Students and staff at the United Colleges Group have hosted an evening with leading creatives, TikTok Artist Partnership Manager, Parris O’Loughlin-Hoste and Kiss FM presenter and International DJ, Ellie Prohan.

Hosted by Omar Taymani, a Learning Support Assistant at City of Westminster College, and organised by UCG’s Equality Diversity and Inclusion team and UCG’s LGBTQ+ group, Q+, the event was attended by LGBT+ people from across the college community and their allies.

The event, during which the two guests spoke about their experiences and held a question and answer session, was held around the theme of Music, Media, and Life.

Ellie and Parris discussed their inspiring life stories, their success in the media and music business, and their hopes for the future.

Both speakers also took the time to meet and talk with attendees about a range of important subjects around LGBTQ+ equality.

The couple also discussed the cultural factors and other social issues surrounding the discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ people and people of colour when attempting to build careers in the media and creative industries.

The event followed LGBTQ+ history month, which the United Colleges Group was proud to support.

Several students who attended the spoke positively about it, one said:

“I really enjoyed listening to and taking part in the conversation.

“I especially enjoyed how they engaged confidently with the audience and gave good advice on how to feel secure in being yourself when working in the music and media industries”

Another added:

“It felt authentic to hear good, different views from both guests about how culture can have an influence both in a negative and a positive way”

A third attendee remarked:

“It was nice to see different people’s perspective and learn what they think about where they are and how they got there, the journey is different for everyone, so it is nice to see that their journeys were so unique.”

Parris O’Loughlin-Hoste said:

“It was an absolute pleasure to be able to share my journey with so many young people.

“I hope it inspired them and encouraged them to reflect on their own life journey.

“To always remember to make sure they are doing everything in life authentically and living for their purpose.

“Thank you so much for having me and look forward to the next event!”

Alex O’Loughlin, Equality Diversity and Inclusion Administrator at UCG, said: “It was great to invite Parris and Ellie to our college and to hear them talk about their journeys.

“Both Ellie and Parris are wonderful role models for LGBTQ+ people and their successes are genuinely inspiring.

“On behalf of UCG, I look forward to welcoming them back to our campus.”