LGBTQ+ History Month: Omar Bayoumi and Fran Dunaway

Looking back on LGBTQ+ history month, GUCFS would like to reflect on the strong influence that the LGBTQ+ community have on the fashion industry. We were delighted to speak to Omar Bayoumi, designer and founder of his own genderless label, and Fran Dunaway, founder and CEO of Tomboyx, a high quality apparel brand that is both trans and size inclusive. We asked them a few questions regarding LGBTQ+ influences on the fashion industry and spoke to them about how inclusivity can be improved.

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What inspired you to adopt an LGBTQ+ inclusive format for your brand?

Omar: The story behind the brand begins with my curiosity of my ancestral roots, having my paternal side from Egypt. Thus, the inspiration behind the visual concept is a fine blend between architecture, antiquity and geometry. The motif is a perfect triangle that represents the base trinities of human essence: mind, body and spirit; past, present and future; creation, preservation and destruction. Thus, the inspiration behind adopting an LGBTQ+ inclusive format is represented by the triangle motif. As the base trinities of human essence represent both the physical and spiritual aspects of humanity, I decided that should be the only element to be taken into consideration when designing.

Fran: Being a part of the LGBTQ+ community, it was a no brainer to being inclusive. I know first hand what it’s like not to be included or ’seen’ by the fashion industry and wanted to do things differently. We launched the company thinking about inclusivity, not only of sexuality but of size as well. Why should you have to pay more or shop in a ’special’ section of the store just because you are larger bodied? We also wanted to challenge the notion of brands having the secret sauce to make you ‘cool’. We think you’re cool just the way you are and we celebrate you.

Do you think LGBTQ+ creatives play a large role in the fashion industry?

Omar: Since its founding, the LGBTQ+ community has significantly evolved and people that identify within, have managed to make their voices heard. So yes, LGBTQ+ creatives are playing a huge role in raising awareness about the importance of inclusivity and visibility in fashion. Earth is not what it used to be as humans have evolved, passing the summit of human intellectual potential, where sexuality and sexual orientation can be observed from a spectrum. One soul can live in a body where they don’t feel comfortable with, or can just be more than the physical definition of simply male/female. Without the LGBTQ+ community, this evolution would not have taken place.

Furthermore, LGBTQ+ designers, photographers, makeup artists and all creatives in general have contributed to the easing of gender fluidity in fashion, meaning that with their help, the word “unisex” increases its significance. The community has also changed the meaning of “freedom”, having a massive impact on how one expresses themselves through fashion, the technique and procedure in which colours and prints are manoeuvred , and the way freedom is used to express and surpass the conventional.

Did any of your personal experiences influence the image you had for your brand?

Fran: Absolutely! We wouldn’t have started this company had I not been frustrated by the lack of decent button up shirts for women. Turns out the shirts did well but what our customers were most craving was comfortable underwear. So, we obliged. And today we also carry sleepwear, loungewear, swimwear and soon, active wear.

Do you think there is room for improvement in the fashion industry in terms of accommodating for the LGBTQ+ community?

Omar: I believe that nowadays people are more aware of the importance of inclusivity and visibility among the fashion industry and all businesses that are working with consumer goods. The only way in which I can see ways of improvement, is for most fast-fashion and high-street brands to include other categories of fashion, other than menswear and womenswear. In my opinion, these are the two forever most acknowledged categories, and for some it won’t be enough, but might make one feel neglected. Furthermore, I believe that in order to be more inclusive and progressive, we need more diversity in fashion, being more than just a marketing strategy that profits off Pride Month. Brands that haven’t been fully supportive of gender fluidity should do so, and with all due respect towards the massive advertising campaigns happening during the Pride Month, an all-year round approach should be embraced, as inclusivity should forever be celebrated.

Fran: I think the fashion industry is changing as they realize there that the beauty standards are changing and as individuality is seen as the ultimate expression of beauty. We need to show more people who fall outside of the so called ’norm’. It takes all kinds to make this world a thing of wonder and beauty. Let’s show all of it!

Why do you think it is important for brands to create an inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ people?

