We’re counting down the days until this queer extravaganza
BY GEORGIA BUTLER
What time is it? It’s Student Pride, it’s our gay-cation! National Student Pride is back and prouder than ever, taking place in London 21 – 23 February.
This year, the main stage is home to two exciting headline panels tackling important issues faced by the queer community – and we cannot wait.
In the first panel, Lady Phyll, Munroe Bergdorf, Tanya Compas and GIRLI are coming together to carve out space for queer, trans, genderfluid and non-binary folk. After all, you gotta thrive no matter how you identify.Â
This will be followed by a discussion between Dr Ranj Singh, Charlie Craggs, Josef Salvat and Florence Schechter – hosted by Cliff Joannou – openly communicating about queer sexual health. It is so important to address some of the common misconceptions held by the LGBTQI+ community and, to demonstrate National Student Pride’s commitment to healthy sex. Free sexual health screening tests will be available onsite.
Not only is the weekend a chance to give yourself a queer education, the event will be graced with the presence of true royalty – UK RuPaul’s drag race stars Baga Chipz, Cheryl Hole and Vinegar Strokes.Â
The Next Stage will also be offering a non-stop line-up of panel talks, interviews and entertainment. Interested in what the latest LGBTQI+ research has found? Keen to discuss the intersection of queerness and disability? Don’t worry, we got you girl.
Is it just me, or is it getting hot in here?
Friday night is the opening party, held at G-A-Y LATE with performances from Drag STARS Cheryl Hole, Tayce and Mark Anthony. Of course, don’t forget, £2 drinks until 10:30pm. Students, you are welcome.
Don’t even get me started on Saturday night… I mean, don’t you wish your weekend plans were hot like mine? I mean, we all remember dreaming of when we grow up, wanting to be famous… Sorry, am I pushing your buttons, babe?Â
THE PUSSYCAT DOLLS ARE COMING TO G-A-Y HEAVEN – and tickets on the door are only £8!
The weekend is closing on the Sunday with the Draglympics – a brunch with a twist hosted by Tia Koffi and Dolly Trolley.Â
Last, but not least, don’t forget that DIVA is a media sponsor! We will have a stall at the event, so please make sure you come and say hi, grab a mag and fill out the #DIVASurvey.
Need a little something to keep you going until the festivities begin? Then check out Student Pride’s brand new video “How does drag shape your LGBTQ identity?” featuring UK Drag Race queens and non-binary drag king Adam All. We live.
For more information about Student Pride visit studentpride.co.uk.
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