The Pride Society at Durham University is an important symbol of community and belonging in Loveless. For Pip, the Pride Society is the first space in which she meets other queer people. This solidarity improves her self-confidence and sense of self. As the president, Sunil protects the integrity of the Pride Society for this exact purpose. He understands how difficult it is to struggle with one’s identity in isolation. For them, the Pride Society is a safe, inclusive space for all regardless of where they are in their journey of self-discovery. In other words, finding allies is crucial to finding oneself.

The Shakespeare Society at Durham University is an important symbol of friendship. It also represents art imitating life, and vice versa. Rooney restarted the Shakespeare Society because Shakespeare kept her going throughout her lonely experience with her emotionally abusive ex-boyfriend. She has happy memories of performing Shakespearean plays with her former friend Beth, and longs to recreate these memories. Thus, for her, the Shakespeare Society is another chance at finding friendship and herself. It brings Georgia, Pip, Jason, Rooney, and