Friday 07-02-2025 - 11:59

For each week of LGBTQ History Month, The Union are shining a spotlight on those in the community. We're asking them to tell us a little bit about themselves and what the month means to them. This week, we've spoken to Eniko. 

 

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Tell us about yourself

My name’s Eniko and I'm from Hungary. I'm currently in the second year of my Integrated Health and Social Care degree, and I'm the chair of the LGBTQ+ Society. 

 

What Does LGBTQ History Month Mean to you? 

LGBTQ History Month is a time of reflection for me. I think a lot about the erasure of queer people and their achievements throughout history, but also about how far we've come in terms of equality.  

This month can also be a point of anxiety for queer people as it brings more attention to them. And sometimes this can be very negative. However, LGBTQ History Month is a point of pride for me, seeing how much society has changed for the positive. 

 

How has the LGBTQ community at your university impacted your sense of belonging? 

The LGBTQ community at university feels like family. It's such an amazing feeling to have so many people from so many different walks of life connect over being queer and the shared experiences of being LGBTQ.

I'm so proud to represent LGBTQ students at the university and be given the opportunity to help everyone feel welcome during the transition to uni life. 

 

What are some challenges you’ve faced as an LGBTQ student, either socially or academically? 

I faced a lot of inner turmoil with my own identity, which was increased by the environment I was in. The fact that I didn't really have my own support network to explore my gender, and sexuality was a big factor too.  

Coming to uni and finding a community has been so important to not only finding myself, but also being comfortable with who I am. I remember in college when someone said I was 'barely a girl', but that has since become a point of pride for me and even an inside joke. 

 

How important do you think it is for those who aren't necessarily members of the community to act as an ally to those who are? 

Allyship for the community is extremely important. As queer voices tend to be drowned out in media and society, other groups often get more of an opportunity to speak on behalf of the community or even making laws without even understanding our wants and needs.  

Being an ally is so important to support the community. When someone outside of it speaks up, they’re often met with less pushback, which makes their support even more valuable. It's also so important because many queer individuals may be afraid to stand up to hate. To step in and support them show’s that they’re not alone.