Newcastle LGBT Society exists as a way for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans students to meet each other, talk about any problems they may have and (most importantly) have a good time. We're largely here as a social group, not a political organisation, so if you're put off by visions of protests and placards don't be!

Saying that though, if politics are your thing then worry not. We work closely with the Union's LGBT Officer throughout the year, and will normally get involved with any campaigns that they're running. It's totally up to you what you help out with and what you steer clear of.

Although the society is primarily here for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans students, we're actually open to any member of Newcastle University who wants to come along. Friends, family, partners, we don't care what your connection (if any) to the LGBT community is as long as you've got an open mind.

Many people are scared about coming along to a social for the first time, especially if they've not told many (if any) people that they're lesbian, gay, bisexual or trans. Bringing a friend along for moral support can work really well, and it gives you somebody to share the memories of the great time you had with afterwards.

If you'd rather not bring a friend along for whatever reason then you can always meet up with a member of the committee before hand. We can answer any questions you might have and it means there'll be a familiar face at that first meeting. We're a lovely bunch of people, so take your pick and get in touch.

Not everybody who comes along to Society events is out to their friends and family, and some people who come along might not be LGBT at all. The Society doesn't have many rules, but we do ask you to consider this if you meet a Society member outside of the society.

The Committee generally works on the principle that we won't say "Hi" to you unless you say it first. It's not because we don't want to talk to you (honest!) just that we don't want to put you in the awkward situation of having to explain where you know us from.

Obviously we can't make regular members do the same, but we do ask that you consider that not everyone you know from the LGBT may be comfortable acknowledging you in other situations.

There's no catch. None whatsoever. Honest! Well, except for the fact that you'll have to pay a whopping £5 for a year's membership to the Society. But that's less than you'd pay to get into a club on a weekend, so it's a bargain really!

Not only does membership earn you a shiny discount card that nets you money off at various bars and events, but you'll also be able to come along to our many subsidised events throughout the year. Get your maths right and you'll easily have made your money back by the time you leave for the summer.

You don't have to be a member to come along and meet the gang, so feel free to turn up and see if you like what you see before paying out for membership. But if you're going to be a regular attendee, or want to come along to any of the big events, then you will need to sign up for insurance reasons.

The joining process is done entirely online, so you don't have to out yourself to anyone when you join up. Similarly the members' list is completely confidential so nobody outside of the Society committee ever need find out that you're a member.

The only thing that does mention the LGBT Society is the online receipt you get when you join. If you'd rather not have that on the same receipt as the one you'll be showing the Rock Society (or any other society for that matter) when you get your membership card then just pay for us separately.

So what are you waiting for? Sign up now!