The girl who snuck into the Kate Kennedy Club

On an eventful evening three weeks into my university experience, I was not getting ready for a ‘night out’ at the Lizard filled with shouts of ‘down it freshaaa’. Instead, […]


On an eventful evening three weeks into my university experience, I was not getting ready for a ‘night out’ at the Lizard filled with shouts of ‘down it freshaaa’. Instead, I was standing in front of a mirror, greasing down my hair with Tesco Value gel, strapping my chest down with numerous bandages, and getting dressed in a man’s suit. I was getting ready to go to the Kate Kennedy Opening Drinks, an all male event for prospective KK candidates.

A couple of days earlier I had been approached by an older student who had handed me an invitation to the Kate Kennedy Opening Drinks. He smiled at me jokingly, “Definitely come.”  “Ok,” I thought. “I will.”

Having roped in a (male) friend to help me get into the event, I set out in full drag into the night.

My first test came when we met another student on his way to the event. I had spent hours perfecting my husky (not in a sexy way) voice. “Hi” I said, “I’m Richard.” For a moment I could see a flash of surprise run across his face, but he didn’t say anything.

I needed more back-up, so we let him in on the plan. Now, sandwiched between two strapping lads, I approached the building. We walked towards a group of members standing outside on the steps. I felt sick to my stomach and had a strong impulse to run away as I realised that I was going to have to shake hands with some of the members as I entered.

I took a deep breath, bowed my face which I had hidden behind thick black glasses, and shook the hands of four or five of the KK. They let me pass with only a second glance of confusion. As I walked past them, I could hear whispers of uncertainty: “Was that a girl?”. My oh-so-brilliant wingman quickly dispelled any of their suspicions: “Guys, stop it, he’s really sensitive about looking feminine.”

I couldn’t believe it. I was in.

Being the first girl to ever have made it past the threshold and into the sweaty mass of manhood, I slipped between two other prospective candidates, hoping to keep my presence unknown.

However, two and a half minutes in (maybe three or four?), the game was over. Having been asked if I’d had fun at the Opening Ball by one member of the KK, and hesitantly answering in my not-so-perfected manly voice, I was quickly escorted out.

After the news had spread that there was a girl in their midst, many of the other candidates (and even some members) tried to get me back in. However, knowing that I’d accomplished my mission, I decided my night in disguise was over.

One current member voluntarily decided to walk me back to town (probably to ensure that I wouldn’t try to get in again), during which we had a debate about why I believed that female members should be accepted. He ardently disagreed. Ironically, that member is one of the founders of the Kate Kennedy Fellowship, and I am glad he has reevaluated his stance.

During the last couple of days the emergence of the Fellowship caused me to think back over my motivation for ‘crashing’ the Kate Kennedy Drinks two and a half years ago. I respect the club’s charitable work and admire their contribution to the community of St Andrews, but I cannot reconcile the fact that my female peers and I are excluded from engaging in such meaningful traditions. It is important to remember that the club was founded in 1926, when the vote for women was still prohibited to any under the age of thirty (thus immediately disqualifying any female student from the right to vote).

I understand the value of tradition, however, tradition and stagnation are not synonymous. Tradition must evolve to remain pertinent and valuable.

I really hope that the focus remains on this positive change rather than the ‘radicals’ who broke away. Call me controversial, but I do not believe this qualifies as radical in 2012.