At the University of Tasmania, we are working hard towards creating a place where all of us, no matter how we identify, feel valued, respected and safe. It is well known that when we can be our full selves, when we can be authentic and open about who we are, we are at our best.
Our aspirations and commitments are expressed in our Inclusion, Diversity & Equity Principles. In a practical sense, we want to make sure we take steps to reinforce these messages and make it known that diversity enriches us, and as a university, we do not tolerate the disrespect, harassment or discrimination of anyone due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Gender diversity at our University
The University of Tasmania is proud to be a supportive and inclusive educator and employer of people of diverse sexuality and gender identities. We are currently updating our IT systems to include pronouns, chosen/preferred names, and an expanded list of genders. Any university community member is free to change their chosen/preferred name, gender, or pronouns at any time with no documentation required.
Read more about Gender Transition/Affirmation at the University of Tasmania.
Social support
Pride Society of TUSA
The Pride Society of TUSA was established in 2021 to create spaces for students on all campuses to connect, feel welcome and find other like-minded LGBTQIA+ people. The society runs social events like barbecues, dance parties, film nights, and market days. They also support students to attend professional development sessions and support queer research. Find the society at Pride Society of TUSA (Facebook) or at a clubs and societies day.
Ally Network
The University’s Ally Network is made up of staff members who have undertaken inclusivity training and are committed to affirming the inclusion of people of diverse sexualities and gender identities. Allies are people who value and believe in a safe, inclusive and diverse university.
Protection from harassment, bullying and discrimination
State and Federal human rights legislation protects the right of people of diverse sexualities and gender identities to equality through freedom from discrimination and harassment. The University’s Behaviour Policy (Governance and Accountability 6.4) sets out the values, standards and expectations for behaviour that apply to our University community. Our University subscribes to the fundamental values of respect and self-respect, fairness and justice, integrity, trust and trustworthiness, responsibility and honesty (Statement of values).
If you have experienced or have observed concerning or unacceptable behaviour, we encourage you to contact the Safe and Fair Community Unit.
Staff support
We recognise that family and partnerships are diverse, and we have reflected this in the definition of 'Partner' in our Staff Agreement (pg 8) (staff login) to clearly encompass same-sex relationships. This means that provisions in our Parental and Carer's leave policies are therefore accessible to staff in same-sex/gender diverse relationships.
To address the needs of staff who are affirming their gender, and in recognition of the time and effort these changes take, the University's Staff Agreement (pg 99) (staff login) outlines that trans and gender diverse staff are entitled to access leave to assist with affirming their gender. This leave could be used for affirming your gender in a multitude of ways, some examples could include spending a few days attending banks or other places to change your name on accounts, attending doctors’ appointments relevant to your transition, or recovering from gender-affirming procedures and surgeries.
Relevant and useful resources
- Australian Government Guidelines on the Recognition of Sex and Gender
- Diversity in Health
- Same Sex: Same Entitlements
- Writing Themselves in Publications - National studies exploring health and wellbeing of LGBTIQ+ young people in Australia
- Department for Education, Children and Young People: LGBTIQA+ equality and inclusion in education
- Information for Allies on Intersex
- Australian Human Rights Commission: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Equality
- The Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society
- Star Observer - LGBTI Journalism