ally@UNSW

Ally@UNSW are trusted, safe, confidential contacts who pledge a commitment to learning, recommending areas for improvement at UNSW, and encourage LGBTQIA+ voices – sharing articles, posting on social media and engaging local areas to celebrate and recognise days of significance like Mardi Gras, IDAHOBIT and Wear It Purple day. 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@UNSW 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), UNSW policies, procedures and practices.
• Raise awareness of LGBTQIA+ issues and raise public visibility of the ally@UNSW 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.

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 LGBTQIA+ Network 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.

All current UNSW students and staff across any UNSW campus, institute, centre or school who are new to the ally@UNSW Network and have not completed any ally@UNSW training during their time at UNSW will need to attend this 3-hour training course to become an ally@UNSW for LGBTQIA+ communities.

Staff who were Allies at previous organisations and have recently joined UNSW are still required to complete this workshop to become an ally@UNSW. Allies must be equipped with UNSW-specific information, tools and resources specific to UNSW LGBTQIA+ communities.

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.

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@UNSW 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 UNSW's Human Resources, Psychology & Wellness, Student Support Advisors, Teachers, Tutors, etc. allows those conversations to take place.

An ally@UNSW 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@UNSW are not counsellors, caseworkers or doctors. Allies@UNSW will be happy to listen, provide guidance and refer people to support services.

The UNSW 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.   

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.  

If you are interested in being part of the group, please register here. 

Questions? Email us.