THEGAYUK

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All the latest breaking news on University. Browse THEGAYUK’s complete collection of news, articles and commentary on University.

  • This university has started calling Lesbian, Gay and Bi people “sexual minorities”

    This university has started calling Lesbian, Gay and Bi people “sexual minorities”

    rihaij / Pixabay

    The University of Liverpool has seemingly done away with the labels gay, lesbian and bisexual and replaced it with “sexual minorities” while still referring to straight people as heterosexuals.

    In a press release, which was trying to convey that young people born between 1995 and 2015 who identify as a “sexual minority” i.e gay, lesbian, bisexual and pansexual are more likely to experience mental health problems.

    “sexual” minorities makes us look as though we are just sexual beings”

    Throughout the press release, the University, which worked alongside University College London, repeatedly called LGB people “sexual minorities” however when it came to writing about their heterosexual counterparts, it used the word heterosexuality.

    THEGAYUK conducted a flash poll to see what it’s readers thought of the term “sexual minority”

    The clear indication from our flash poll was that the majority of those who identify as LGB did not think that the term was right. Over 80 per cent of those who took part said they disagreed with the term and were happy to keep identities labelled as Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual.

    One commenter wrote, “‘sexual’ minorities makes us look as though we are just sexual beings, a different sexuality to heterosexuality is a part of who we are not just the sex we may or may not have”

    Another added, “totally agree! Sex is one aspect of a human being! I am married to a man, that is not a sexual thing! I am lucky that also part of the luck I have had”

    “Attraction not Identity”

    According to researchers, it’s about attraction, not identity, a spokesperson for the research said,

    “We use sexual minority as an umbrella term to incorporate those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual. We use this term as we only had data about sexual attraction (from the secondary data source used i.e. the millennium cohort study) and not identity which would be more closely reflected by ‘LGB’.

    “Our sample were not asked about their identity but only their attraction i.e. have you been attracted to a boy/girl. Furthermore, due to the fact they are likely still navigating their identity at this age i.e. 14 years old (savin-williams, 2011) we did not want to ascribe labels that may change in future and as such sexual minority was a more age appropriate term.”

    Discuss this and more in our forum

  • A whopping number of students will get an STI in their first year

    Nearly a quarter of all students in the UK will contract an STI in their first year.

    ©-yanlev-Depositphotos

    It seems the safer-sex message isn’t getting through to the under 25s as over 63 percent have admitted to having unprotected sex – leading to a whopping number of new sexually transmitted infections.

    According to a recent survey, 15% of under 25s have also admitted to having unsafe sex with two or more partners since arriving at university.

    The Student Room recently performed a study on sexual activity among students and found that more than half of sexually active students have never been tested for sexually transmitted infections despite 63% admitting to engaging in unprotected sex.

    When asked about sex education received, 40% of students felt it was ‘just average’ while 27% said it was ‘poor’. When it comes to advice and information about sex, the majority of students revealed they found the internet the most helpful.

    CREDIT: Janeb13 / Pixaby /CC

    So what are the infections students are most likely to get?

    According to the latest figures by the NHS, cases of STIs, including HIV, are increasing, with the highest increase seen among young people aged 16-24. This age group accounted for: 63 percent contracted chlamydia, 52 percent got genital warts and 42 percent got herpes.

    Even scarier is that not all STIs come with symptoms, so you may not even know you have one. In fact, according to the NHS, around a quarter of people with HIV are oblivious to the fact that they are carrying the disease. If left undiagnosed, the risk of not receiving the proper treatment as well as potentially passing it on to another sexual partner is high.

    If you suspect that you or your partner might have an STI, you can get tested at your nearest sexual health centre, GUM centre or even some family planning clinics. That said, going to a clinic to get an STI test can be seen as embarrassing or awkward, especially among young people. A good idea would be to go with a friend for moral support or, even better, your partner, as they will also likely need to get tested.

    With 25% of university first years infected with an STI every year, Fresh Student Living provides an insight on how to protect yourself and your partner from the grim reality of STI’s while at university and beyond.

