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LGBTQPIA+

Here at Winchester, we pride ourselves on having a large and inclusive LGBTQPIA+ community, and therefore we aim to provide plenty of information and resources to our students.

This is a space for our LGBTQPIA+ community, we have provided a range of resources that we hope will prove useful for our LGBTQIA+ students, or other students wishing to find out more, as well as a space for LGBTQIA+ students to share their thoughts.

If you have any suggestions, comments or feedback, we would love to hear from you! Fill out the Typeform below to have your say.

If you would like to have a chat about anything on this page or in general, please do contact the Student Union President, Alex at SU_PRES@winchester.ac.uk.

Student Stories 2025

For LGBT+ History Month 2025 we asked for students who wanted to, to share their stories and perspectives on LGBT + History Month. See and explore Levi's and Ren's stories below:

 

What does LGBT+ History Month mean to you?

 

To me, LGBT History Month means that we can learn about the past—how we treated the LGBT+ community, the laws we had, and much more. It's an opportunity not only to learn from this history but to change how we act, treat each other, and shape the laws we make. And I don't just mean what we did 500+ years ago, but even just one year ago, or six months ago, or yesterday, or maybe even this morning.

LGBT+ History Month is about reflecting on the history of the gay rights and related civil rights movements. It's about celebrating the lives and achievements of the LGBTQ+ community and raising awareness of the challenges they face. It also aims to promote equality and diversity.

 

Are there any historical events or movements in LGBT+ history you think everyone should know about?

 

The Stonewall Riots. I think people need to understand why we have Pride months, Pride parades, and why we need to think and learn about things like this. People should know the faces and names behind those who gave us a fighting chance at freedom, equality, and acceptance.

 

How has your understanding of your identity evolved over time?

 

When I was little (around 4 or 5), I was always told, "Boys like blue and cars and are strong, and girls like pink and ballet and are polite." When I was 6, I realized that I didn't fit into either of those "boxes." I knew I wanted something else, something bigger, something better. I wanted to dance, paint, climb trees, and I liked both blue AND pink. I preferred wearing jumpers and trousers instead of dresses or skirts. I wanted to be me. As I grew older and entered secondary school, I decided I didn't like pink anymore and preferred yellow.

When I was in Year 10, we watched a video in our TEAMS class called “What Not to Say to Non-Binary People.” After watching it and discussing it, something clicked. Everything I had felt, everything I had liked as a child, all the times I felt weird, all the moments I was told, "Put the puzzle down, girls play with dolls," I wasn't being freakish; I was being me. That is the day I realized I was non-binary.

I didn't come out until I was 18 (four years later). At first, I felt like I had to be the opposite of who I was born as. I went as masculine as I possibly could—cut my hair short, changed my name, wore only masculine clothing. I was so scared that if I did anything I thought of as remotely ‘girly,’ I wouldn't have been taken seriously as a non-binary person.

In the past two years, I have spent a lot of time thinking about who I am and who I want to be. I realize now that it's okay to be part everything, that clothing doesn't have a gender, that anyone can like any color they want and be whoever they want to be. Now, I've grown my hair out again, and while I do want to cut it at some point, I'm happy with it for now. I wore a dress for the first time since 2019, and I kind of liked it. I'm even starting to like certain shades of pink again. I finally feel like me.

To me, that is identity. It grows, it changes, it adapts. It might take time, but you will discover who you are—eventually. I know I did.

 

Are there any particular experiences that have shaped your journey as part of the LGBT+ community or as an ally?

 

I grew up in a reenactment society, surrounded by a diverse group of people. I remember one person who was bi. She was always open and honest with me about it, answered any questions I had in an age-appropriate way, and made me feel like I was in a safe space to be myself.

I remember on New Year's Eve in 2015, I had just come out as pansexual. She saw me at the party my mom's friend was hosting and told me, "I'm proud of you, kid." The reason I remember this moment is because I was scared to tell my dad, who I didn't live with, and I had broken down to her about it. She reassured me that I would be okay, that she had my back, that I was loved and accepted—even if my dad didn't. She reminded me that the community had my back.

At the time, I didn't know what "the community" meant. I thought she was referring to the reenactment group, but now I realize there's a world full of people just like me. It was her who gave me the push I needed to truly fly.

 

What kind of support systems have been most meaningful to you?

 

My family, my friends, and Spectrum (the LGBTQ+ network at uni).

 

What inspired you to become active in advocating for LGBT+ rights or social change?

 

I've met kids who weren't as lucky as I was—those who didn't have an LGBTQ+ ally to show them the ropes, who grew up in families that put religion over their kids. I want to fight for a future where kids (and adults) don't have to fight for basic acceptance, healthcare, or love. A world where people can fall in love with whomever they desire and be accepted for who they are. Where children can pick up a toy and not be told, "But your gender plays with this toy."

