Being an ally at uni isn’t about waving a flag once a year, it’s about what you do when it actually matters.
When you live in shared spaces like student halls, your words, actions, and silence all carry weight. You don’t need to be loud. You just need to be present.
It’s about how you show up – in your flat, in your shared spaces, and in the everyday stuff that actually matters.
At uni, especially in places like Canterbury where student communities are tight, allyship isn’t performative. It’s not a rainbow once a year or reposting a graphic during Pride Month. It’s in what you do when no one’s watching. When someone gets misgendered. When a joke goes too far. When someone trusts you enough to share something personal.
Allyship isn’t about being perfect – it’s about being consistent.
Start With The Small Stuff – It Matters More Than You Think
If a flatmate quietly changes their name or pronouns in the group chat, use them. Don’t make a big deal out of it. Respect speaks volumes when it’s low-key and consistent.
Hear something off – a joke, a comment, a stereotype? You don’t need to launch into a debate. Sometimes, all it takes is a “that’s not cool” or even a look that changes the vibe. Small moments shift the culture.
Back The Local Causes That Do The Work All-Year Round
Pride Canterbury happens every June – a city-wide celebration with a parade through the High Street and a full festival in Dane John Gardens. It’s one of the biggest student-supported events in the city, and allies are a huge part of that energy.
But allyship doesn’t start and stop with the parade. Kent Pride CIC does year-round work – campaigning for policy change, offering training, and supporting hate crime prevention. They’re behind the scenes making things safer for the whole community, not just during Pride Month.
💪 Keep showing up after the flags come down
Allyship isn’t seasonal. And in Canterbury, you’ve got options to keep it going:
Speak up when something’s off. Kent and Christ Church both offer easy-to-use Report & Support tools if you witness discrimination or harassment. Use them.
- At the University of Kent, you can report bullying, discrimination, or hate incidents online — anonymously or with support from an advisor: reportandsupport.kent.ac.uk
- At Canterbury Christ Church, the Expect Respect form lets you flag harassment or abuse and choose whether to stay anonymous or request support.
You’ll also find straight-up advice, tools, so you’re not left guessing what to do next.
Neo top tip: Be the friend and flatmate who suggests nights out where everyone feels comfortable at. Check out what’s on Eventbrite to find your pride.
🏠 In your flat, in your course, in your circles
Being an ally in shared student accommodation also means creating space – not only taking it up.
If your flatmate wants to hang a Pride flag, host a movie night, or bake cupcakes for queer history month, let it happen. Better yet, ask how you can support. Don’t make it about you – just be there.
Keep the conversation going, even when it’s not trending. Ask questions (the respectful kind). Check in with your friends and keep learning.
🏳️🌈 Practical allyship at Neo
We’re not here for performative posts – we’re here for everyday inclusion. If you’re living at Palamon Court, Rhodaus Court or Currus Court, here’s how you can show up:
- Volunteer to help run inclusive socials or quiet spaces at move-in.
- Ask us for a visibility kit – with ally lanyards, pronoun badges, and helpful info.
- Suggest a queer-friendly night out or ask your flatmate to show you where they feel welcome. Lady Luck Bar and local drag bingo nights are a vibe – and just one example of how Canterbury shows up for LGBTQIA+ inclusivity.
🤝 Being an ally means showing up, not showing off
In student accommodation, you’re not just splitting bills and sharing a kitchen — you’re helping set the tone.
Allyship isn’t a spotlight moment. It’s the small stuff: listening, learning, backing your flatmates.
Keep doing it, even when the flags come down. That’s what makes it matter!
