OutUWE

OutUWE is UWE's LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans) Network, which has been firmly established for many years! Within the network we promote equality and diversity across the board while working closely with contacts within the university and outside, catering not just for LGBT issues relating to students and staff but also by raising awareness during LGBT History Month (February), Bristol Pride and fund-raising for many charities and good causes. We have a highly active social calendar with various events occurring once a week (usually Wednesday afternoons/evenings) such as cinema trips, dining out, bowling, clubbing, etc. We do our best to ensure that we have events running that are suitable for both those who do and do not drink alcohol to make our events as accessible and enjoyable for everyone. We also have a welfare and networking side which is perfect for those interested in political activity and we have opportunities to attend the national NUS conference. Also this year we have a trio of campaigns we are working on within the university which include initiating a zero tolerance policy on homophobia using sports as a platform, gaining accreditation for UWE from the NUS Women's Campaign and initiating Gender Neutral Toilets (GNT's) across UWE's campuses.

OutUWE would like to express that we are there for all people within Bristol, including students, professionals, the community and everyone else. We are here to support people in any matters relating to LGBT issues. Whether you are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Straight, Curious or Queer.

Coming Out: For some people coming out can be the easiest thing in the world, but for others it can be a truly terrifying ordeal. For those that fall into the latter category there are many different ways to go about coming out. Firstly you can always talk to anyone who has experience on the subject. Most of our own committee would be more than happy to talk to individuals about coming out and provide information on how they went about it. As well as ourselves there are also a large number of organisations within Bristol who would be able to help. The following is a list of some of the places you can go to, to enquire about coming out;

Bristol Lesbian and Gay Switchboard (BLAGS)           bristolblags.org.uk/
                                                                               0117 922 1328 (Tues & Weds 8pm-10pm)
                                                                               mail@bristolblags.org.uk

Friends and Families of Lesbians and Gays                PO Box 495, Little Stoke, Bristol, BS34 9AP
(FFLAG)                                                                  www.fflag.org.uk/
                                                                               0845 652 0311 (9am-10pm)
                                                                               info@fflag.org.uk

OutUWE LGBT Network                                            uwesu.net/outuwe
                                                                               outuwe@live.co.uk

Other sources of information                                      lgbtbristol.org.uk/lgbtguide/

For information on sexual health the best source of information to start with would be NHS Direct. They can be found online at www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/ and can also be contacted via the phone on 0845 4647. They are there to provide a non-judgemental insight into all health enquiries and will point you in the right direction for your needs.

Also you can visit Bristol's main sexual health clinic which can be found here;

            Central Health Clinic,
            Tower Hill,
            Bristol,
            Avon,
            BS2 0JD

For more information including advice and appointments please go the their website which can be found here; www.uhbristol.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/your-hospitals/other-services-in-bristol/bristol-sexual-health-services/clinics/central-health-clinic/

The Bristol Sexual Health Clinic runs a specific Gay Men's clinic which is called Archie's Clinic. This clinic runs every Wednesday (subject to a nurse being available - cancellations will be heavily advertised) and runs from 3pm to 6pm. The clinic covers all tests such as Hep B and Hep C as well as HIV and other Sexually Transmitted Infections. Simply go along and speak to a receptionist and you will be treated with respect and dignity.

Hate crime in any city is a serious matter and as such in Bristol we have a dedicated team of Police staff trained and prepared to deal with incidences of hate crime. Avon and Somerset police have the usual 999 call procedure for use DURING the incident, or 101 can be used to report a crime that has taken the place AFTER the incident. These issues will be dealt with by the LGBT Liaison Officers (LAGLO's) who will be able to handle the situation in the most appropriate and sensitive way. Alternatively if you wish to speak to an LGBT Liaison Officer directly call 01275 814742.

To ask questions or get general information please contact the following LGBT Liaison Officers;

            Carie Munden – carie.munden@avonandsomerset.police.uk

            Daniel Moulden – daniel.moulden@avonandsomerset.police.uk

There is also a website where hate crimes can be reported anonymously if you wish which can be found here; eachaction.org.uk/

Finally as a message from OutUWE, we just want you to know that we are here for you. Whether the issue is LGBT related or not we will do our best to ensure that you live as you want and deserve to. We are always here for you.

     Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one's definition of your life; define yourself.
            - Harvey Fierstein