Why Join Us?
1) You want an LGBTQ+ friendly safe space to hang out and chill.
2) You like social events and tabletop games
3) You're looking to meet other LGBTQ+ students at BU and AUB.
What do we do?
We are a social group for LGBTQ+ students at BU and AUB, with a focus on creating a chilled and friendly safe space, while using tools like boardgames and videogames to facilitate meeting new people without any pressure.
Membership for Iris LGBTQ+ is £2.50 for the whole year and allows you to come to all our weekly events.
Though some special events may be paid, we make an effort to keep things cheap and affordable whenever possible, and may subsidise prices when neccesary.
When and Where?
Weekly Social
Every week in term time, we hold a weekly social on campus. Usually for these people bring boardgames, videogames and snacks, as we meet to hang out through the evening. If boardgames aren't your thing, don't worry! We bring these largely to help as an icebreaker, and help keep a low pressure environment.
For those who prefer drinking often members head to Dylan's, the on campus bar when we pack up for the night around 8pm.
These take place Wednesdays, term time from 17:00-20:00, typically in F201
We also provide a quiet space in F202, in case the room gets too loud, overwhelming or people want an alternative space.
This year we are introducing a new room to our Gay Games night called the Mario Room, hopefully in F203! This is intended to be a space where we can ask groups to move to if their game is causing a lot of noise and is causing disruptions in F201.
Online Hub
We host a hub online using Discord for LGBTQ+ students to hang out.
Non-members are welcome to join, so if you're considering buying a membership feel free to say hi to us online first!
Special Events
Our committee aims to hold frequent special events to accommodate the diverse queer community studying at Bournemouth.
For 2026/27 we're planning to host 1-2 socials chosen by the Committee, and a monthly social that has been voted on by our members! In addition, we're also looking forward to hosting game tournaments (both digital and physical), murder mysteries, pumpkin carvings and collaborating with many of the other wonderful societies.
We have also participated in the annual Queermas dinner at Flirt Cafe, taken members on a trip to London Pride, and helped run Bournemouth's Student Pride which happens every May.
Keep your eye on our socials as well as on the 'What's On' SUBU page for updates!
Our Committee
President: Mela Hall (She/Her)
Hiya, I'm Mela and I'm entering my second year of Music and Sound Production as the world's first ever Lesbian (ok that part isn't true). Coming to Iris was the best decision I ever made in first year as I've made so many friends, some of whom I'm now living with this year - it's crazy that I'm now president of the society that meant the most to me last year and I'm so excited to be able to give back to it! I'll be working hard with the rest of the committee to make sure that you guys have the best possible experience and I can't wait to meet you all :3
Communications Officer: Red Alexander (He/It)
Hiiii everyone I'm Red and I'm doing my first year of Business and Management. (Changed courses, long story) I'm an international student from the US, and I had a hard time feeling like I belonged at uni until I started going to Iris. I met a ton of great people and loved being part of a group I felt comfortable with. So happy to be part of the committee now and I hope anyone that comes to Iris feels welcomed and supported! Can't wait to see you all soon :•3
Treasurer: TBA
AUB Rep: TBA
Accessibility
As Committee, we're committed to making sure Iris is an accessible space, for everyone, inclusive of disabilities and neurodiversities. For information on room access, you can find the BU accessibility information here:
https://www.accessable.co.uk/bournemouth-university
The Fusion Building is our regular building, situated near the university car park and a short walk from the busses, in rooms that are wheelchair accessible and situated near to multiple accessible bathrooms. Both rooms are reachable by stairs, or just next to the lifts on the second floor. The quiet room has a wheelchair accessible desk, however the desks in the main room may be too low for some chairs. Please do be aware that these rooms may have relatively harsh lighting, and the doors are heavy and some may require assistance. Our main room may also be relatively loud during peak times, but aswell as a quiet space, the building is usually empty at these time, and has lots of comfy seating directly outside the rooms. Doors to enter the building are electronic and should be openable with a button. There is one Gender Neutral bathroom on the ground floor, aswell as the neutral acessible bathrooms on the floor we use.
We also try to keep our events low cost at every possible opportunity, including most of them in our membership fee, or covering with grants. If money is ever an issue, please do let us know and also look into the clubs and society's hardship fund which may be able to help you out:
https://www.subu.org.uk/involved/clubs_societies/hardshipfund/
When we are away from our usual building we will try our best to provide access information ahead of time where possible, and if you have any questions, concerns or feedback, please don't be afraid to contact us at our email subuirissoc@bournemouth.ac.uk