The University of Westminster hosted National Student Pride for the ninth time, from Friday 10 February to Sunday 12 February 2023 on Marylebone Campus. Over 2,000 students attended the event, which is the largest LGTBQ+ student event in Europe.
The weekend of celebrations began with a Friday Night Welcome Party and performances from Cara Melle and Poppycock.
This was followed by the National Student Pride Awards, hosted by Vanity Milan from Drag Race UK and Gogglebox star Joe Baggs. The awards recognise the efforts of students, societies, universities and colleges nationwide, in creating a safe and thriving environment for LGBTQIA+ people. Eight awards were available, including Society of the Year, Inclusive University of the Year and Activist of the Year.
The night’s celebrations ended at G-A-Y- Heaven nightclub with free entry for those taking part in National Student Pride.
On Saturday, there were panel discussions, including one on addiction and sobriety hosted by Attitude Magazine’s Editor-in-Chief Cliff Joannou. Other Panel discussions included the LGBTQ + Asylum & Immigration Detention panel which looked at intersectionality and the social complexities of identity and being queer on a global level; and the Joys Of The Gender Journey panel which examined the experiences of people who do not identify with the gender they were assigned at birth.
The panel discussions were followed by an Epic Lip Sync Battle between Danny Beard who won the fourth series of Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK and Tayce who was runner-up on the second series of the show. This was followed by live music, a DJ set and a special appearance from some adorable puppies.
Careers Fair at National Student Pride (Credit: Dave George/ Aaron Hargreaves)
Joys Of The Gender Journey panel at National Student Pride (Credit: Dave George/ Aaron Hargeaves)
LGBTQ+ Asylum & Immigration Detention panel at National Student Pride (Credit: Dave George/ Aaron Hargreaves)
Addiction & Sobriety panel at National Student Pride (Credit: Dave George/ Aaron Hargreaves)
Throughout Saturday, the UK’s largest LGBTQ+ inclusive careers fair took place with LGBTQ+ inclusive employers.
On Sunday, a Bottomless Drag & Burlesque Brunch, hosted by Drag Queen and King Dolley Trolley and Don One, brought National Student Pride 2023 to a close.
Max Taylor, Director of Strategy at National Student Pride, said: “Now more than ever it feels incredibly important to be offering a safe space for young LGBTQ+ people. Our event is created by students, for students, and reflects the ongoing challenges in everyday life that young queer people face. We exist to provide an environment for attendees to be 100% themselves in, where they can learn, have fun and feel safe.
“We welcomed over 80 LGBTQ+ proactive employers, charities and community organisations to our 2023 Careers Fair, the biggest in our 19-year history. We look forward to returning to the University of Westminster in February 2024 for next year’s National Student Pride!”
National Student Pride 2023 was sponsored by Clifford Chance, EY, BT Group, Unite Students, Creative Assembly, Lloyds Banking Group, lululemon, Santander, Airbus, Clyde & Co, Enterprise-Rent-A-Car, L’Oreal and Willis Tower Watson.
Find out more about Westminster’s commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