    Can You Get Tested For STIs Online?

    Due to the perceived stigma attached to being tested for an STI, online testing kits are becoming a popular alternative. According to research by YouGov, demand for STI testing kits over the internet almost doubled in 2016, with more than 417,000 diagnoses of STIs in England that year. But why? There are a few reasons:

    – It’s safer
    – There’s less drama, and most crucially,
    – It’s more private

    Known as e-STI testing kits, this new service has been developed to boost testing for gonorrhoea, syphilis, chlamydia and HIV. Kits are ordered over the internet, with sexual health information also made available, then posted out, allowing people to do the test at home and return it by post. The results will then be given either over the phone or via text message. These testing kits make getting tested all the more convenient and private, which is a major concern for all age groups.

    Where Can You Get Checked for an STI?

    Services and advice about STIs and sexual health are readily available throughout the country. If you need to get yourself tested, you can visit:

    · GPs
    · Family planning clinics
    · Sexual health clinics
    · GUM Clinics
    · Pharmacies
    · University organisations

    Free Helplines
    · National Sexual Health Helpline – 0300 123 7123
    · Childline – 0800 1111
    · NHS – 111

     

  • Got into University? Here’s 17 things you need to know for FRESHERS WEEK

    With the new Uni year just a little over a month away, we asked our readers what they wished they had known before embarking on the emotional roller coaster FRESHERS WEEK can be.

    Got into University? Here's 17 things you need to know for FRESHERS WEEK

    1) Come out and get it over with right at the beginning – when I came out I expected thunder and lightening but no one acted surprised and were really supportive.

    – Grammie

    2) Take a large bag so you can put all those freebees in.

    – Graham

    3) Mature aged lesbians will change your life. Their wisdom knows no bounds

    – Andy

    4) Get a Sugar Daddy I presume you already have an adoring older dude for a BF who will love you through this thing called undergrad?

    -Anon

    5) The very first day I met the guy who would become my very first boyfriend. Literally within the first hour – I met the guy who would be my first kiss, take my virginity, show me what love felt like and eventually break my heart. It lasted 2 and half years – in a total whirlwind relationship that was all consuming. I was a complete clamp on. Although I don’t regret it, I wish perhaps that I had been a little more open with myself and with other around us – and perhaps let our relationship be a little more open.

    – Jake

    6) Well, I think I knew how to be more gentle and aware of anyone around me. It was not too serious to be conscious all the time but some of them would have had noticed me if I had behaved different from them.

    – Neo Vi

    7) Leave your door open when you’re unpacking. It’s a great way to check out the talent as they start bringing in their stuff.

    – Paul

    8) Don’t fall for the straight cute guy. It will never work out.

    -AJ

    9) Bring cakes… Cakes make friends

    – John

    10)  Let the others know what you’re into – I put loads of musical theatre posters on my wall – it became quite the talking point.

    – Chris

    11) Get to know the popular girl in the dorm. She’ll be a hoot and she’ll stick up for you if you run into problems.

    – Sarah

    12) Don’t forget about the gay scene. Don’t always go straight… Get your friends to go to the nearest gay bar!

    – Mike

    13) Try not to have sex with the guys in your halls. It could get very awkward, very quickly.

    – Ben

    14) Don’t forget the lube and condoms…

    -Anon

    15) Join the LGBT+ society and get involved with student politics.

    -Mary

    16) Look out for LGBT subjects. If you can do a module on Queer history or studies, it’s really worth it.

    – Victor

    17) You will get FRESHERS’ COUGH. Stock up with medicines…

    – Pat

  • Five things you should keep in mind after you get your A Level results

    Now the hard work is over, here are five things to remember to do once you’ve finished your A-Levels.

    what to do if you don't get the A Level results you want,

     

    1. Don’t be pressured into anything.

    When I was doing my A-Levels my tutors pressured me to go to university. I had no encouragement to find a job or an apprenticeship. I was not ready for university so I decided not to go, I was even called a fool by a teacher. If you don’t think university is right for you then don’t go. Remember, the same course will be available at a university for decades, however, the right apprenticeship or dream job might be a one off.

