LGBTIQ+ support and resources
Deakin is a thriving, progressive, respectful and inclusive university community. Together, we recognise and value the rich diversity of our students and staff including members of our community who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer or questioning their gender or sexuality.
We understand that working or studying can sometimes present unique challenges for LGBTIQ+ students and staff and the following list of resources has been compiled to help you connect with likeminded people and/or access the support you need.
Student and staff organisations
Students
Deakin Pride (Burwood)
Deakin Pride is a club for LGBTIQ+, Queer or Questioning students and allies to meet and socialise. We run a wide range of events from games nights to our annual Pride Prom. Our members come from all different faculties of university and their identities are just as diverse. So, whether you’re Queer or joining for your peers, there’s a place for you here.
Deakin Geelong Queer Collective
The Collective is here to run a safe, inclusive and social group for anyone who identifies as either LGBTQIA+ or an Ally. Alongside regular social events, the DGQC runs professional development events and activities centred on personal development and breaking down the inequality barriers faced by Queer people.
Staff
LGBTIQ+ Allies Network
The LGBTIQ+ Allies Network provides opportunities for engaged, passionate staff to connect as a community to support the culture and visibility of LGBTIQ+ staff and students across the University.
Internal Supports
If you need someone to talk to in a crisis, or just some advice, there is help available, no matter where you are located.
Counselling and health
Counselling and Psychological Support
Deakin offers free, confidential psychological support to students and staff. Counsellors are all highly skilled psychologists and social workers, trained in supporting the LGBTIQ+ community.
Employee Wellbeing Support (EWS)
The Deakin Employee Wellbeing Support (EWS) program offers a free, confidential, personal coaching and counselling service delivered by qualified and highly skilled professionals including psychologists, social workers and counsellors.
Safety and security
Safety and security
Deakin has around-the-clock on-campus security services to ensure that you always get the help you need, when you need it.
Safer Community
Safer Community is a Deakin wide service which aims to keep all campuses safe. They respond to all reports of behaviour which are concerning, inappropriate or threatening and offer support to all parties involved. If you are worried about someone or something just doesn’t feel quite right, please contact safer community for support, advice or information.
Harassment and Discrimination
If you have been discriminated against on the grounds of sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and/or intersex status you have a right to make a complaint.
Harassment and discrimination contact officers
Harassment and discrimination contact officers (HDCOs) are volunteers from various Faculties and Divisions, who are trained to help as a first point of call in cases of harassment or discrimination. A number of HDCOs have also received training in LGBTIQ+ issues - look for the asterisk * by their name.
Student complaints
Resolving workplace issues (staff only)
The resolving workplaces issues page provides information to help staff and managers understand their options and available avenues for addressing workplaces issues which may involve complaints of bullying, discrimination and harassment.
External Supports
Counselling and health
Lifeline 13 11 14
Lifeline is a national charity providing all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.
Switchboard
Switchboard Victoria is a community based not for profit organisation that provides a peer drive support services for the LGBTIQ+ community, their allies, friends and families.
QLife
QLife provides anonymous and free LGBTIQ+ peer support and referral for people in Australia wanting to talk about sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships.
queerspace
queerspace is an LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing support service (operating in the north-west metropolitan region of Victoria) with a focus on relationships, families, parenting and young people.
Support and education
Other resources
LGBTIQ+ training
Diversity and Inclusion training
Diversity and Inclusion delivers training relating to a wide range of issues that reflect Deakin’s commitment to ensuring an inclusive work and learning environment including LGBTIQ+ Awareness and LGBTIQ+ Ally training.
Inclusive Practice
LGBTIQ+ Inclusive Practices Guide
The LGBTIQ+ Inclusive Practices guide explains some of the ways we can use language and other practices to ensure our LGBTIQ+ Deakin staff and students feel safe and included.
Teaching LGBTIQ+ students
The inclusive education site is for all academic and professional staff at Deakin and provides information on designing and delivering engaging, meaningful, relevant and accessible curriculum to Deakin’s diverse community of students.
International Students
Being inclusive is one of Deakin’s guiding values. In Australia, it is against the law to discriminate against a person on the grounds of race, colour, national or ethnic origin, physical or mental capabilities or sexual orientation, gender identity or intersex status.
AGMC is the national peak body for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex, queer individuals and community groups of multicultural and multi-faith backgrounds.