Start a conversation this Wear it Purple Day!
Research shows that 75 percent of Australia’s LGBTIQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Gender-Diverse, Intersex and Queer/Questioning) youth are bullied because of their identity. Because of this, LGBTIQ+ youth are up to 12 times more likely to experience depression and up to five times more likely to experience anxiety.
At Deakin, we recognise the rights of our LGBTIQ+ students and staff to live free of prejudice and discrimination, and we actively and positively support diversity. We believe that being bullied and harassed due to sexual orientation or gender identity is unacceptable.
That’s why we’re encouraging the entire Deakin community to get involved with Wear it Purple, an international movement aimed at fostering supporting, safe, empowering and inclusive environments for LGBTIQ+ young people.
Wear it Purple Day, which is on Friday 27 August, is about showing young LGBTIQ+ people that they have the right to be proud of who they are. It’s also about creating safe spaces in schools, universities, workplaces and public spaces.
This year’s theme ‘Start the conversation … keep it going’ reminds us that the issues we talk about for Wear it Purple Day should be a focus for everyone, every single day. Communication plays an important role in creating an environment that’s free of discrimination based on sex, gender identity and sexual orientation.
So talk openly with your workgroup, mates and family. A great place to start is to understand the importance of pronouns and inclusive language, as well as gender affirmation. Encouraging positive change each day in the classroom or workplace will help empower rainbow young people to be proud of who they are – and who they might become.
How dinosaurs can teach us more about diversity
Dinosaurs? Really?
Join DUSA for an online queer networking session and screening of The Roar!!! – a story about dinosaurs and pride. Written by Sally Conning and Jax Wake, who have a 58-year age difference and a love of dinosaurs, the story reflects their own journeys to pride and what they’ve learned from each other. A panel discussion will follow the screening.
When: Monday 23 August, 4pm
Register now
We stand with our LGBTIQ+ community
Our campuses aim to nurture a sense of belonging for all, and foster a diverse, safe and collaborative community environment. We all hope to be able to return to campus as soon as possible – when we do, make sure you check out our new Pride Stairs.
The stairs, created by graphic designer Daniel Quasar, were inspired by the Progress Pride Flag. This adds five new colours to the six‐coloured Rainbow Flag, which is widely recognised as the symbol of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) communities.
The Progress Pride Flag includes black and brown stripes to represent marginalised LGBT communities of colour, along with pink, light blue and white, which are used on the Transgender Pride Flag.
Check out the new Pride Stairs at the following locations:
- Burwood: steps outside Building I, close to the Queer Room
- Waurn Ponds: steps adjoining buildings IA/IB/JB, close to the Queer Room in Building JB
- Waterfront: Brierley Lane, next to The Common cafe
- Warrnambool: steps leading from Building H to student residences.
There’s also a range of LGBTIQ+ support at Deakin, so learn more about what help is available. You can also become a member of our LGBTIQ+ community by emailing [email protected].
And did you know that we have a gender affirmation policy, which clearly outlines how we support anyone from Deakin who is undergoing, or considering undergoing, a gender affirmation? If you need some support, find out more about what help is available to you.
If you ever need someone to talk to, Deakin’s Counselling and Psychological Support (CAPS) service is safe, respectful and inclusive. Our highly skilled counsellors and social workers are here to help all students.
Deakin pledges to never stay silent about homophobia, biphobia and transphobia. We will always stand with our LGBTIQ+ students and staff. We are part of the solution.