    2. Find alternatives.

    It is unlikely you’ll be rejected by a university and end up without an option. But if that eventuality does come around then be prepared. Apply for part-time and full-time jobs, apprenticeships, traineeships and anything else you can get your hands on that interests you. Perhaps even doing a year at a college will be good for you, make the most of free education. You can never have to many qualifications and experience.

    3. Never take something for the sake of it.

    Never go to university because you can. Go to it because you want to. It is the same with jobs, I made that mistake and it affected my mental and physical health. There is no feeling worse than going to work anxious and stressed and coming home exhausted and drained. The right people, places, and professions will all come around to you. Everyone has a purpose.

    4. Do what you enjoy.

    So what if you don’t want to go to university with your friends, you can stay in contact. I was one of a handful of people from my year who didn’t go to university and I am in a much better position than some. I have a strong friendship circle and have a good lifestyle. If your passion is photography then pursue it. Go to university and study it and get that degree. If that is not for you, get a job to fund your adventure (photography can be very expensive!) and make the most of your free time.

    5. Everything will fall into place.

    Take it from me. I left after my a-levels not wanting to go to university, I was called a fool by teachers and left a few people confused. I took a job I hated hoping I could make something of it. My biggest mistake was taking a job I didn’t love. Pair that with some stressful life experiences and you get some mental and physical health issues! It worked out in the end. I was offered an apprenticeship with a photographers studio in London. I had never been happier than the day I handed in my notice knowing in a weeks time I would be on the path to my personal happiness. And to this day, I have never loved doing something so much. I’ve always wanted to make my career something I loved. And now I can.

    Here’s to your future. Whatever path you choose, make it the right one for you. Do what you love and you will love what you do.

    Follow Matthew Porter on Twitter.

     

  • Gay Guys: 17 things you need to know for FRESHERS WEEK

    So it’s Freshers Week and we asked our readers what they wished they had known before embarking on the emotional roller coaster FRESHERS WEEK can be.

    Gay students
    CREDIT: ©-pressmaster / Depositphotos.com

    1) Come out and get it over with right at the beginning – when I came out I expected thunder and lightening but no one acted surprised and were really supportive. – Grammie

     

    2) Take a large bag so you can put all those freebees in. – Graham

     

    3) Mature aged lesbians will change your life. Their wisdom knows no bounds – Andy

     

    4) Get a Sugar Daddy I presume you already have an adoring older dude for a BF who will love you through this thing called undergrad?

     

     

    5) The very first day I met the guy who would become my very first boyfriend. Literally within the first hour – I met the guy who would be my first kiss, take my virginity, show me what love felt like and eventually break my heart. It lasted 2 and half years – in a total whirlwind relationship that was all consuming. I was a complete clamp on. Although I don’t regret it, I wish perhaps that I had been a little more open with myself and with other around us – and perhaps let our relationship be a little more open. – Jake

    6) Well, I think I knew how to be more gentle and aware of anyone around me. It was not too serious to be conscious all the time but some of them would have had noticed me if I had behaved different from them. – Neo Vi

     

     

    7) Leave your door open when you’re unpacking. It’s a great way to check out the talent as they start bringing in their stuff. – Paul

     

    8) Don’t fall for the straight cute guy. It will never work out.

     

     

    9) Bring cakes… Cakes make friends – John

     

     

    10)  Let the others know what you’re into – I put loads of musical theatre posters on my wall – it became quite the talking point. – Chris

     

     

    11) Get to know the popular girl in the dorm. She’ll be a hoot and she’ll stick up for you if you run into problems. – Sarah

     

     

    12) Don’t forget about the gay scene. Don’t always go straight… Get your friends to go to the nearest gay bar! – Mike

     

     

    13) Try not to have sex with the guys in your halls. It could get very awkward, very quickly. – Ben

     

     

    14) Don’t forget the lube and condoms…

     

     

    15) Join the LGBT+ society and get involved with student politics.

