A Queer History of the University of Cambridge College ‘Backs’

Queer Culture at the University of Cambridge

The queer history at Cambridge University hasn’t always been plain sailing, however, the current consensus is that modern-day Cambridge is a welcoming place for members of the LGBTQIA+ community to feel seen and accepted.

The university itself published a report called ‘Out at Cambridge’ which focused on LGBT+ experiences at the university. The research was conducted by the Department of Sociology, whose findings confirmed significant progress in the experiences of LGBTQ+ people at the institution. However, they also note that we must always monitor for any feelings of isolation from members of the community.

Magdalene College, Cambridge – Queer History

One of the most famous Alumni to leave Magdalene is Antony Grey (whose real name is Anthony Wright). He was an LGBT activist, running the Albany Trust, a queer counselling service. He also worked for the Homosexual Law Reform Society, which campaigned for the legalisation of homosexuality. Later he ran the National Council for Civil Liberties and the Campaign Against Censorship. In 2007 he was named Stonewall’s Hero of the Year. His books and memoirs are held in Magdalene College Library.

 

Nick Herbert was the first openly gay conservative MP, and he subsequently launched the Freedom to Marry campaign in 2012. This campaign gained the support of many major Tory MPs including Lord David Cameron, Michael Gove, and Boris Johnson. Writing for the Sunday Telegraph, Herbert stated ‘Civil partnerships for gay couples were a great step forward. Entering into one was the most important thing I have done in my life. ….. But civil partnerships are not marriages. They convey almost the same legal rights, but they do not express the same universally understood commitment.’ The bill for same-sex marriage was passed on the 15th of July 2013.

In 1897, George Cecil Ives founded the Order of Chaeronea. During his time at Magdalene College, he became interested in sexual reform and psychology, later campaigning for further homosexual rights. In 1914 he helped to establish the British Society for the Study of Sex Psychology. Read more on his contributions to queer history here. Side note: Magdalene College is the first sight you will discover on our punting tour!

St John’s College, Cambridge – Queer History

The next alumni is one of the most famous actors in British history, BAFTA winner, Sir Derek Jacobi. He attended St John’s during the late 1950s when homosexuality was still criminalized in Britain. It was at the University of Cambridge, where he first fell in love, that he decided it was time to come out to his mother. Read his thorough interview with The Guardian here. Since then, his career on stage and on the screen has captivated the world. It was over sixty years ago that he was noticed for his compelling performances in Shakespeare

As Cambridge continues to evolve into a more inclusive environment, the legacy of individuals like Derek Jacobi serves as a reminder of the university’s long-standing, though sometimes hidden, connection to queer history and its contribution to the arts and society at large.

King’s College, Cambridge – Queer History

A student at King’s College, Turing’s contributions to mathematics and logic laid the foundations for modern computing, and his efforts at Bletchley Park during World War II were instrumental in decrypting the Enigma code, shortening the war by years.

However, Turing’s life was not only marked by his extraordinary intellect but also by the struggles he faced as a gay man at a time when homosexuality was criminalized in Britain. Despite his monumental achievements, Turing was prosecuted in 1952 for “gross indecency” due to his sexual orientation. Forced to undergo chemical castration, Turing’s treatment by the British government remains one of the darkest stains on the country’s history of LGBTQ+ rights. By honouring queer history, we can attempt to make amends for his lost battle.

Though his life was tragically cut short, Turing’s posthumous recognition as a hero, both in the field of science and for the LGBTQ+ community, has only grown.

All in all…

The University of Cambridge has seen many notable figures from the LGBTQIA+ community. This was a mere glimpse of a few of those who have contributed to Queer history. While we honour the past, we’re equally excited to witness how the future unfolds for queer voices in Cambridge. It’s worth noting that women have only been admitted to Cambridge relatively recently, and much of the university’s queer history remains male-dominated. But as we look ahead, the potential for queer women to leave their mark on Cambridge’s legacy is boundless. We can’t wait to see their contributions enrich this vibrant narrative.