Durham uni lgbtq+ and racial diversity

I am currently debating firming Durham but I am a bit apprehensive about things like inclusivity, it has a reputation for a having a lack of diversity , as a poc queer girl, I find this off putting so I was wondering if anyone could give me some insight into whether these are just rumours or a true reflection of the uni . I understand that there are many societies etc that I could joins as a safe space , but I don't like the idea of being restricted to these places to feel safe / welcome and also the idea of there being an incredibly small lgbt population to socialise with as well as different racial populations.

Thanks!

Reply 1

waffelton

12

Original post by Anonymous

I am currently debating firming Durham but I am a bit apprehensive about things like inclusivity, it has a reputation for a having a lack of diversity , as a poc queer girl, I find this off putting so I was wondering if anyone could give me some insight into whether these are just rumours or a true reflection of the uni . I understand that there are many societies etc that I could joins as a safe space , but I don't like the idea of being restricted to these places to feel safe / welcome and also the idea of there being an incredibly small lgbt population to socialise with as well as different racial populations.
Thanks!

Yeah, it does have very low stats for diversity but from the people I’ve talked to, this makes the community very strong. There are lots of different societies, events, and socials for diversity inclusion and when I went to the town, the shops and people all seemed quite queer-inclusive. I’m also queer and poc so I get exactly where you’re coming from.

Reply 2

Anonymous #1

OP

Original post by waffelton

Yeah, it does have very low stats for diversity but from the people I’ve talked to, this makes the community very strong. There are lots of different societies, events, and socials for diversity inclusion and when I went to the town, the shops and people all seemed quite queer-inclusive. I’m also queer and poc so I get exactly where you’re coming from.

Thank you , that is incredibly reassuring ! So you don't think it is a big enough issue to make me firm somewhere else? Because i've been on the fence for Durham and Bristol and this wa the main reason - even if I'm not being treated explicitly badly for hoe I identify etc, I wouldn't want to be somewhere with no people like me if that makes sense?

Reply 3

Durham Rep Ghala

Official Rep

14

Original post by Anonymous

I am currently debating firming Durham but I am a bit apprehensive about things like inclusivity, it has a reputation for a having a lack of diversity , as a poc queer girl, I find this off putting so I was wondering if anyone could give me some insight into whether these are just rumours or a true reflection of the uni . I understand that there are many societies etc that I could joins as a safe space , but I don't like the idea of being restricted to these places to feel safe / welcome and also the idea of there being an incredibly small lgbt population to socialise with as well as different racial populations.
Thanks!

Hi there

I am a POC too, so completely understand your apprehension regarding DEI at Durham. I would say, from my experience, I've found a mix of people here. There are obviously more white people because it's an English university but because of the influx of international students, you will see a much greater mix of people from different backgrounds, which is really cool. The university itself takes inclusivity quite seriously and as you said, there are different societies and events which celebrate the diversity here. In my first year, I attended the Pride Month festival where I met so many LGBT+ people and even though I don't identify as one, I had an amazing time mingling with everyone. Colleges also hold different events like open mic nights, quizzes, theatre performances etc. You can check out some content we made on this here: Queer Cabaret 2024; Pride Durham; Durham Pride 2022; The Queens of Durham; and some really cool street interviews from Durham Pride- Would you rather never slay again; Who is your gay icon

Also here's a blog on Castle's Unique Week which is a great diversity focussed event- Celebrating Diversity at Castle

The existence of these societies and events does not mean that these are the only places where you can feel safe to express yourselves. It just means that they are one of the places dedicated exclusively to people who identify as such, or are allies, or just want to celebrate differences. Colleges also have welfare reps for different diversity strands so you can approach them if you face any issues.

I hope that puts you a bit more at ease but feel free to ask more questions :smile:

-Himieka

Durham uni lgbtq+ and racial diversity

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