Some of you may recall a Faith and Sexuality event between the LGBTQ and Chaplaincy at the end of November, which was kindly hosted at the Chaplaincy right before World AIDs Day. Sadly, because of the shameful foresight with events planning last term - and impending deadlines that particular week - only a few people from the LGBTQ were able to make it. It was a shame that only two members that weren't on the committee made it.

The event itself included a generously provided a free meal. It was good to see that LGBTQ members and friends were also there as part of MethSoc, AngSoc or the Chaplaincy itself, and that - after getting over initial "new people" shyness - we were all mingling.

Rev. Kara Cooper - our lovely host - really got the ball running with a good ice-breaker game in the round room. The discussion then moved onto instances where the bible has been used to oppress on the basis of sexuality, followed by an apology on behalf of all present for the oppression the LGBTQ guests may have faced in the name of religion. It was very thoughtful and helped create a welcoming atmosphere.

However, I felt the discussion itself had a hint of mutual half-paranoid awkwardness; I got the feeling that LGBTQ members were holding back for fear of making an anti-religious comment, and that the hosts were afraid of inadvertedly saying something that could be interpreted as institutionalised homophobia. Although we all eventually came to the conclusion that there is a huge difference between "tolerance" and "acceptance", we moved towards embracing the latter rather than just the former. However that's just my opinion.

So, here I am, once again elliciting your opinion, LGBTQ students...who I was kind of elected to represent... O_o

Personally, I'll be voting for more events. I really enjoyed the last one, definitely opened up the floor for another event and I would very much like for them to continue long after my term has ended.