     

     

    16) Look out for LGBT subjects. If you can do a module on Queer history or studies, it’s really worth it.

     

     

    17) You will get FRESHERS’ COUGH. Stock up with medicines… – Pat

  • Gay Men: tell us the things you wish you had known when you started university

    So it’s nearly freshers’ week and thousands and thousands of young gay and bisexual guys will be taking their first lectures, getting their first student loans and perhaps getting their first boyfriends!

    CREDIT: ©-pressmaster / Depositphotos.com
    CREDIT: ©-pressmaster / Depositphotos.com

     

    Perhaps it’ll be the first time they get truly drunk…

     

    Or they’ll find their first boyfriends…

    Maybe they’ll feel accepted for the first time…

    What did you find out that first fateful week at university?

     

  • 5 Things To Do Now You’ve Finished Your A-Levels.

    Now the hard work is over, here’s five things to remember to do once you’ve finished your A-Levels.

     

    1. Don’t be pressured into anything.

    When I was doing my A-Levels my tutors pressured me to go to university. I had no encouragement to find a job or an apprenticeship. I was not ready for university so I decided not to go, I was even called a fool by a teacher. If you don’t think university is right for you then don’t go. Remember, the same course will be available at a university for decades, however the right apprenticeship or dream job might be a one off.

    2. Find alternatives.

    It is unlikely to be rejected by a university and end up without an option. But if that eventuality does come around then be prepared. Apply for part-time and full-time jobs, apprenticeships, traineeships and anything else you can get your hands on that interests you. Perhaps even doing a year at a college will be good for you, make the most of free education. You can never have to many qualifications and experience.

    3. Never take something for the sake of it.

    Never go to university because you can. Go because you want to. It is the same with jobs, I made that mistake and it affected my mental and physical health. There is no feeling worse than going to work anxious and stressed and coming home exhausted and drained. The right people, places, and professions will all come around to you. Everyone has a purpose.

    4. Do what you enjoy.

    So what if you don’t want to go to university with your friends, you can stay in contact. I was one of a handful of people from my year who didn’t go to university and I am in a much better position than some. I have a strong friendship circle and have a good lifestyle. If your passion is photography then pursue it. Go to university and study it and get that degree. If that is not for you, get a job to fund your adventure (photography can be very expensive!) and make the most of your free time.

    5. Everything will fall into place.

    Take it from me. I left after my a-levels not wanting to go to university, I was called a fool by teachers and left a few people confused. I took a job I hated hoping I could make something of it. My biggest mistake was taking a job I didn’t love. Pair that with some stressful life experiences and you get some mental and physical health issues! It worked out in the end. I was offered an apprenticeship with a photographers studio in London. I had never been happier than the day I handed in my notice knowing in a weeks time I would be on the path to my personal happiness. And to this day, I have never loved doing something so much. I’ve always wanted to make my career something I loved. And now I can.

    Here’s to your future. Whatever path you choose, make it the right one for you. Do what you love and you will love what you do.

    Follow Matthew Porter on Twitter.

     

  • Students Are Being Offered Amazon Vouchers For Their Sperm

    Students Are Being Offered Amazon Vouchers For Their Sperm

    Male students at one of the UK’s top universities are being offered £75 worth of Amazon voucher for their sperm.

    Fliers are being handed out around a campus asking for cash strapped male volunteers to make their self-made donations as part of a trial run by the University of Sheffield – and are being rewarded with vouchers for the popular online retailer.

    The study needs male volunteers aged between 18-30 who are available for 12 weeks between April and July to consume lycopene, the red pigment found in tomatoes and other red fruits, whilst donating semen samples.

    Trial researchers hope to discover whether lycopene has a positive effect on participants’ sperm.

    CREDIT: SWNS
    CREDIT: SWNS

    Scientists say a nutrient found in the “tomato pill” could supercharge sperm by up to 70 per cent and offer new hope to childless couples.

    In other studies, lycopene has been suggested as a possible treatment for male infertility.

    This is because the antioxidant properties of lycopene counteract the damage inflicted on sperm caused by oxidative stress.

