Not in our club

A number of Bangor University students have revealed that they were asked to leave Embassy nightclub last year.

The students were approached by security in what they described as homophobic related incidents.

A 19-year-old music student said she was approached whilst kissing another female. She was told to stop what she was doing as it wasn’t allowed. The same student also witnessed a homosexual friend, on a separate occasion, being told directly by a bouncer to “Leave before something was done about it.”

“I was told stop or you’ll have to leave” said Amelia Anderson, a Bangor Media Student. “I was annoyed by it because there was a heterosexual couple kissing but they were never approached.”

Embassy themselves were not aware of the problem.

“No one has come to myself to make me aware of any issues. Certainly my own staff haven’t come to me,” said Clive Lewis, the club’s manager.

All of the reported incidents occurred before March this year when a “managerial issue” forced Embassy to change their door staff.

Mr Lewis said, “We do not tolerate those kinds of views. We welcome anyone, from any background or with any view, as long as it’s a reasonable view, to come to our venue and enjoy themselves. I hope that people do that…We encourage feedback and especially the issues you’re bringing to our attention. They have no place in this business and no place in the community as a whole.”

The incidents all involved an intimate nature but the club doesn’t believe that should be reason for dismissal from the premises.

“We have a heavy petting policy but kissing for me isn’t an issue. It’s a display of affection that we’re all used to.” said Mr Lewis. “We do warn first and ask people to desist. There have been occasions where people have taken it further than that and we’ve asked them to leave, politely. It’s just a case of trying not to offend people, whatever their sexual orientation.”

Embassy is keen to ensure that nothing of this nature happens again. It goes without saying, that prejudice of any form should not be allowed. Anyone who is witness to any form of discriminative behaviour, in any establishment, is strongly advised to take further action.

“If people have any problems we are here to listen,” said Martyn Curzey, Secretary of Unity, Bangor’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender society.

Unity offer a wide range of events, including meetings at 2:30pm every Wednesday and “Identity nights,” held on the last Thursday of every month.

“Identity is Bangor’s only attitude free night where people can come and are encouraged to completely be themselves.” said Mr Curey.  The society also provides a strong support service, encouraging anyone who needs help or a friendly ear to contact the Unity Guide Coordinator, David William Blake Broadhurst, at lgbt.guide@undeb.bangor.ac.uk

Have you experienced anything like this? Get in touch with Seren so that we can continue to provide a voice for students: editor@seren.bangor.ac.uk