Omar: Without LGBTQ+, the creativity and the freedom of the fashion industry today wouldn’t have been the same. It is important to create an inclusive environment for everyone, nonetheless LGBTQ+. Everyone should feel loved, regardless of their sexuality, social class, religion or political beliefs. The inclusive environment for the LGBTQ+ community is essential for supporting people equality, as well as the equal market options for all people. I stand by my original statement that we are all souls, living in bodies that we are blessed to have. Omar Bayoumi creates clothes for the souls. I believe everyone should be able to feel love, and it is our generation’s duty to speak out about the importance of gender equality.

Fran: I think it’s important for humanity to find ways to connect and lift one another up. Divisiveness is so prevalent and so damaging. And if you think about it, fashion has been a part of promoting perfection, symmetric beauty standards, size standards and essentially pointing out the fact that we are all so imperfect that we should buy their product and aspire for such privilege. Now, they cause models to starve themselves and photoshop any perceived imperfections, all to try to sell us their latest fragrance or uncomfortable shoes. We gay people have known a long time that we have a right to be seen and heard and we started celebrating all of our imperfections and diversity in Pride Parades around the world. And what a glorious celebration to be a part of. We need to spread some of that rainbow magic all over the world!

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There is much room for improvement in the fashion industry in terms of LGBTQ+ representation and creating an environment that is trans and queer inclusive. It is simultaneously undeniable that the LGBTQ+ community have been at the forefront of the fashion industry for a long time and they will be for years to come.

We would like to thank Omar and Fran for their insights on this topic and we hope you check out @thegenderlesslabel and @tomboyx on Instagram. These brands embody inclusivity and are suitable for all genders, sexualities and sizes!

Kim Farren (she/her) - Vice President GUCFS 2021

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Focus on Fundraising Week: UofG's Charitable Societies

Focus on Fundraising is a week of events to highlight the importance of the charity sector and the different ways you can get involved, whether it be during your time at university or as a career. We spoke to different Glasgow University societies about their charitable partners, the work they do and how you can get involved.

Tell us a little about your charitable partner.

SWAG: We work with Glasgow and Clyde rape crisis and the Rosey Project (a branch of GCHC directed towards 13-25 year olds). They offer support to survivors of sexual violence, as well as to friends and family of survivors, relating to dealing with their trauma (drop in sessions, counselling sessions, group therapy and the Rosey Project community), as well as offering services that support reporting if thats what the survivor wants to do and doing work in schools to improve knowledge on these issues.

STAR: STAR stands for student action for refugees, it is a national charity with groups in universities around the UK campaigning for and supporting refugees and asylum seekers. STAR is the movement of students building a society where refugees and asylum seekers are welcomed and can thrive as equal members of the community. At Glasgow STAR we work to promote the Families Together Campaign and the Equal Access Campaign (creating university scholarships for refugees) among others. We also support our local Glasgow community through weekly conversation clubs helping them to learn English. During the pandemic this involves facilitating access to online classes – so we are providing devices, learning packs and PPE. 

GUSA: The GUSA charity of the year this term is Scottish Sports Futures (SSF). SSF is an incredible charity which focuses on working with young people from disadvantaged communities. SSF looks at changing the lives of young people through sport by engaging them in upbeat physical activities and offering them support with seeking further employment and further education opportunities. GUSA are looking toward making use of the amazing facilities we have on offer at UofG sport to facilitate volunteers and young people getting involved with physical activity delivery and participation promoting the sports we are so passionate about at Glasgow.

RAISE: Raise is a feel-good movement encouraging students to celebrate the post-exam period by making the world a better place. At Raise, we invite all students to celebrate the end of the academic year by donating an amount significant to them (doubled through matched funding) to Raise which goes straight to the Against Malaria Foundation. AMF was chosen by Raise as they are independently recognised as one of the most cost-effective charities in the world.

UofG Boxing: We’re supporting both Stand Up To Racism UK and Glasgow Association for Mental Health (GAMH), and for just this month we’re also fundraising for the Movember charity. GAMH provides over 2,000 hours of community-based support promoting good mental health every week to people in Glasgow. Stand Up To Racism organises marches, supports causes like Black Lives Matter, and opposes right-wing media using migrants, refugees and Muslims as scapegoats for problems they didn’t create. Movember funds research into testicular cancer, prostate cancer, and men’s mental health and suicide prevention.

