On October 11, ºÚÁÏÍø celebrates National Coming Out Day. Ìý
National Coming Out Day aims to raise awareness for individuals within the LGBTQ+ community. It champions the idea that homophobia thrives in silence and encourages open communication and support. Ìý
On this day, many people who identify as LGBTQ+ may choose to tell people about their sexual orientation or gender identity, often called ‘coming out’. Ìý
If someone chooses to do so, it’s a very personal and important moment in their lives. They may also face different challenges when doing so. Ìý
National Coming Out Day also illustrates the support available to LGBTQ+ people and is a chance to celebrate identity and togetherness. Ìý
LGBTQIA+ clubs at ºÚÁÏÍø Ìý
LGBTQIA+ clubs at college are a supportive, fun and safe space for students to meet new people and share experiences.Ìý
The LGBTQIA+ Club is a gathering where you can enjoy healthy discussions around LGBTQIA+ issues. Everyone is welcome and intolerance will not be accepted. Ìý
As part of the club, we also aim to be part of local Pride celebrations. During Pride Month at ºÚÁÏÍø, we show our #ActivatePride and get involved in parades. We do this to increase acceptance and tolerance across all campuses. ÌýÌý
We offer these clubs at each college including:Ìý
- Banbury and Bicester College Ìý
- Bracknell and Wokingham College Ìý
- City of Oxford College and University Centre city-centre Campus ÌýÌý
- Farnham College Ìý
- Guildford CollegeÌýÌý
- Merrist Wood College and University Centre
- Reading College and University Centre
To learn more, please speak to your Student Enrichment Officer at your campus. Ìý
Support at college for LGBTQIA+ studentsÌý
If you feel you would benefit from some support regarding your sexual orientation or gender identity, the Student Support and Safeguarding team are on hand wherever you are in your personal journey. Ìý
You can visit them on campus, call them on 01865 550 041 or email safe@activatelearning.ac.uk. Ìý
ºÚÁÏÍø does not tolerate homophobia or discrimination of any kind across our campuses. We want all students to thrive in a supportive and accepting environment.
That’s why we’ve recently introduced the updated Progress Pride Flag lanyard for all staff and students at ºÚÁÏÍø to proudly wear.Ìý