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National Student Pride, now in its 11th year, is back in London! *Fires Glitter Cannon* *Reloads*. And QX Magazine are proud media partners for this inimitable bonanza of queerdom. *Fires Glitter Cannon*

 


The daytime festival on Saturday 6th February will be held at the University of Westminster’s Marylebone campus, where over 1500 LGBT students from across the UK will be taking part in a weekend of festivities.
The focus of this year’s event is on the difficult, but vital discussion of mental health, which disproportionately affects LGBT people. The mental health debate will be hosted by Matthew Todd, editor of Attitude Magazine, who will provide real-life experiences and expertise.

Joining him on the panel will be: Johnny Benjamin, known for the #FindMike campaign and for his brave documentaries and accounts about his schizophrenia and relentless mental health activism; Taz Edwards-White (LBQ), mental health coordinator for LGBT people for Metro; Bisi Alimi, World renowned Nigerian LGBT activist who has written and spoke openly about his time with HIV and Mental Health issues; and Munroe Bergdorf, Trans advocate and DJ.

The Coming Out discussion, in conjunction with the Rainbow List high flyer Wayne Dhesi’s R U Coming Out website, will be a panel focused on challenging the idea that coming out is only synonymous with being gay. It’s so much more now, whether it’s about gender identity of being a secret luster for Justin Bieber. We know you looked at those pics. *clears internet history*

Celebrating Coming Out even further, Tom Dingley’s widely celebrated Coming Out photography series will be on display at the event too. He’ll even be offering the opportunity for you to take part too.

In a new addition to National Student Pride, a fringe event will take place alongside the main stage and LGBT YouTubers have been lining up to come and share what they think their impact has been on shaping our community as our daily online time grows and grows. Chaired by, Calum McSwiggan, on the panel includes Meredith and Shoshana, Mawaan Rizman (How Gay Is Pakistan BBC3 Documentary), Jamie Raines (Selfie A Day Transition), and Riyad K (known for reading out Grindr messages with his Mum).

To provide a ‘Mental Health Trigger free zone’ at all times at the event, a Safe Space room will be provided all day and whenever a mental health topic is discussed the other stage will avoid discussion of mental health.

Finally, the daytime event will end on a huge high as the Warwick Rowers return to talk about the charity they launched at our event in 2014; Sports Allies. Followed by what will be the most tasteful and least camp part of the whole weekend: a #StudentPride lip sync battle. Because if Channing Tatum and Anne Hathaway can do it – they definitely can. Oh and on Saturday night there will be a G-A-Y Scream Queens Party at Heaven, where there’s £2.50 drinks deals to all those wearing a wristband (you can also get two nights out at heaven and G-A-Y late for just £5).

Careers Fair
Another aspect of National Student Pride is the careers fair, now the largest LGBT student Careers Fair in the UK. Fujitsu, the Royal Navy, the RAF, Ditch The Label, PwC and Teach First are just some of the 30+ organisations already signed up, and it’s expected to exceed last year’s roster of 50.

Follow @StudentPride on Twitter for more big announcements.

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Bi Fun Club at Central Station, a gay bar in London.

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