up an inclusive tone in meetings and other formal occasions by encouraging people to introduce their names and pronouns.
  • Include your pronouns within your email signature
  • Avoid using the term “preferred pronoun” as it suggests that they are not someone’s actual pronouns, instead just use “pronoun”.

An asexual person (“ace”, for short) is simply someone who does not experience sexual attraction. That’s all there is to it. Aces can be any sex or gender or age or ethnic background or body type, can be rich or poor, can wear any clothing style, and can be any religion or political affiliation.

Asexuality is a sexual orientation, like homosexuality or heterosexuality. And like being straight or being gay, it’s about what someone feels, not what someone does. Dating, having sex, masturbating, falling in love, getting married, or having children do not conflict with asexuality in any way. There are many reasons why an asexual person might do these things that do not require sexual attraction to be present.

Find out more at What is Asexuality?

Gender neutral toilets are available to use in the following locations

Talbot Campus

Lansdowne Campus

  • 1st, 2nd, 4th and 5th floor of The Student Centre
  • Fusion ground floor
  • Sir Michael Cobham Library ground floor

Over The Rainbow is a Bournemouth based organisation which operates from the triangle providing advice, support and information for the fabulous lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.
They can help you consider HIV/Hepatitis/Syphilis testing, hepatitis vaccinations, discuss sexually transmitted infections and regular sexual health screening and now offer full screening of sexually transmitted infections.
They can also discuss prostate, testicular problems and self-examination, as well as being able to help with all aspects of negotiating safer sex and risk reduction, if you feel you might be having too much sex or lots of unprotected sex.

Visit Over the Rainbows website

Terrence Higgins Trust

Terrence Higgins Trust is the leading and largest HIV and sexual health charity in the UK. Set up in response to the HIV epidemic and has been at the forefront of the fight against HIV, and improving the nation's sexual health, ever since.

Space Youth Project

A group for young Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual, Trans and questioning people under 25 based in Dorset, including Bournemouth and Poole. We meet at lots of different places and give LGBT young people an opportunity to meet others, make new friends, chat, go out, plan events and have fun!

Dorset Chillout

Dorchester's monthly meeting place for all LGBT people. Held on the third Sunday every month at The Olde Tea House, Dorchester, from 2.00pm till 5.00pm.

Over the Rainbow

Advice, support & information for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community.

Communi-T

A group for trans people and are welcoming to anyone who is on the trans spectrum. Based in Bournemouth, we hold group sessions in social settings for people aged over 18. 

 

Check out this guide to studying and living in the UK as an LGBT+ student!