Information for LGBTIQ Students and Staff

Deakin University recognises the importance of having a richly diverse student and staff community and the need to actively and positively support this diversity. We acknowledge that there are unique challenges facing students and staff who are gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, transgender, intersex, queer or questioning their sexuality (LGBTIQ) and seek to support these students and staff to address these challenges.

Ally Network

Equity and Diversity commenced an Ally Network program in 2011. The Ally Network aims to create a more diverse and inclusive culture by promoting greater visibility and awareness of LGBTIQ staff and students and their issues. Central to this project is the training and development of a network of 'allies', that is, staff and students who are prepared to align themselves with, and advocate on behalf of, LGBTIQ staff and students. This Network can be joined by any staff member or student. If you would like to become involved, please contact roman.ruzbacky@deakin.edu.au (46048) or felicity.thyer@deakin.edu.au (78451).

Ally Network Fact Sheet (221 KB)

Deakin Allies posters

For printing A4 size (please contact felicity.thyer@deakin.edu.au for larger file sizes)

Ally poster - What's your cup of tea? (pdf 5.5MB)

Ally poster - There is a place for everyone at Deakin (4 MB)

Workshops

We will be continuing our workshop series on sexuality and homophobia in 2013. We have developed a new program which will be offered for those wanting to know more about the issues facing people of diverse genders and sexualities. Key learning areas will include: language, culture, discrimination, homophobia and curriculum.

Some of the adverse outcomes on the health and wellbeing of young students include depression and suicide. The impact of homophobia and the stigma associated with same sex attraction has been increasingly recognised in the media and is an issue that the Ally network will continue to explore through workshops and training.

Pride Social Club - Deakin University

This is a non-political club that organises on and off campus events for people to meet and socialise. Their members include gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and straight staff, students and other people who are unable to be pigeon holed. You don't have to be queer, but you do have to be social. Contact Pride Social Club for more information.

Quick Links

Research

IDAHO/BIT 2013

IDAHO/BIT 2013 was celebrated at Waurn Ponds Campus on Tuesday 14 May and Burwood Campus on Wednesday 15 May.

Geelong participants enjoyed lunch and a spinning wheel competition, and this was well attended by staff and students. We had a good response from people who enjoyed playing the spinning wheel, and the prizes (Deakin and DUSA merchandise) were very popular.

At Burwood Campus participants took part in lunch and a badge-making activity. Keep an eye out for Allies wearing our badges.

Across all Deakin campuses we proudly said No To Homophobia and showed our support for diversity in our communities by flying the Rainbow flag across all campuses on Friday 17 May.

As part of the 2012 IDAHO celebrations we invited staff, students and the wider community to help us put together a video:

Say NO to homophobia

Our Vice-Chancellor said No to homophobia and one of our students spoke about his path from a secondary school student experiencing homophobia to an out and proud university student.