SWAG fundraising.

 How does your society promote/raise funds for your charity? 

SWAG: To promote them we highlight the support services they offer in various ways, such as reposting their info on our social media and discussing them with members (if and when possible/appropriate). Usually we raise funds for them through events such as club nights, gigs and bake sales. however, due to covid we've had to adapt! We've hosted a variety of successful online events such as bingo, a virtual gig, and an online raffle!

Macmillan: Our society raises funds for Macmillan Cancer Support through on campus events such as bake sales, ceilidhs and glitter stalls at HIVE. Off campus, we like to organise bucket collections at local supermarkets and get involved with Macmillan Glasgow. Obviously, this year will be a bit different with regards to fundraising opportunities. However, we are excited to come up with new ways of raising awareness and funds for Macmillan.

STAR: STAR Glasgow has a fundraising team who are organising various events throughout the year – study treats deliveries, STAR depop page, a STAR recipe book (with recipes from our refugees), virtual races, online raffles, and quizzes. Although not monetary, we also are looking to collect clothing donations and electronic devices at Christmastime for Maslow’s community shop.  

RAISE: Our suggested donation is £75 and, once match funded, this can help protect almost 200 people from malaria. From our significant donations we really can have a huge impact and help change the world. Raise then hosts a party at the end of the year to celebrate our collective impact. The idea is that by combining celebration and giving we can encourage students to see charity positively and have an amazing impact in the process.

BEAT: We organise events to raise funds for BEAT UK! Last year, we had a few pub quizzes, a bake sale and a live charity gig (Beatz for Beat). We also had our 2.6 challenge, where participants did activities surrounding the numbers 2 and 6, such as running or cycling 2.6 miles to raise funds. With the Covid-19 restrictions in place this year, we’re hoping to plan some online fundraising events. Most of these will be taking place during Eating Disorder Awareness Week in March, so keep a lookout on our Facebook page (BEAT at UofG) to get involved!

GUSA: As our charity of the year, it is important to us to maintain a strong relationship and link with SSF despite the challenges presented by the current circumstances. Our primary outlets for GUSA fundraising in aid of SSF is through our events this year. With the ongoing restrictions, we have encountered some challenges in hosting events however, we remain optimistic that we can run some excellent student events before the term is over to raise money for SSF - make sure to keep a look out for any events GUSA post on social media! Our healthy social media following is used extensively to give SSF the publicity and recognition they deserve. 

UofG Boxing: Last month several members of the club took part in Sober October, abstaining from drinking alcohol for the whole month while sharing posts on social media to raise awareness for our charities. This month our efforts are focused on raising money for the Movember charity by growing moustaches and individually running or walking 60km over the month. We also have future events planned like a triathlon, raffle, and a GUBC calendar sale.

Macmillan bucket collecting at local supermarket.

 What is the best thing about being a member of a fundraising society? 

SWAG: It's really fulfilling and I feel like I'm contributing to a cause that I care really passionately about in a productive way. I also get to meet like minded people who are just as motivated on tackling these issues!

Macmillan: The best thing about being a member of a fundraising society is definitely the feeling of making a difference. It is rewarding to know our hard work is going towards a good cause that we all feel so strongly about. 

STAR: This is the chance to give back to the Glasgow community we live in and welcome refugees and asylum seekers. We raise money for the Glasgow STAR group, so the money goes towards helping people specifically living in Glasgow. The funds we raise can help refugees and asylum seekers who have been particularly hard hit in the coronavirus pandemic, welcome them into the community and give them access to english learning resources. Fundraising is a challenge but even more so during a pandemic as our usual bake sales, library candy canes and pub quizzes are a no-go. This year, therefore, it is so important that we are creative with our ideas and work as a team to raise as much as we can. It also allows for collaborations with other societies!

RAISE: Raise is brand new to Glasgow so being part of it allows members to shape an amazing initiative in whatever way they see fit which is a really exciting prospect. Raise also has a great team behind it, allowing you to meet new people in an otherwise difficult year, we are going to be focusing on the social aspects as we know everyone is struggling and we want to offer some light relief as well as having an amazing impact.

