Sexuality, Sex, and Gender Diversity @ Murdoch
We want you to feel welcome here at Murdoch. Our university is a socially rich and culturally diverse community where all students and staff can thrive to be their best. It is a place where personal identity, cultural heritage, faith, gender expression, sexuality and ability are respected and celebrated as cornerstones of a vibrant and inclusive learning community.
What is LGBTIQA+?
The acronym LGBTIQA+ aims to represent the diverse sexes, genders and sexualities of the queer community; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual and agender. The plus ‘+’ symbol recognises that there are more representations that continue to evolve for describing how people identify themselves.
LGBTIQA+ @ Murdoch
At Murdoch we show our support for the LGBTIQA+ community through the following:
Australian Workplace Equity Index: Murdoch practices with the AWEI as it provides the national benchmark on LGBTIQA+ workplace inclusion.
LGBTIQA+ Advisory Group: Reporting to the Equity and Diversity Committee, the LGBTIQA+ Advisory Group promotes institutional conversation relating to LGBTIQA+ matters and advocates for equity and inclusion for all students and staff. Members are proactively involved in LGBTIQA+ initiatives, training facilitation and policy development and provide advice on a range of inclusive best practices.
LGBTIQA+ days of significance: We proudly promote awareness and celebrate LGBTIQA+ significant dates on campus and through our intranet portal.
LGBTIQA+ staff social media: An internal social media platform is exclusively available for LGBTIQA+ staff to share and stay connected.
LGBTIQA+ staff network: A staff network has been established to enable more personal connections extending from the social media and Ally networks. The network updates the university on changing community guidelines and good practice and takes a lead role in initiating programs and promoting LGBTIQA+ resources.
LGBTIQA+ student socials: Hosted by the Guild, LGBTIQA+ students can enjoy fortnightly queer beers at the Tavern or connect with peers via Facebook and Discord platforms. Contact the Queer Rep at queer@murdochguildcouncil.com.au.
Chair of the university’s LGBTIQA+ Advisory Group, Dr Rebecca Bennett.
Policies: Murdoch has a range of policies designed to remove barriers for LGBTIQA+ inclusion in university activities and systems for students and staff. Regular reviews are conducted to ensure currency and inclusive language.
Queer Collective: A student-run space that provides inclusive platforms for LGBTIQA+ students. That includes virtual support groups and face-to-face engagements.
Queer Room: A student LGBTIQA+ room (490.2.035) is available for meeting others in the community and having a safe, inviting place to hang out.
Support services: LGBTIQA+ students can access online and in-person counselling and medical services that are provided by Murdoch staff who have completed Ally program training.
LGBTIQA+ Allyship @ Murdoch
Ally Network: The Ally Network has over 150 staff LGBTIQA+ allies at Murdoch University. The network advocates for the LGBTIQA+ community and responds to ongoing political and global discrepancies that the community faces. Members can have their names listed online and are identifiable by their rainbow lanyard, or a distinguishable door label, indicating a trained and empathetic ally for queer staff or students seeking a safe space or person to connect with.
Ally Newsletter: Murdoch dispenses a quarterly Ally newsletter to allies and the queer community at Murdoch, covering topics such as internal and external events and initiatives, LGBTIQA+ news and success stories.
Ally program: The Ally program is run by Murdoch staff who identify as members of the queer community. This popular half-day training raises awareness, teaches inclusive practice and appropriate ways to be effective allies. It is available to both staff and students who, upon completing the training, can opt to join the Ally network.
Making our support visible
At Murdoch we participate in many on and off campus events and conferences to demonstrate our value, support and understanding of the LGBTIQA+ community.
2021 Pride Parade participants.
2019 Pride Parade float.
Recent progress to visibly supporting our LGBTIQA+ community include:
Since 2018, Murdoch has participated in the annual Pride Parade, with regular appearances in
Pride Fest.- In 2018, Murdoch introduced two gender neutral and all gender bathrooms on the South Street campus, with more planned each year.
- In 2021, Murdoch upgraded the Pride flag on Bush Court to the Progress flag, recognising the intersectional identities of the queer community.
- Following the institutional logo change in 2021, staff are encouraged (through default template settings) to use personal pronouns in emails and on name badges. A special Ally email signature was also made available to trained Allies.
External Support for LGBTIQA+ Health & Wellbeing
Murdoch is pleased to acknowledge the following organisations for their expertise and leadership in providing specialist support and advocacy for the LGBTIQA+ community:
- Black Rainbow: Australia’s National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBQTIQA+ service.
- TransFolk of WA: Informing, empowering and advocating for trans and gender diverse people to survive and thrive.
- GRAI: LGBTIQA+ Rights in Ageing.
- QLife: Provides anonymous and free LGBTIQA+ peer support and referral for LGBTIQA+ people in Australia.
- LGBTIQA+ Health Australia: Supports the health and diversities of our communities in Australia – check out the Knowledge Hub.
- Australian Human Rights Commission: LGBTIQA+ work and projects.