I want to help fight for a place where people aren't being controlled by laws specifically designed to hurt them or the people they love. And while I may not be able to change the world, maybe I can change the world for a few people. Maybe I can help them find their identity, discover who they love, and accept themselves—just like others did for me.

 

Are there any specific causes or initiatives you’re passionate about?

 

Not in particular, to be honest. I just love seeing people support and help each other. I support any youth LGBTQ+ charity. LGBTQ+ youth are particularly at risk for mental health issues because they face many adversities, including bullying, difficulty coming out to friends and family, hate crimes, lack of support, and fear of stigma and discrimination.

 

What lessons from past activism do you think are most relevant for tackling issues today?

 

Each person is an individual. Everyone has a different experience, and everyone feels differently about various things. But we do know for sure that hate and anger aren't going to get us anywhere. Love and kindness can grow the seed of hope, and hopefully, one day, a path to acceptance for all.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What does LGBTQ+ History Month mean to you?

 

For me it means many things, it means progress. By that I mean it helps us realise just how much progress we as a community have made for equality and justice. It also gives us a way to respect and remember the important figures that broke the ground for us to exist as we do today as a community. For me personally it is also a way for us to never forget the injustices and inequality that they faced individually and collectively. It also helps validate us as a community, because regardless of what many people may say, we DO have a history, and it IS important. It also helps with representation, which is a crucial part of the community.

 

Are there any historical events or movements in LGBTQ+ history you think everyone should know about?

 

  • Section 28 (A rather nasty piece of legislation implemented by Margaret Thatcher) and the overturning of it.
  • The whole timeline and stigma around the AIDS crisis.
  • I would say Stonewall, but it is one of the most well-known events in LGBTQ+ History.
  • The establishment of pride marches in the UK.
  • The process to decriminalize anything other than a heterosexual marriage.

 

How has your understanding of your identity evolved over time?

 

When I first started to question my identity, I was so unsure, I didn’t know who I was. Only when I started to question my own identity did I begin to understand my identity. When I was growing up, I was raised in a religious family, so I had little knowledge of anything other than the binary “Two Genders” but as I gained more exposure and knowledge of the LGBTQ+ Community I began to understand myself more. I originally believed I was Bisexual, but I eventually through trial and error I realized I was Pansexual, soon after that I made my gender discovery, that I am Genderfluid.

 

Are there any particular experiences that have shaped your journey as part of the LGBTQ+ community or as an ally?

 

My first relationship was with a girl, I didn’t originally know what the name of that kind of relationship label was, but now I know. I reflected over my relationships and my experiences, and I originally had some subconscious homophobia, until I was around 10, then I started to ask questions. One experience that shaped my journey, was finding out that my mother was Bisexual, I lost my mother 11 years ago, so I will never get to ask her questions about it. However, if I had known that I would have become much more confident in my identity so much sooner, my mother was so strong, independent and didn’t care what anyone thought about her preferences and lifestyle. Upon finding that out, I decided I would never apologise for my identity again, I wouldn’t hide or shun myself, that I deserve better than to hide myself, my true self from the world.

 

What kind of support systems have been most meaningful to you?

 

My partner, he has never shunned me or been anything but supportive of me and my identity. Also, my friends throughout my life, especially those who I have met at university. Also, my family who have been a pillar of my confidence and identity, especially my great-grandmother, who is a devout catholic, stereotypically most would assume that she would be especially UNSUPPORTIVE, however when I told her I was not straight, I asked her what she would do if for example I brought a girlfriend home and what she replied with has always stuck with me, she replied “I would ask you if you are happy, because that is all that matters, not who or what gender you date, everyone should have happiness, and that isn’t dictated by what gender you date”

 

What inspired you to become active in advocating for LGBTQ+ rights or social change?

 

As much as I have had massively supportive relatives and friends I also had quite a few with the opposite opinion. I had a grandparent tell me that it was simply a phase that I would grow out of, well it isn’t a phase, it has been 10 years since I told that relative and I’m not straight. And also, in high school having girls in the changing rooms asking me if I “fancied them” because they assumed I fancied all girls, simply because I wasn’t straight and getting offended when I said no. Everyone deserves to be seen and heard, no one deserved to feel invalidated or invisible and I aim to help everyone feel safe and validated.

 

Are there any specific causes or initiatives you're passionate about?

 

One is the breaking of the stigma surrounding AIDS and HIV, which people deserve to not be misunderstood about. Another initiative is that LGBTQIA+ rights are human rights, which is the truth, and many try to combat this fact, but regardless of their opinion IT IS A FACT.

 

What lessons from past activism do you think are most relevant for tackling issues today?

 

That previous activism hasn’t always been fully inclusive, but inclusivity is so deeply rooted in the community that it is crucial to uphold the true spirit of the community Inclusivity and Acceptance.

