Supporting our LGBTQIA+ community

You may have seen some information about an LGBTQIA+ Allyship training program at UNE and wondered what it is? Here is everything you need to know!

Last year, a Queer Allyship survey, which saw over a thousand people within the UNE community respond to, spotlighted the desire for better representation and support for the queer community at UNE. As a response to the survey, UNE’s Queer Allyship Network has developed a training program to raise awareness that is unique to UNE’s community and student needs.

What is an ally?

Allyship or ally is a term that is commonly used within the queer community. According to Reach Out, an ally is someone who “stands up for, supports, and encourages the people around them. In this case, it refers to someone who is heterosexual and/or cisgender, but who tries to make the world a better place for people who identify as LGBTQIA+”. Allies can be within the LGBTQAI+ community as well, as we all have different experiences and identities. For instance, cis-gendered lesbian and gay people can be allies to trans and non-binary people.

What is the training?

The Allyship training is a two-part series of online and face-to-face workshops for UNE staff and students which are designed to help you gain a better understanding of LGBTQAI+ terminology, issues faced by queer communities, and strategies for LGBTQAI+ inclusive practice.

How will the training be delivered?

The training will be delivered in two parts via a one 2.5-hour session online and one 3-hour session in person in Armidale, or over zoom if you are outside Armidale, which will be held from late March to early April 2022. Once you have completed this training, you will have the opportunity to participate in Ally Network training in May 2022 with the aim of creating an effective and visible Ally Network across UNE .

When is the training and where can I sign up?

There are three sessions students can choose from in part 1 and part 2. The training will be delivered in a blended mode so that all students can participate.  To get the best out of the experience, it is encouraged that you attend in person if you are in Armidale. You will need to pick one of the time slots from both part 1 and part 2.

Part 1 (Introduction to LGBTQAI+ Terminology– Online)

Wednesday 30 March 4pm – 6.30pm

Friday 1 April @ 10am – 12.30pm

Tuesday 5 April @ 4pm – 6.30pm

Part 2 (Strategies for LGBTIQ+ Inclusive Practice – Online and Face to Face)

Tuesday 12 April @ 9am – 12pm

Wednesday 13 April @ 9am – 12pm

Wednesday 13 April @ 2pm – 5pm

To participate, please register your interest in this Survey.

For any queries, please email accessinclusion@une.edu.au.

Staff can register their interest via webkiosk.

The team at Advocacy and Welfare offers confidential support to students! Contact them here.
Student Success also has confidential counseling for students, you can find them here.
Lifeline is also a 24/7 hotline and you can call them on 13 11 14