LGBTIQ+ Support and resources
At Deakin, you’re welcomed into an environment where you’re respected and valued.
Together, we recognise and value the rich diversity of our students, including members of our community who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender diverse, intersex, queer or questioning their gender or sexuality.
We understand that working or studying can sometimes present unique challenges for LGBTIQ+ students.
The following resources have been compiled to help you connect with like-minded people and/or access the support you need.
Deakin Pride is a club for LGBTIQ+, Queer or Questioning students and allies to meet and socialise. It runs a wide range of events from games nights to an annual Pride Prom with members coming from all faculties. So, whether you’re Queer or joining for your peers, there’s a place for you here.
Deakin Geelong Queer Collective (DGQC)
The collective runs 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.
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. Counsellors are all highly skilled psychologists and social workers, trained in supporting the LGBTIQ+ community.
View more information on Counselling and Psychological Support
Employee Wellbeing Support (EWS)
The Deakin Employee Wellbeing Support (EWS) program offers staff free, confidential, personal coaching and counselling service delivered by qualified and highly skilled professionals, including psychologists, social workers and counsellors.
View more information on Employee Wellbeing Support (EWS)
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.
View more information on safety and security
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.
View more information on Safer Community
All-gender toilets on campus
All-gender toilets and change rooms are available at all Deakin campuses.
Find an all-gender toilet or change room on your campus
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 (HDCOs)
HDCO’s 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 HDCO’s have also received training in LGBTIQ+ issues - look for the asterisk* by their name.
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 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 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 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
LGBTIQ+ Transition to Parenthood Resources
Community Booklet - A transition to parenthood resource for families, friends and loved ones to support LGBTIQ+ new parents.
Parent Booklet - A transition to parenthood resource from the wisdom of LGBTIQ+ families to LGBTIQ+ families
LGBTIQ+ training
Diversity, equity and inclusion training
Diversity, equity and inclusion delivers training relating to a wide range of issues that reflect Deakin’s commitment to ensuring an inclusive work and learning environment. This includes LGBTIQ+ Awareness and LGBTIQ+ Ally training.
Inclusive Practice
LGBTIQ+ Inclusive Language Guide
The LGBTIQ+ inclusive language guide explains some of the ways we can use language and other practices to ensure our LGBTIQ+ students feel safe and included.
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, nationality or ethnic origin, physical or mental capabilities, 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.