 

 

 

 

Read

LGBTQPIA+ Students' Guide to Winchester - Created together with the Student Union, our representational networks, and the University

Mutual Aid: Building Solidarity During This Crisis (and the Next), by Dean Spade

Ban Conversion Therapy, an article by Stonewall

A Comprehensive list of LGBTQ+ Vocabulary Definitions, by Sam Killerman

Queer: A Graphic History by Dr. Meg-John Barker and Julia Scheele

Author Juno Dawson

  • Suggested by Fred (English Literature student). Fred says 'its great for ppl exploring their gender or newly out as trans (including nb and all others under the trans umbrella term) and shes very good at inofrming anf inspiring. so mcuh trans nonfic focuses on the hard and painful parts. dawson finds time for the love and joy too'.

Queer x Design by Andy Campbell 

  • The first-ever illustrated history of the iconic designs, symbols, and graphic art representing more than 5 decades of LGBTQ pride and activism. 

Picture of Dorian Grey by Oscar Wild 

  • In Oscar Wilde's timeless masterpiece "The Picture of Dorian Gray," a tantalizing blend of art, decadence, and morality intertwines to create an irresistible tale of beauty, corruption, and the dire consequences of unchecked desires. 

Simon vs the Homosapiens Agenda 

  • Simon Spier is sixteen and trying to work out who he is - and what he's looking for.  
    But when one of his emails to the very distracting Blue falls into the wrong hands, things get all kinds of complicated. Because, for Simon, falling for Blue is a big deal. 

Solitaire by Alice Oseman 

  • Solitaire presents the characters who inspired the popular webcomic and graphic novel series Heartstopper, one of Netflix's leading series today. 

Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston 

  • A tale of a relationship between America’s first Son and the prince of Wales. 

Cinderella is Dead by Kalynn Bayron 

  • An electrifying twist on the classic fairytale that will inspire girls to break out of limiting stereotypes and follow their dreams! 

Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller 

  • Greece in the age of heroes. Patroclus & Achilles become friends and their bond blossoms into something deeper. 

The Black Flamingo by Dean Atta 

  • A boy comes to terms with his identity as a mixed-race gay teen - then at university he finds his wings as a drag artist, The Black Flamingo.   

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid 

  • The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is a mesmerizing journey through the splendour of old Hollywood into the harsh realities of the present day as two women struggle with what it means and what it costs to face the truth. 

Bad Gays: A Homosexual History by Huw Lemmey 

  • From the Emperor Hadrian to notorious gangster Ronnie Kray, the authors excavate the buried history of queer lives. This includes fascist thugs, famous artists, austere puritans and debauched bon viveurs, Imperialists, G-men and architects. 

A Short History of Queer Women by Kirsty Loehr 

  • From Anne Bonny and Mary Read who sailed the seas together disguised as pirates, to US football captain Megan Rapinoe declaring ‘You can’t win a championship without gays on your team’, via countless literary salons and tuxedos, A Short History of Queer Women sets the record straight on women who have loved other women through the ages. 

Pageboy: A Memoir by Eliot Page 

  • Full of intimate stories, from chasing down secret love affairs to battling body image and struggling with familial strife, Pageboy is a love letter to the power of being seen. With this evocative and lyrical debut, Elliot Page captures the universal human experience of searching for ourselves and our place in this complicated world. 

Watch

It's A Sin

  • Suggested by Con (Primary Education Student), Con says: "Others can gain an insight into the struggles of the LGBTQ+ community in the 80's and 90's as well as the modern struggles of queer people with HIV/AIDS".

Pose

  • A groundbreaking US series about the underground world of 1980s ball culture.

Call Me By Your Name

  • A 2017 coming-of-age romantic drama film based on the 2007 novel. Set in 1983 nothern Italy, the film chronicles the romantic relationship between Elio and Oliver.

Pride 

  • UK gay activists work to help miners during their lengthy strike of the national union of mineworkers in the summer of 1984. 

The Prom 

  • A troupe of hilariously self-obsessed theatre starts swarm into a small conservative Indiana town in support of a high-school girl who wants to take her girlfriend to the prom. 

Sex Education 

  • A Teenage boy with a sex therapist mother teams up with a high school classmate to set up an underground sex therapy clinic at school. 

Sense8 

  • A Group of People around the world are suddenly linked mentally and must find a way to survive being hunted by those who see them as a threat to the world’s order. 

Listen

QUEERAF

The LGBT Sport Podcast

Inspire

Ben Hunte

  • A senior reporter for Vice, investigating stories about LGBTQ people, race, and inequality from accross the world.

Give and/or Get Involved

LGBT Foundation

  • A national charity delivering services, advice, and support for LGBT people in England.

Stonewall

  • A team of bold and passionate people fighting for the freedom, equity and potential of LGBTQ+ people everywhere.

The Bisexual Resource Center

Follow

Winchester Student Union

  • Facebook - Winchester Student Union
  • Twitter - @winchestersu
  • Instagram - @winch_su

LGBTQPIA+ Network

Engage

Get involved with the Student Union's LGBTQPIA+ Network here: https://www.winchesterstudents.co.uk/groups/spectrum-students-lgbtqpia-network.