LGBTIQA+
University initiatives
Pride in Action Network
The University of Melbourne’s inaugural LGBTQIA+ ally network aims to bring together staff and students who identify as LGBTQIA+, their allies and supporters, creating opportunities to share information and foster an inclusive and supportive workplace and learning environment.
Read more about Pride in Action
Pride in Sport
Aims to provide a safe place for LGBTQIA+ identifying people to participate in sport. This program believes all people have the right to freely participate in recreation, fitness, and sport, and benefit from the wellness it brings. As the first University to be a signatory to the ACON’s Pride in Sport Program, this group is currently working to implement inclusive practices to ensure the safe and equal inclusion of LGBTQIA+ identifying people.
Find out more about Pride in Sport
UMSU Queer Department
The University of Melbourne Student Union (UMSU) Queer department is responsible for organising social events, hosting collectives for different identities and experiences, and advocating on behalf of the queer community at the university. The UMSU Queer department has the Queer Space (Level 3 of Union House) where all students are encouraged to use and share.
Learn more about the Queer Department
Trans Health Research
Research group within the Department of Medicine at The University of Melbourne conducting research with one goal: to provide robust evidence to improve the health and well-being of the trans and gender-diverse (TGD) community.
Visit Trans Health Research websiteLGBTQIA+ Counselling and Support
The University of Melbourne Counselling and Psychological Services (CAPS) provide LGBTQIA+ counselling and support for students and staff. The CAPS is committed to fostering a safe and respectful environment free from discrimination, harassment, vilification, or victimisation based on sex, sexuality, or gender identity.
Celebrating LGBTQIA+ research at the University of Melbourne
Launched at the Science Gallery on IDAHOBIT, 17 May 2023, this video project features stories from University of Melbourne staff and students who work on LGBTQIA+ related research and contribute to a more inclusive world. Meet some of the inspiring people across the University’s faculties in this engaging video produced by Greta Robernstone, documentary maker and digital content producer at the Melbourne Law School.
Useful links
There are numerous web-resources related to the LGBTQIA+ community. Love doesn't discriminate.
The Victorian Pride Centre is the first purpose-built centre for Australia's LGBTIQA+ communities.
Australia’s National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Queer, Trans and Intersex service.
Australia’s youth driven network for LGBTQIA+ young people.
Anonymous and free LGBTQIA+ peer support.
Queerspace is an organisation dedicated to upholding the wellbeing and mental health of Melbourne’s LGBTQIA+ community.
Peer-driven support for the LGBTQIA+ community, their families, and allies.
Victoria’s leading body for trans and gender diverse advocacy.
Transgender Day of Remembrance
On Transgender Day of Remembrance, we honour the lives of transgender and gender-diverse people lost to violence and discrimination, and reaffirm our shared commitment to fostering a University community grounded in respect, inclusion, and safety for all.
Wear It Purple Day
Wear It Purple Day is a global initiative that began in Australia in 2010 to show support for LGBTQIA+ youth facing bullying and mental health challenges. With this year’s theme, Bold Voices, Bright Futures, we’re encouraged to wear purple to show young people they are seen and valued.
LGBTQIA+ awareness briefings and ally training
The University of Melbourne offers Pride in Diversity endorsed LGBTQIA+ awareness briefings and ally training. The aim of awareness briefings is to provide participants with an overall understanding of why LGBTQIA+ workplace inclusion is important to an organisation as well as to provide a level of comfort around terminology, explore challenges often faced by LGBTIQA+ employees and provide awareness on the impact that a culture has on the lived experiences of its employees.
Staff can find session details on TrainMe, and students should email the Pride in Action Network Committee to register their interest.
Governance
The University's diversity and inclusion efforts are guided by comprehensive policies, strategies and action plans designed to create a more inclusive and equitable academic environment.
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The University’s first LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Action Plan aims to address and mitigate the unique challenges faced at the University by members of our LGBTIQA+ community. It represents an important milestone in the progress of the University’s Diversity and Inclusion Strategy 2030 and its implementation will contribute to building a thriving, fair and diverse University community.
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The Gender Affirmation Policy sets out the University's support for staff and students in affirming their gender identities.