    ALSO READ: This Morning toying with showcase sperm facial!

    ALSO READ: 10 ways to make your sperm taste better

    CREDIT: SWNS
    CREDIT: SWNS

    Professor Allan Pacey of the University of Sheffield, one of Britain’s leading experts on male factor infertility, is recruiting 60 healthy male students and university staff to take part in the three-month study.

    He said,

    “There is enough evidence out there to indicate this study is worth doing and I am cautiously optimistic. If it works in the volunteers we would then consider testing it in infertile patients.

    “Production of sperm takes three months. This study will tell us if lycopene improves the quality of sperm already in development by reducing DNA damage, and whether it produces an overall increase in the number of mature sperm produced overall.”

  • Almost Two-Thirds Of Brits ‘Don’t Use Their Degree’ Despite Growing Debts

    Brits have spent billions of pounds on university degrees they’ve never used following graduation, according to research.

    CREDIT: © tomwang Depositphotos
    CREDIT: © tomwang Depositphotos

    A study of 2,000 graduates found 64 per cent felt their degree was not relevant to their current role.

    While results showed the average graduate polled to have left university with £13,292 in debt overall.

    With approximately 12 million graduates in the UK* – the astronomical sum can be estimated at 65 billion squandered on degrees not used.

    Results also showed a quarter are in job roles that are completely different to the degree they completed.

    But while many of those who chose to continue their studies didn’t end up using their final degree to get a job, 85 per cent claim the experience itself has set them up for life.

    Barinder Hothi, Co-founder of The Knowledge Academy – one of the biggest training companies in the world – which commissioned the study, said:

    “It’s shocking to see such statistics – the high cost of university is often considered necessary in order to progress in a particular career.

    “But with most valuing the experience of university (such as making friends, managing a budget, etc) over the knowledge gained from their degree, one has to ask, is it really worth it?”

    Results showed just 36 per cent found their degree relevant to their current career choice.

    And 67 per cent feel they could have got their current job without having their degree.

    In fact six in ten never had to provide any proof they even had a degree in order to get their job and over a fifth feels their employer has no clue what qualifications they actually have.

    A third said the content of their degree and the subjects studied are entirely irrelevant to the work they do now.

    While a quarter feel there aren’t even small elements of their degree that are helpful to them now.

    Reactions were split when deciding the value of a degree overall – 49 per cent felt having their degree made it easier to get a job, but 51 per cent were unsure or felt it made no difference.

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    49 per cent feel they would have been better off getting in a job earlier and working their way up.

    Which is perhaps why 62 per cent feel they chose the wrong career when they left school.

    41 per cent of Brits who didn’t feel they used their degree went on to do further training for their current job.

    In fact, tellingly, four in ten graduates polled (38%) wished they had done an apprenticeship instead.

    While a similar number are seemingly discontent- over a third are currently considering re-training to do something more worthwhile than their current role allows.

    However the life lessons of university still seem prominent – 85 per cent of those polled still felt university had made their life better, even if they aren’t using their degree.

    The biggest reason for feeling university was beneficial was for the confidence it gave people, followed by lessons on generally setting up for life, how to budget and how to make friends.

    Mrs Hothi added:

    “University has become the expected path for many 17-18 year olds in the UK in recent years with alternatives such as apprenticeships or trainee roles being rarely discussed as an option. Without providing students with a good understanding of all the options available to them, some may find themselves graduating in a subject which is of no use to the career they want. With some finding that perhaps a trainee role would have provided them with the relevant work experience needed to give them an edge many expect a degree to have.”

    The Knowledge Academy offers more than 50,000 job and skills training courses in 200 countries to customers including: the self-employed and SMEs, to blue-chips and multi-nationals like Rolls Royce, HSBC, British Airways, and Disney.

    It offers a mixture of classroom-based education and digital learning, mostly IT, legal, finance, HR and business-related courses, but as diverse as Wildlife Training and Animation, to Psychology and Aviation.

