Durham University LGBT+a RAINBOW NIGHT hosted by Cuth’s Bar
If you identify as LGBTQ+, or are simply looking or a great night out on a Monday, come down to Cuth’s Bar at 8pm for an all-inclusive Rainbow night. Following Durham’s first fantastic Pride last Summer, Durham’s LGBT+a scene is on the rise and Monday nights are becoming more popular, with Cuth’s bar providing a fun and safe environment for any LGBTQ+ students.
The inclusion of gender neutral toilets has made the environment even more welcoming and accepting, and as the Durham University LGBT+a Facebook page says; “This is an LGBT+a safe-space social, meaning the bar staff (and LGBT+a President) reserve the right to remove anyone behaving in an inappropriate manner, and no event photos will be taken. The LGBT+a exec will be identifiable by their bright blue stash, and are always willing to listen to any concerns you might have.”
I caught up with one of the exec, second year psychology student and Welfare Officer Molly Smith, to see why she thinks the new Rainbow Nights at Cuth’s Bar is a hit amongst not just the LGBT+a community, but anyone else looking for a fun Monday night.
”Hi Molly, why do you think new Rainbow Nights at Cuth’s bar have been such a success?”
”I think because it’s a different atmosphere to the other LGBT+a socials. Osbournes is great if you want a real bar setting, but college bars are generally less of an issue if people are turning up alone, are less outgoing, or just want to meet people and socialise without alcohol. They are family to our service users so it’s friendly. We have the bar room which is there for people to use as a bar space and drink obviously, but we also have the JCR as a quieter room with exec members in and normally a film as well or something for people who prefer socials not at bars. This way it caters to more people. Also, because it’s ally inclusive I think people feel like they can go if they’re not out or just questioning, or with ally friends, which just makes it more of an accessible LGBT+a social because there are people there who don’t even realise it’s LGBTQ+ night, so if a person didn’t want to be out but wanted to meet other queers and see what we are about they could easily do it with less fear.”
And if you’re not ready to go home after the social ends at Cuth’s, head over to Osbournes Bar for a bubbly environment, cheap drinks, cheesy music and an overall good time. With the weekly appearance of Durham’s infamous and wildly fabulous drag Queen Tess Tickle (yes you heard that right) dancing, singing and entertaining, you really will have a night to remember, whether you’re straight, gay, bisexual, trans, asexual or anything else under the rainbow!
As a non-LGBTQ+ student with friends that are members of the LGBT+a society, I can honestly say all of us have had some of the best nights in Durham at Rainbow Night and Osbournes on a Monday. And last but not least, if you’re still not ready to head home after Osbournes, there’s always Klute just two seconds away if you’re looking for a wild (and messy) ending to your night. I don’t think I really need to elaborate any further.
*For more information about any LGBTA+a events or if you’d like to speak to anyone about any issues related to LGBTA+a society, follow the Durham University LGBT+a page or contact welfare@durhamlgbta.org.uk if you have anything you want to talk about, or just want someone to talk through things with.