Trans, non-binary and gender diverse support

We acknowledge that trans and gender diverse students may face unique challenges when interacting with university systems and participating in university life.

The following guide contains information for students who want to update their recorded information at La Trobe to reflect their gender. It is designed to be used flexibly, by using the parts that are most relevant to you. There is no one way to be trans or gender diverse, and trans people are not required to update their details in order to be safe, respected and valued at La Trobe.

A note about language

This guide uses trans as an umbrella term for all people whose gender is different from their presumed gender at birth.

This includes people who are transgender, non-binary, genderfluid, or agender; as well as all identities and experiences of not being cis gender.

Even if you haven't updated your details, every student at La Trobe has the right to:

• Freely use any La Trobe toilet, sport, or changing facilities when these are normally available to students.
• Wear clothes that you feel comfortable in, regardless of what others might expect based on your recorded gender (just make sure they follow any other rules, like wearing the right shoes in labs).
• Ask people to use a certain name or pronouns when talking to you, even if it’s not the same as the one on your ID.
• Study in an environment which is free from unacceptable behaviour, including discrimination, harassment, bullying, vilification, victimisation and violence.

Gender-neutral toilets

Gender-neutral toilets are available on our campuses. View a toilet location map for:

• Melbourne (Bundoora) Campus
• Bendigo Campus

Additional support

• The Victorian gender diverse young people at YGender have put together some excellent Trans 101 resources and videos, and you can link in with them to meet other gender diverse young people.
• TransGender Victoria (TGV) provides resources, advocacy, and support for Victorian trans and gender-diverse people, including financial support for legal name and/or gender changes. They also run Affirmation Station – a dedicated space in Brunswick, Melbourne that provides a variety of gender-affirming services, workshops, social gathering, and support options.
• Multi-disciplinary clinics have been established in Preston with Your Community Health, and Ballarat with Ballarat Community Health, to support individuals looking to socially, medically or legally affirm their gender.
• Transhub is a digital information and resource platform for trans people, their allies, their loved ones, and health providers. Aimed at NSW residents, but often relevant Australia-wide.
• Justice Connect can provide resources, advice and advocacy for a range of legal issues, including discrimination and updating legal documentation.
• The La Trobe legal service is an inclusive and free service available to all currently enrolled students. They can provide legal information and support for those experiencing discrimination, change and suppression practices (conversion therapy), or other legal matters that may be impacting you as a trans or gender diverse person.
• QLife (also called Switchboard) is anonymous free LGBTIQ+ peer support and referral for people in Australia open 3pm – midnight every day, phone 1800 184 527 or Webchat.
• Rainbow Network and The Victorian Pride Centre Resource Directory have comprehensive databases that you can search for other queer services and support groups around Victoria.