BEAT: The most rewarding thing about being part of BEAT at UofG is being able to help people from a group that is often misunderstood and stigmatised. Many of us within the society have had experiences with eating disorders, either been diagnosed with one before or have had a loved one with an eating disorder, which is why we’re eager to help those who have been in a similar position. BEAT UK is an important charity for those people with eating disorders and their supporters, so we want to contribute to fundraising as much as possible. Additionally, we’re also a society that raises awareness about eating disorders. We hope to debunk misconceptions and provide education about eating disorders and mental health to students on campus. 

GUSA: There are so many benefits to being the GUSA Fundraising & Outreach Convenor. Working with an enthusiastic council has allowed me to set my sights high for this year. Despite the current challenges, we are still all working together to raise money and support Scottish Sports Futures in any way we can. It is incredible seeing the work you do benefit individuals’ and organisations’ livelihood. Together with Scottish Sports Futures, we are all very excited to see what can be done throughout the year to support, aid and promote the amazing work SSF do. 

UofG Boxing: The best thing is taking part in fun challenges as a group with friends while knowing that you’re helping make a difference to meaningful issues, and potentially even saving lives.

BEAT Sock it Friday, raising awareness for eating disorders.

Share an important fact about your society or charity.

SWAG: We highlight successful women (successful covering MANY avenues) in a variety of ways - content we all need!

Macmillan: In 2019, Macmillan Cancer Support raised £229 million towards supporting those with cancer and their loved ones. 

STAR: In our society we strive to create a welcoming and friendly community where everyone feels at home!

RAISE: Donating to Raise has no price and although we throw a summer party this is not paid for by your donation. We stress that the donation should be significant to the giver, you should go away and have a think about how much is significant to you before donating, our recommended donation which we are expecting most people to give is £75. As the party is paid for independently to your donation and thanks to our generous matched funders you are guaranteed that 200% of your donation goes to AMF, helping to do a huge amount of good.

 BEAT: Beat helps support the 1.25million people in the UK – many of whom suffer in secret. There is a wide range of eating disorders which people can get help and support from them through their national helpline.

GUSA: Scottish Sports Futures have provided Sport for Change programmes to over 150,000 young people across Scotland! 

UofG Boxing: GAMH has 30 years of experience supporting those experiencing mental health problems and their carers. Stand Up To Racism organises anti-racism events across Europe, including in Copenhagen, Vienna, Frankfurt, Kraków, Berlin, and Paris. Movember has funded over 1,250 projects researching testicular cancer, prostate cancer, and men’s mental health and suicide prevention.

STAR at this years freshers fair.

  How can students get involved with your society?

SWAG: Join as a member! It's totally free, you'll receive our amaze newsletters with lotsa swaggy content. come along to our events, they're always super interesting or fun! Be a contributor for our first upcoming zine! there's so many ways to get involved in swag (which I HIGHLY recommend you do) - just have a look at our social media platforms or give us a shout for info on the many things we have going on

Macmillan: Students can get involved with our society by joining our Facebook Group- Glasgow Uni Macmillan Society Volunteers. Students can also get involved by liking our Facebook page- Glasgow University Macmillan Society or our Instagram page @glasgowunimacmillansoc. 

STAR: We are always looking for more students to participate in Conversation Club (this year it is on Zoom on Monday evenings) you need no language teaching skills simply just being able to chat and listen – your time is so valuable to us! Alternatively, if you want to get involved in fundraising or awareness activities get in touch with us through our social media: Instagram: @star.glasgow, Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/STARNetworkGlasgow/

RAISE: A great way to get involved is through being a rep. Students can sign up during our rep recruitment period at the start of every academic year. Our recruitment drive for this year finished on the 6th of November but if you are inspired after reading this and wish to signup as a rep for this coming year we are opening the applications back up, specially for you!! Please complete the google form here: https://forms.gle/DMAutUJceZxoAXPC7 and when asked how you found out about Raise enter GUCFS. Alternatively, if you wish to give a significant donation then keep an eye on our social media page for instructions on how to join the Raise community. If you have any questions at all please contact us through social media. 

BEAT: You can get involved with Beat at UofG through our social media accounts (facebook and instagram) where we post about events and talks we have coming up and fundraising opportunities. By liking our page, you’ll get updates on when we have events. You can also message us on one of our social media accounts if you have a fundraising idea or event you’d like to work with us on! Currently, we have talks from outside speakers over zoom and are working on ways to collaborate with other societies.

