The University of Westminster’s Q+ Colleague Network hosted their seventh annual Open MiQ+ night during Transgender Awareness Week, bringing together the University’s LGBTQ+ community and allies for an evening of entertainment, from vocal and instrumental performances to poetry and spoken word.
The inclusive night was held on 13 November and was co-hosted with the University of Westminster's Students’ Union (UWSU) in the Hideaway on the University’s Regent Campus. The evening was hosted by celebrated drag king Don One and was an opportunity for students and the wider community to share their creativity, uniqueness and talent on stage.
Don One reflected on gender before giving a rendition of Pink Pony Club by Chappel Roan, while a poem titled Being Trans at Work by Mariia Kogan shared a personal and emotional insight. There were also performances of songs by Lady Gaga, Shania Twain and Taylor Swift, alongside stories and poems shared from around the world. A message board allowed attendees to write messages of support for the community and share joyous moments.
The Q+ Network is a University group which promotes equity, diversity and inclusivity and provides a space and voice for LGBTQ+ colleagues and allies across the University.
Transgender Awareness Week takes place annually between 13-19 November and aims to educate the public about transgender issues and celebrate the lives of transgender individuals.
Mariia Kogan, who led on organising this Open MiQ+ night, said: “The Open MiQ+ nights were introduced several years ago to ensure that the Westminster community could come together in their shared lived experience of being a member of the LGBTQIA+ community – in a classroom, in a workplace and in academia. These experiences, sometimes joyful and heartwarming, sometimes full of sadness and grief, often stay hidden. So, to see students and colleagues speak about their coming out journeys, transition, the beauty of their queer love and their heartbreaks, of their activism and finding their voice has been incredibly empowering.
“For many of us, the University of Westminster became the first place where we could be fully out. Open MiQ+ nights by the Q+ Network and University of Westminster Students’ Union have been one of these events that continues to make Westminster a safer place for people from the LGBTQIA+ community to be ourselves. It has been a privilege to be part of the team that put these events together and make sure that more students and colleagues can feel heard and included.”
The event directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 3: Good Health and Wellbeing, 10: Reduced Inequalities and 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Learn more about Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Westminster.
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