When a group of us went to 'Fruity' after weekly wind down on Friday, we were attacked by some dick-head people. two people had a drink pourn over them and I had a glass thrown at me from the balcony when I was on the dancefloor. We were also subject to laughing, name calling and general 'stares' all night. Sadly its not the first time I have heard about this.
Then I hear that one of our members was called 'a queer' last night in Evolution in Kirkstall and systematically bullied to the point where she felt she had to leave. The bouncers did nothing.
I really though Leeds was better than this.
Are there any places where you have had a similar experience? Have you been subject to homophobia in the above places?
I am going to be making a personal complaint to the union on Monday about Fruity, but it would be good to compile a list of places that we can warn our members about. Its really sad that I have to do this, but I think it is really necessary.
Either reply to this message, or email the committee at luu.lgbt@leeds.ac.uk
Any emails (as usual) will be treated with the strictist confidence.
John K
__________________
Johnk
The only freedom that you’ll ever really know
Is written in books from long ago
Fruity was bad & I had alot of problems at Evolution last nite which I mentioned 2 John a few minutes ago. Main point really is gettin together a list of places like this just 2 warn new members of the LGBT of possible trouble they could face on a nite out & its summat I feel could be useful especially in September for freshers who come to Leeds as u spend pretty much the first 2 weeks tryin 2 get 2 know ur flatmates and goin out in these places, 1st month of been up here is still kinda unsettling & hassle on nights out in a strange place really doesnt help ya settle. That's y i pretty much legged it 2 the freshers fair n lgbt stall as soon as it opened, cos i'd had enuff of breeding grounds after 2 weeks of going to them in an attempt 2 try & get 2 know my flatmates
-- Edited by NickyDyke85 at 19:12, 2005-01-30
__________________
Nic - Union Council LGBT Assembly Chair
Contact me at - lgbt.assembly@leeds.ac.uk / nicturner_85@hotmail.com
sarah and i have been a numebr of places over the past few weeks where we have encountered such things. yates was one, a couple of breeder girls thought would b funny to kiss each otherright next to us for a reaction. also in teh old ball we received jibes an stares from a few people.. me being me, i dont really care what they say, but what i do care about is sarah n how she finds it hard to cope with things like this, n i cant do anything to stop her being upset by it.
anyway i must go back to bed, gettin up at 7 does nothin to help the fact im knackered xxx
i don't think it is places we need to warn people about as homophobia could happen anywhere really and why should you avoid a place because of a few dickheads? perhaps we (leeds uni LGBT and the met) could hold some talks on how to deal with homphobia and what to do regarding reporting it or something like that.
Homophobia is non-existant - it is mere jealousy and denial rolled into one, along with sexual desire that causes these aggressive outburst. We must not be angry of these biggots but feel sorry for them.
quote: Originally posted by: Tararara " i don't think it is places we need to warn people about as homophobia could happen anywhere really and why should you avoid a place because of a few dickheads? perhaps we (leeds uni LGBT and the met) could hold some talks on how to deal with homphobia and what to do regarding reporting it or something like that.
what do you think john?"
yea i would agree with that. seems to hapen anywhere, cant put a place on it.
Still its not acceptable within our union for people to feel uncomfortable about being open about their sexuality. I'm not to concerned with individual places outside of the union but we can definitely encourage people to report anything that happens to them in those external places.
perhaps the two lgb's can create stronger links with the polics and the PACT hate-crime reporting system?
John K x
__________________
Johnk
The only freedom that you’ll ever really know
Is written in books from long ago
Yeah that'd b a good idea. Its true that it's hard 2 list places cos it happens all over, schools, workplaces etc. Focused on clubs tho cos people under the influence can take it too far, in instances of throwing drinks/glasses, been abusive & gay "bashing" cos their inhibitions loosen (or go outta window) when drunk, partly y I walked outta Evo cos i wer ****ed n gettin more n more wired up, if i hadnt have walked when i did, i'd have ended up in a police cell.
Havin close links with Leeds Met LGBT wud help tackle/bring attention to the issue by making more people aware of it & tryin to establish a close link with the police would definatley help because there is a stigma attached that they dont take these incidents seriously enough which puts people off reporting them
__________________
Nic - Union Council LGBT Assembly Chair
Contact me at - lgbt.assembly@leeds.ac.uk / nicturner_85@hotmail.com
