UK’s seven universities offer LGBTQ+ exclusive halls for September courses
Gay and transgender students offered their own halls in at least seven universities across the UK for courses starting in September
LAHORE MIRROR — Several UK universities will be offering separate accommodation for LGBTQ+ undergraduate students starting their courses in September amid controversary.
“MailOnline” A website of tabloid newspaper in the United Kingdom reported that around seven institutions, including top Russell Group universities, have designated flats or accommodation blocks exclusively for LGBTQ+ undergraduates.
Critics argue that this move resembles social segregation and find it patronizing to assume that homosexual students prefer their own halls.
Education campaigners are concerned that this decision might lead to a shortage of student housing since empty rooms in LGBTQ+ halls are not being offered to heterosexual students. Sheffield, Cardiff, Bristol, Bath, Southampton, Southampton Solent, and Essex universities claim they implemented this measure to protect LGBTQ+ students from homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia by their straight flatmates.
The LGB Alliance, a gay rights charity, states that such ideas are seen as patronizing by gay individuals and the entire student population. They believe that learning to live with people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives is a crucial part of the university experience, rather than narrowing one’s perspective.
Chris McGovern from the Campaign for Real Education fears that this move could create division and resentment among student communities. He argues that limiting interactions between students of diverse backgrounds and orientations could lead to social disintegration within the student body, with no real benefits, despite good intentions.
Essex University defends the decision, claiming it promotes a welcoming and inclusive environment and that being with people who share similar life experiences might be helpful.
