A University of Greenwich student shares his journey from growing up in a small village to finding his LGBTQ+ community in London. “Pride is so important to me,” he says, reflecting on his first London Pride and the friendships that helped him flourish. As we are celebrating LGBTQ+ History Month, GSU celebrates stories like his, fostering inclusivity and pride on our campus.
Introduction:
Frankie Linturn is your LGBTQ+ Liberation Chair at Greenwich Students’ Union (GSU), and he’s here to share his story with you—a journey of finding community, pride, and purpose.
Finding My Community in London
Pride is significantly important to me. I grew up in a small village and stayed there until university. Studying in London has always been a privilege I’ve been lucky to have. For the first time in my life, I’ve been surrounded by my community—people who are actually like me. Even if you feel like you have yourself “figured out,” not having like-minded people who share your traits and struggles can be confusing.
I flourished as soon as I saw how large the LGBTQ+ community was in London. It was so special to see. Even walking into Soho as a gay person, you feel a wave of relief and safety. Browsing what bar to go to next and seeing groups of creative, energetic gay men or trans girls in friend groups, unafraid to be themselves, owning the night—it’s empowering.
My first London Pride in 2024 was a transformative experience. Seeing the rainbow parade and the mass of supporters made my heart sing. It was also where I met my future boyfriend, marking a milestone in my journey of love and acceptance. Pride holds a very special place for me. It’s a celebration of love and a reminder that the fight of the trailblazers before us counted for something. It’s a celebration of their lives too.
Building Connections and Finding Freedom
Before moving to London, I’d never had LGBTQ+ friends in real life. It was a completely different scenario here. One of my favorite things about going out was knowing I’d meet exceptional, exciting people with different cultures, stories, and identities. I made friends quickly because our community sticks together and welcomes everyone.
Growing up, I never had close male friends. In London, I was surrounded by other gay men. It was amazing—I finally felt seen and free.
But I know the fight for equality is far from over. There’s still a long way to go in educating people about LGBTQ+ issues and the lives we lead. But we’ve come a long way, and that’s worth celebrating.
My Role as Your LGBTQ+ Liberation Chair
As your LGBTQ+ Liberation Chair, I’m dedicated to creating a welcoming and judgment-free environment for LGBTQ+ students. I work closely with LGBTQ+ societies and the GSU team to organize events, workshops, and safe-space discussions that celebrate and support our community.
With LGBTQ+ History Month in February, there are plenty of ways to get involved. Wear something that resonates with you, share your ideas, and join the celebrations. Whether you need support, want to take part in events, or just need someone to talk to, I’m here for you.
A great way to feel the Pride vibe is to support LGBTQ+ spaces like gay bars and clubs—Heaven, Freedom, or Yard are some of my favorites. Being with your community and spreading love and joy is truly special.
Get Involved with GSU Liberation
Liberation Chairs are here to represent and support underrepresented groups at the University of Greenwich. We work to create a more inclusive and empowering environment for all students.
You can find out more about Liberation Chairs and how to get involved on our dedicated webpage.
If you’d like to connect with us or learn more about LGBTQ+ initiatives, reach out at greenwichsu@gre.ac.uk. Let’s work together to make our university a place where everyone can be proud of who they are.