ally@91É«ÇéƬ
The ally@91É«ÇéƬ Network is a group of trained students and staff who are allies to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTQIA+) people at 91É«ÇéƬ. They are committed to making 91É«ÇéƬ a great place for everybody by reducing barriers of fear and ignorance that lead to prejudice and discrimination.
The network is open to everyone and we encourage people with all diverse lived experiences to join.
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Ally@91É«ÇéƬ are trusted, safe, confidential contacts who pledge a commitment to learning, recommending areas for improvement at 91É«ÇéƬ, and encourage LGBTQIA+ voices – sharing articles, posting on social media and engaging local areas to celebrate and recognise days of significance like , and . Their role is to create a visible presence, take a proactive stance and cultivate an inclusive culture on campus.
Allies are not expected to be experts on diverse sexualities, sexes and genders. Members have completed training and are available to support LGBTQIA+ staff and students with confidential discussions and referral to support services and community organisations.
The role requires you to:
- Visibly identify using the ally@91É«ÇéƬ graphic in email signatures, work/study spaces, bios, etc.
- Maintain zero tolerance of any non-inclusive behaviours/actions.
- Provide an affirming open mind and ear and confidential space to listen.
- Understand the level of fear and stigma associated with disclosing gender, sex or sexuality and therefore act without judgment and respect confidentiality at all times.
- Provide referral to appropriate support services (internal and community), 91É«ÇéƬ policies, procedures and practices.
- Raise awareness of LGBTQIA+ issues and raise public visibility of the ally@91É«ÇéƬ network.
- Challenge issues and negative speech/media on and off campus and keep informed about related resources and information.
- Role model positive communication styles and actions.
- Promote, volunteer for and attend community and university events that mark LGBTQIA+ days of significance
- Promote diversity and inclusion initiatives via media, teaching & promotional materials.
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Yes! Register and find out more. All current staff and students are welcome to join.
If you haven't completed training, in the meantime you can still get involved! Join the on MS Teams to start a conversation, connect, share and learn about opportunities and events. The channel is open to all current staff and students who support the LGBTQIA+ community.
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All current 91É«ÇéƬ students and staff across any 91É«ÇéƬ campus, institute, centre or school who are new to the ally@91É«ÇéƬ Network and have not completed any ally@91É«ÇéƬ training during their time at 91É«ÇéƬ will need to attend this 3-hour training course to become an ally@91É«ÇéƬ for LGBTQIA+ communities.
Staff who were Allies at previous organisations and have recently joined 91É«ÇéƬ are still required to complete this workshop to become an ally@91É«ÇéƬ. Allies must be equipped with 91É«ÇéƬ-specific information, tools and resources specific to ±«±·³§°ÂÌýLGBTQIA+ communities.
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Please add your name to the waitlist! There is a good chance you will get a spot in the workshop, but it is not guaranteed. Life happens and many people who register end up cancelling at the last moment!
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion schedules a limited number of workshops throughout the year. If you cannot attend the workshop you're after, check out these learning opportunities in the meantime.
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Visibility is key! Clearly identified allies who can be contacted for a confidential and informal discussion helps create belonging and a safe space for the LGBTQIA+ community. There are times when a person may want to have a confidential conversation with an ally@91É«ÇéƬ about finding support, the possibility of coming out to colleagues or peers or ask a question regarding the network. They may want to discuss something about their work or study experience or suggest something confidentially. The ability to call someone confidentially outside of 91É«ÇéƬ's Human Resources, Psychology & Wellness, Student Support Advisors, Teachers, Tutors, etc. allows those conversations to take place.
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An ally@91É«ÇéƬ is someone who is trained and informed about the foundational and practical tools to be sensitive toward, and understanding of, people of diverse sexualities, sexes and gender identities and their issues; affirms their experiences and rights; and challenges homophobic, transphobic, biphobic or any other type of phobic behaviours.
Allies@91É«ÇéƬ are not counsellors, caseworkers or doctors. Allies@91É«ÇéƬ will be happy to listen, provide guidance and refer people to support services.
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The 91É«ÇéƬ Staff Queer Collective is a group that aims to enhance the opportunity for connection to community for LGBTQIA+ staff. The group seeks to foster greater opportunities for social and professional connections, and create a flourishing sense of community amongst LGBTQIA+ staff.Ìý Â
It is a private group that is open to all staff who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community and will be housed on MS Teams. This channel will serve as a platform for connecting with other LGBTQIA+ staff members, as well as sharing events and opportunities for LGBTQIA+ staff both professionally and socially.ÌýÂ
If you are interested in being part of the group, please register .Ìý
Questions? Email us.
All staff and students are welcome to participate and stand together as allies@91É«ÇéƬ, including those who identify in LGBTQIA+ communities and those who do not.
Training is free, optional and open to all current staff and students who wish to broaden their knowledge of and support LGBTQIA+ communities at 91É«ÇéƬ.
Contact an ally@91É«ÇéƬ
If you'd like to have a confidential conversation with an LGBTQIA+ person or experienced ally@91É«ÇéƬ about the possibility of coming out to colleagues or peers, or to ask a question regarding the network, or get advice on support services, the ally@91É«ÇéƬ Network will be happy to hear from you and are able to provide confidential referral advice.