GUSA: Students can get involved in a variety of ways with SSF. Since all of our events are targeted at students, there is no better way to support our fundraising efforts than by coming along to one of our future events in aid of SSF. If students would like to get directly involved with volunteering opportunities for SSF and working with their young people, they can get in touch about doing some sports coaching in our upcoming outreach programmes. These will be facilitated through the GUSA sports clubs. Coaches or players will have a chance to work with SSF's young people and get them involved in their respective sports.

UofG Boxing: Students can get involved with GUBC by liking the facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/GUBoxingClub or by following the Instagram account @glasgowuniboxing. You can also help us in our fundraising efforts by joining the GUBC Movember team at https://movember.com/t/glasgow-university-boxing-club-gubc?mc=1, or by donating to Stand Up To Racism UK and GAMH on our GoFundMe page at https://gf.me/u/y6cpxm.

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Focus on Fundraising week continues on the GUCFS Facebook and Instagram pages!

The Show Must Go On: Fundraising in a Pandemic

Let’s be clear - the next six months won’t be easy. 

The Covid-19 pandemic has challenged everyone - countries, governments, universities, charities. It is no different at Glasgow University Charity Fashion Show. Be under no false pretence - when I embarked on this job in March I’d hoped we’d be in a better place than we are. But we’re not where I had hoped we’d be - for this society, charity, university and country. But, it is time to get on with the job.

Entering our seventh year, we have donated nearly £130,000 to charities locally and nationally. We’ve held our annual show over two nights for the first time in 2020. We grew our society to 120 members in 3 years. We have a lot to be proud of. Understandably, I have received many questions about the feasibility of our 2021 project, in aid of Glasgow’s Golden Generation. Will the show happen? How are you going to raise money? I repeat the same answer each time: I will do all I can to deliver the best possible donation over the next year. I’m not giving up.

My committee and brand ambassadors are already getting on with the job - taking part in the Kiltwalk, Sober October, jewellery-making, and so on. We might have to get creative but they’re up to the challenge. Their fundraising efforts are guided by their commitment to charity and a feeling of individual responsibility to ourselves and our community. If we are in a greater position to help, then I believe we should. We all have our personal struggles, but I know I am able to help those struggling more than me. 

It is without doubt that the charity sector has been struggling with the pandemic. Charities are expecting 24%* less income over the year than previously forecasted with 62%* of charities believing a disrupted cash flow will lead to their charitable activity being reduced. We should all be concerned - our communities, across the United Kingdom and the planet, rely on these services. 

Glasgow’s Golden Generation - who aim to tackle isolation in older adults - has been significantly affected. They have had to shut their day centres across Glasgow; necessary services to prevent loneliness in later life. It has been impossible to miss the disproportionate toll the pandemic has had on older adults - over the past six months, they have suffered further isolation, loneliness, covid-19 clusters in care homes, and the inability to see what family and friends they have left.

We can do more for them. So we are. 

We’re looking to support the charity through fundraisers, online befriending, food deliveries, social events over zoom and their app. We have to do more than just fill the funding gap. We have to let people know that there is still a lively world out there waiting for older adults to come safely back into. This should be a message of hope. Hope for a safer world. Hope for a supportive community. And hope for less isolation and loneliness for everyone, but most importantly, older adults. 

And it is also a call to fulfil your individual responsibility. There are many causes out there, and without doubt everyone has something they care deeply about. For the sake of that charity, issue, cause or injustice please do something about it. Funds and awareness raising matters - so, if you can, do. At times it feels difficult to be productive, and often we feel powerless: I promise that taking action will help them and it will help you.

To help GUCFS and Glasgow’s Golden Generation, you may sign up to our open model castings, first year brand ambassador applications, donate to our fundraisers or come to what events we can run in the future. 

It won’t be easy, but I remain hopeful. Only together can we prevent isolation and loneliness amongst older adults. 

Aidan Vernel

President, GUCFS 2020-21

* (https://www.institute-of-fundraising.org.uk/guidance/coronavirus/round-up-coronavirus-impact-on-charities/)