Queer as folk
With the temporary demise of the NorthGate and the comparatively recent introduction of new management at the Blenheim Pub, it's not only freshers that might now be wondering: if you're gay, what exactly are your partying options?
Well, never fear. There are still places to go. Firstly, the Blenheim's management now runs the Castle Tavern, meaning that Oxford still has a decent gay pub (as well as the Jolly Farmers). As far as clubbing goes, your choices are pretty much as wide (or as limited) as they always were. Monday night's "Flirt" at the Old Fire Station has now established itself as a firm favourite and, given Oxford's NorthGate-less-ness, is bound to be even more busy than before, with cheesy music, comparatively expensive drinks and F-list PAs aplenty (but seriously, it's not all bad).
Then there's the fun and games of the Coven on a Friday night. This has, in this order: old drooling men, plastic orange walls (no, I don't know why either), good dance music in a scary back room, and a few passable townies of roughly student age. As with all Oxford venues, it's worth going once to see what you think of it. I personally love the music (coming from London and getting "Heaven" withdrawal symptoms here).
Then, perhaps as a replacement for the NorthGate, there is now the "Jam Factory" on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Not much information about this exists at the time of going to press, but as I said, it is a sort of substitute for the NorthGate, so expect more cheesiness and, possibly, cheap drinks.
And finally, as far as the nightlife goes, never underestimate the pulling opportunities at Park End. Yes, officially it's straight, but you'd be surprised at what heights of physical proximity can be experienced between members of the same sex there. Oh and the music's cheesy, in case you were wondering. But then it's not as if you have a choice in whether to go or not: everyone is ritually dragged to Shark End soon after they arrive...
That's the town sorted out. There are also plenty of things to do in the University. Some of these will inevitably centre around alcohol (students - what are they like?) but there's sober fun to be had too. LGB Soc organises weekly drink events and teas. The former are, essentially, drinks in a room, (but don't knock it till you've tried it - it's really worth going to) and the latter are teas. In a room. Both of these will probably happen to the heart-rending strains of Steps and include mucho hilarity from assorted drunken people. LGB Soc also organises a termly trip to a London club (Popstarz this term, so try to remember what you were like in your straight indie teen phase) and a themed bop.
There's also a new society - ID Soc. This was formed with the express aim of providing more one-off events, and being more varied and less alcohol-driven. It seems likely to succeed on the former front, even if there are doubts about the latter. This term, ID Soc events include trips to a couple of more alternative clubs in London, a behind-the-scenes talk by the creator of Queer as Folk, a bop to raise money for World AIDS day (with charity auction) and the fantastic Pink Party organised with the Union, which will feature a major act performing live, plus pink wafers, pink champagne, lots of high campery and much general fun. Watch this space!
As far as the more serious side of being gay in Oxford goes, Queer Rights campaigns tirelessly for the rights of all LGB people. If you fancy helping out or have any ideas, or if you just fancy a free lunch while the rest of us have a little debate, come along. It happens on Tuesday lunchtimes of even weeks in New College.
If you need more info, there are various places you can go. Get a copy of the LGB Handbook. This will have most information in it, although it's only published every two years so some of it might be a bit out of date. You can talk to your college LGB Rep. Almost every college has one, but if yours doesn't, or you don't feel like discussing stuff with them, feel free to talk to any rep from any college. They're all a friendly bunch and should be most helpful. Even if they don't know something, they'll know someone who does.
And finally, there's James, your fab OUSU Welfare Officer. He'll know stuff, he's there for you to chat to, and you can always get in touch with him on welfare@ousu.org.
So, that's about it. Fun and games await at the start of another new year. Enjoy it, have fun, and always say "no" to strangers (unless you fancy them, of course).
4th Oct 2001