    £6,682 – AVERAGE STUDENT LOAN DEBT

    £6,610 – AVERAGE TUITION DEBT

    £13,292

  • Stonewall Speaks Out On NUS LGBT+ Decision To Drop Gay Male Reps

    Britain’s largest LGBT charity Stonewall has spoken out against the NUS LGBT+ for its stance on gay male representation in the UK’s university system.

    CREDIT: © feedough | Depositphotos
    CREDIT: © feedough | Depositphotos

     

    Stonewall has spoken out against the NUS LGBT+’s decision to rid gay male representation from its societies across the UK University system. A statement from the charity said that the best way to achieve diversity was to proactively engage with all parts of the LGBT community rather than “excluding specific parts of the community.”

    NUS LGBT+ has come under considerable criticism after it said it would seek to eradicate gay male representation from its societies, after it claimed that “misogyny, transphobia, racism and biphobia were more likely to happen if societies were “dominated” by white cis gay men.”

    A claim it made without providing proof.

    Stonewall joined the growing concern about the NUS LGBT+ societies remit saying,

    “We believe that LGBT societies should represent the full diversity of the LGBT community, including the multiple minority identities that exist within it. Gay men experience homophobia and oppression daily, both inside and outside the LGBT community. This could be because they are of faith, or have a disability, or are part of an ethnic minority. They also continue to face discrimination in the workplace, at school, in church, in institutions, or on the sports field. The fight against homophobia isn’t over yet.

    “We think the best way to reflect diversity is to proactively engage with and encourage others to apply for positions on the board rather than excluding specific parts of the community.”

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    Last week another leading LGBTQ charity Push Projects in Warwickshire shared its concerns about the NHS LGBT+’s actions.

    TheGayUK reached out to NHS LGBT+ specifically for comment on its decisions but were directed to the NUS press office, who said,

    “All delegate who attend NUS LGBT+ conference are free to submit motions for discussion but they do not necessarily represent the views of NUS if at all.

     

  • Leading LGBTQ Charity “Shocked” Over NUS Decision To Ban Gay Male Reps

    A leading LGBTQ charity has blasted the NUS LGBT+ campaign’s decision to rid LGBT societies of gay male representatives.

    CREDIT: ©-pressmaster / Depositphotos.com
    CREDIT: ©-pressmaster / Depositphotos.com

    Gay male students in the UK’s University system are facing the prospect of not having a representative at their LGBT+ society after the NUS LGBT+ voted to abolish a reserved space for gay male reps after claiming that “misogyny, transphobia, racism and biphobia were more likely to happen if societies were “dominated” by white cis gay men.”

    It also called for current gay male representatives to relinquish their role if it already exists within a LGBT+ society.

    A statement from Push Projects in Warwickshire shared its concerns and called upon the NUS and the NUS LGBT+ to “take a hard look at itself and reassess the direction it is heading in”.

    In the statement the charity said the dropping of gay male representation was “concerning” and “shocking”,

    This type of message of great concern to us as a charity, as we actively support a number of LGBT+ students. We see the discrimination, prejudice, violence and abuse that many of those LGBT+ people endure. This of course includes gay men, and indeed white cis gay men.

    Acting to remove gay men’s reps from LGBT+ student societies is a shocking turn of events. Gay men, along with lesbian, bisexual and trans people, continue to experience discrimination, violence and abuse in society, at work, school, college, university, and also within the LGBT+ community. Homophobia still exists, even within the LGBT+ community. That is why it is imperative that gay men’s reps remain within LGBT+ student societies.

     

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    Speaking to THEGAYUK a spokesperson for the NUS said,

    “All delegate who attend NUS LGBT+ conference are free to submit motions for discussion but they do not necessarily represent the views of NUS if at all.

    “NUS itself does not have any committee places solely reserved for men, this is because we recognise that the LGBT+ community is far wider than just men, at a national level we have an open place where anyone can put themselves forward for nomination.

     “The conference resolved that local LGBT+ societies to do the same, although ultimate we have no jurisdiction over them. This has nothing to do with the views of an individual about the validity of issues anyone faces but is simply because we believe its fairer practice.”