Arts SU societies are at the heart and soul of student life at university and are completely run by students. For our latest spotlight series we highlight some of the fantastic and inclusive events put on by UAL societies and find out more about what they get up to – and look this month at the LGBTQIA+ Society.
For this spotlight feature we speak to the President of the LGBTQIA+ Society and LCC student, Valentin Crisan, who recently helped to re-build the society from the ground up…
Members of the LGBT+ Society at a Freshers Fair event
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
Hi, I’m Valentin, I’m a Romanian student at LCC, currently in my second year of BA (Hons) Advertising. My Eastern-European background makes me really happy to be in London and have the opportunity to be involved in this society. I would also say it helps me appreciate it more.
What’s your role in the society ?
I’m President of the society, and the role includes everything from event planning to managing finances and recruiting. I am lucky to have a wonderful team of people around me so we always split tasks between us, as we don’t want to have set roles. As we’ve had to rebuild the society from the ground up, we’re re-branding it to make sure future generations will have something to build upon further.
How many members do you have?
We have 50+ signed members, though most of our events are open to the public. We see this as a community, as well as a society.
What kind of events do you put on and how regularly?
We try to organise events twice a month, from film nights, to socials, to exhibition and museum visits. We want to bring people together, but also value and educate people on Queer history and culture.
LGBT+ Society members at a society event
When’s the next event?
Next event we’re attending is a Bingo night at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern.
Can you tell us about one particularly memorable event?
In December we had a ‘school visit’ to Gay’s the Word. Established in 1979, Gay’s The Word is the UK’s pioneering first (and is today the last surviving) lesbian and gay bookshop.
On the day we learned more about its history from the shop’s manager. I just really loved the atmosphere and everyone was so uplifted afterwards. We then went to a nearby bar and had a few drinks, as you do.
How has being part of a society changed your experience of studying at LCC?
Being part of a community, it’s just validating. Meeting people that share your life experience and spending time with them is simply priceless.
What advice would you give to new students considering joining a society?
Do it, do it, do it! If you have no one to go with to an event – trust me I’ve been there – grab a friend. Or go alone, everyone is so friendly you will meet at least 2 people on the day.
Who can join the society?
Anyone that identifies as LGBTQIA+, but of course we welcome supporters.
The LBGT+ Society are always on the look out for new members to join and are currently recruiting first-year students for the committee. Please contact Valentin for more information at valentincrisan97@gmail.com
- Check out the official UAL’s LGBT+ Society Facebook page
- Come along to LCC’s upcoming events
- Discover the range of courses available to study at LCC