Students at the University of Oxford were told to submit their costumes in advance for a fancy dress party to make sure they didn’t offend anyone.
Members of Merton College were warned of the “potential for offence” posed by costumes for an LGBT History Month party with the theme “Queer Icons”.
Ahead of the event, which happened on Saturday, undergraduates were sent a 350-word warning by the college’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer and Questioning Representative.
The student official provided an exhaustive definition (reproduced below) of a “queer icon”, and said any outfit deviating from it would “not be tolerated”, and anybody deemed “offensive” could be thrown out.
He continued by telling students unsure about their costumes to explain them to him in advance so he could judge whether they would be permissible.
Failing that, the email suggests everybody could dress as a rainbow instead.
Fancy dress costumes have become a hotbed of offence-taking on campuses in the UK and beyond.
Over Hallowe’en – an obvious flashpoint – we reported the story of a student in Edinburgh who was barred entry from a club because a costume involving black facepaint was deemed racist.
Bristol university saw similar claims levelled at students who dressed up as inmates from Orange Is The New Black for a party at Bristol University.
And last March a Cambridge University college cancelled a party with the theme “Around the World in 80 Days” over fears it would prompt cultural appropriation.
We contacted several representatives for Merton JCR to ask about the recent event, but nobody responded.
However, Heat Street understands that no costumes at the event were deemed egregiously offensive, so nobody had to be thrown out.
Here is the letter in full (“BOP” is Oxford slang for a party):
Dear all,
I’m sure as most of you will be aware this Saturday’s BOP theme is ‘Queer Icons’. The idea for the BOP theme was my own, with the intention of celebrating LGBT History Month. The BOP will hopefully be a sign of support for Merton’s, and the wider, LGBTQ+ community. Some questions, however, have been raised over the potential for offence with this theme. I thought it would be a good idea to offer some advice, and to set out what is and is not acceptable;
- To clarify, a queer icon is a figure, historical or present, embraced by members of the LGBTQ+ community. A queer icon could be, for example, a figure who has either been fundamental in the movement for LGBTQ+ rights, or has been vocal in their support of the LGBTQ+ community (see every female popstar ever). Moreover, a queer icon is not necessarily someone who identifies/identified as LGBTQ+.
- This is an event for everyone to show their support for Merton’s LGBTQ+ community, and to hopefully learn more about important figures in queer history. However, outfits which appropriate, offend or mock *will not* be tolerated at the BOP.
Additionally, *any* homo/bi/queer/transphobic behaviour whatsoever will results in your removal from the BOP. If you are unsure whether your outfit will offend, please get in touch with either me or one of the other JCR equality officers.- To clarify, coming in drag to the BOP is okay if you are sensitively depicting a real life queer figure (which could include yourself). Overtly stereotypical, or offensive, depictions of drag, however, are *not* acceptable. I advise anyone considering such a costume to be aware of the risk of being transphobic or simply perpetuating stereotypes of queerness.
- The BOP theme will hopefully generate a plethora of costumes – though if you don’t feel comfortable coming as a specific queer icon, following a rainbow theme is fine.
Most simply, please don’t take the piss. Have fun with your costumes but be aware of the potential to offend or make others feel uncomfortable.
If you have any further concerns over the forthcoming BOP please do get in touch.