LGBT threatened after "heterophobia" claims by Collingwood student

Aunty Gherkin

An investigation into the equality policy of Durham's LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) society today threatened the future of the group after claims by a Collingwood first year that he had been denied membership of the association based on his sexuality.

"I can't believe prejudice like this still exists in a modern society," says the first year, Kevin Walker. "Because of my sexuality, my experiences with the LGBT have been quite traumatic. When I asked to join, some other members of the group asked me if I was gay or bi: when I said I was straight, they just laughed at me, like it was some kind of big joke. I told them I even had my own tube of lube and some extra thick condoms, but they weren't impressed: they just called me a 'hetero' and told me to get out. I couldn't believe it."

"These claims are greatly exaggerated," argues Collingwood's LGBT liaison rep, Dave Crawford. "There is no deliberate heterophobia within the group. Personally, I feel it's none of mine or anyone else's business what heterosexuals do in their own time, as long as they do it behind closed doors and don't inflict it on the rest of us. Honestly, when you see them canoodling sometimes in bars or clubs - it's disgusting."

"Well, I wouldn't say I was heterophobic," says another anonymous LGBT member, "but what with unwanted pregnancies and a higher risk of contracting an STD - well, with punishments like that God must be trying to tell them something, know what I mean?"

Mr Walker has since formed his own support group to raise awareness of the problem of heterophobia in Durham, known by the acronym "PUFFS" (People United For Fairness to Straights). The group is currently in discussions with DSU welfare officers over next term's planned "Heterophobia Awareness Week."

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