Five ways to connect to the LGBTIQA+SB community at La Trobe

Pride Week at La Trobe is back for 2023, with celebrations happening across all La Trobe campuses from 21st – 25th August. Check out this article to view what’s happening on your campus.Learn more about our theme, Visible Against Violence.

La Trobe University recognises that gender expression and sexuality are different for everyone. We are committed to building a culture that respects and embraces gender and sexual diversity.

We have a vibrant LGBTIQA+SB (lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual, transgender, non-binary, intersex, queer, questioning, asexual, sistergirl and brotherboy) community, and we celebrate and support our queer staff and students.

Specific resources for LGBTQIA+SB students can be found in the LGBTIQA+SB Resource Hub.

1. Link up with a social group

The LTSU Queer Collective is run by the La Trobe Student Union and is based at the Melbourne (Bundoora) campus. Student Queer Officers run social events during the year as well as maintain the Queer Lounge on campus. In addition to this, the Queer Officers also work with the wider LTSU and members of the Queer Collective on campaigns for better acceptance and to challenge discrimination for queer/LGBTIQ+SB people at La Trobe. You can submit an expression of interest to become a member of the Queer Collective.

Even if you are based elsewhere, make sure to follow these groups so you don’t miss any online or multi-campus events!

2. Join La Trobe’s group program – FINDING PRIDE

Register your interest for 2024

Finding Pride is a group program open to all our LGBTIQA+SB students. This group may be of interest to those who are looking for a more supported group.

By joining a Finding Pride group, you’ll have a chance to connect with a small group of LGBTIQA+SB students as you follow a structured program facilitated by the LGBTIQA+SB Student Wellbeing team. Meeting weekly over 7 sessions, you and your group will go on a journey to share and learn skills to help prepare you for the extra challenges that LGBTIQA+SB people can face due to discrimination.

3. ALLY Network and ALLY Training

The ALLY Network is designed to help our community better understand the lived experience of

LGBTIQ+SB staff and students.

La Trobe also provides ALLY Training that covers:

  • understanding commonly used terms
  • experiences of young people from the LGBTIQA+SB community
  • recognising and responding to homophobia
  • creating an inclusive culture and providing support
  • valuing and celebrating LGBTIQA+SB people and culture

4. Change your Zoom background and add your pronouns

To demonstrate respect for LGBTQIA+SB and gender-diverse people, we invite everyone to share their pronouns on their Zoom profiles, which will be displayed during meetings/calls. You can update pronouns on your Zoom profile by clicking here.

5. Contact a LGBTIQA+SB Counsellor

If you’re looking for support more than socialising, we have dedicated LGBTIQA+SB Counsellors who have experience in supporting students with diverse sexualities, sex and gender identities. You can talk to our LGBTIQA+SB Counsellors about any range of issues that can impact your study or personal life.

Details

Read more about our LGBTIQA+SB Counsellors or request a counselling appointment.

Initiatives at La Trobe

Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society

We are proud to be home to the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society (ARCSHS) which conducts world-class research and education on the social dimensions of sexuality, gender, health and human relationships.

ARCSHS is also home to Rainbow Health Australia, a program that supports lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTQIA+) health and wellbeing through research and knowledge translation, training, resources, policy advice and service accreditation through the Rainbow Tick.

Trans and Gender Diverse Voice Services

The Trans and Gender Diverse (TAGD) Voice Clinic, situated at La Trobe, provides an individualised program of voice and communication training for people wishing to explore the different ways they can use their voice and communication to express their gender.

La Trobe’s Commitment to Open Participation in Sport

La Trobe’s Commitment to Open Participation in Sport [195 KB] ensures that everyone can thrive as their authentic selves in a safe, respectful, inclusive environment. La Trobe Sport is dedicated to celebrating our inclusive and diverse community, where everyone feels like they belong.

Gender Neutral Facilities

We are working towards improving our facilities including developing all gender facilities.

Gender Neutral Toilet Facilities map for the Melbourne and Bendigo Campuses (other Campus maps are coming soon)

For any queries about this article, please contact Respectful Communities respect@latrobe.edu.au