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Luxembourg Centre for Contemporary and Digital History
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Luxembourg Centre for Socio-Environmental Systems
As the University of Luxembourg strives to promote an inclusive and supportive environment, student-led initiatives play an essential role in shaping campus culture and community life.
Contributing to this mission, a small group of students founded PRIZMA, the Uni.lu LGBTQ+ Association in 2019. Though struggling to get much traction because of the COVID-19 pandemic at the time, the group started out with only 3 to 4 members and now has an online following of about 100 people, that grows larger every year.
Building community and visibility on campus
PRIZMA was created with the clear goal of ensuring that LGBTQIA+ students at the university feel seen, supported, and connected. For many students, moving to Luxembourg for their studies can feel isolating, especially when they are far from family or familiar communities. The association offers a welcoming space where students can express themselves freely and find solidarity.
“We want to raise awareness of the LGBTQ+ community, recognition and equality and create a safe space where people can meet and be themselves without fear of judgement,” shares Sarah, a committee member in charge of the group organisation.
The association is open to students, staff and people from outside the university. It organises regular events and initiatives designed to build community, raise awareness, and advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights within and beyond the university. These include:
- Social gatherings, such as weekly “safe space” meetings at the Maison des Arts et Etudiants, picnics, get-togethers, and board game evenings, which help students connect in a relaxed environment;
- Roundtable talks for key dates such as the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), Neurodiversity Pride Day or Bisexual Visibility Day;
- Collaborations with national LGBTQIA+ organisations such as CIGALE and the Rainbow Center (Rosa Lëtzebuerg) to bring resources and expertise to campus;
- Advocating to develop structural support for LGBTQIA+ students within university policies and services.
Successful first initiatives
‟An achievement we are proud of is the 3rd name (preferred name) option, implemented in 2024 for Bachelor and Master’s students. It had been on our list of demands for several years and now we are looking into possibilities of extending this option to PhD students and staff members. We listen to our members’ demands and questions, such as the possibility of gender-neutral bathrooms, and we even have a Telegram link for questions that anyone can send anonymously.” “We are always very happy to welcome new people, answer questions via text or in person, discuss any LGBTQ+ related uni issues…and anything members feel a need to discuss.”
Looking for active members to increase their activities, the group has set up sveral ways exist to get in touch and be involved: a Discord channel, a Whatsapp group and an Instagram page, where the Tellonym group link is also detailed (for the possibility to ask anonymous questions). For details on how to join, reach out to them via email at LGBT+@uni.lu.
For Luxembourg Pride week in Esch-sur-Alzette, PRIZMA collaborated with the University and the Gender Equality Office. They hosted a regulars’ meetup at the Food House and participated in both Pride Run and the Pride Parade.
This article is the first in a new series exploring student-led groups and initiatives at the University of Luxembourg. Stay tuned to discover more about the students who are shaping campus life and driving positive change.