LGBT Club: It can happen anywhere

We need to do so much more. I will continue to say that until there is sufficient support for survivors of sexual violence, and until everyone who steps into an institute of higher education understands the basics of consent.

One of the biggest retorts against consent education or even conversations regarding sexual violence is “it has nothing to do with me”. I was only a few days ago reminded that in fact it can affect even the communities who think they’re immune.

I was visiting another university campus to attend a drag show. The show was being put on in a club I have been to before, which just so happens to be a gay club popular with local students. Whilst watching the performances I felt a pair of hands grabbing at my waist. It took numerous attempts and some expletive shouting to get them to stop groping me.

It can affect even the communities who think they’re immune

The difference? The hands were not those of a man, but those of another woman.

On previous visits I have never felt anything but safe and welcomed. There is something comforting in knowing that the majority of the largely male clientele have no interest in you. You can just float around, go to the toilets alone and dance without fear of being bothered or accosted.

The hands were not those of a man, but those of another woman

Harassment is often viewed as a stereotype of men accosting women. However that night reminded me that women can be just as guilty and the LGBT+ community is not insusceptible. I’m not emotionally wounded after what happened but it did really get me to think.

Like a significant amount of women at this university, I have been touched, grabbed and groped in nearly every student venue in Warwickshire. I am frequently reminded that harassment here isn’t as simple as a man-on-woman crime.

Harassment is often viewed as a stereotype of men accosting women

I know men in the gay community who have had issues of varying severity with other men. I have now been groped by a woman who had not consent to do so. I can only presume that other identities under the LGBT+ banner also suffer from incidents of sexual violence in clubs.

I shouldn’t have to just be tough or resilient and take it in my stride. It is my right to be angry. This incident only proved to me how all-encompassing the issue of sexual harassment and sexual violence in nightclubs is.

Other identities under the LGBT+ banner also suffer from incidents of sexual violence in clubs

No group is immune from having a minority who truly believe they are entitled to the bodies of others. Until tackling sexual violence is accepted as an indiscriminate issue, we won’t be able to tackle the attitudes of anyone.