Be seen on your terms: let’s celebrate Trans Day of Visibility
This Sunday, 31 March, is Trans Day of Visibility (TDOV). This annual international celebration of trans pride and awareness recognises trans and gender-diverse experiences, identity, achievements and community. It’s about reclaiming space and being visible.
Deakin is committed to, and stands in solidarity with, the transgender community, and all members of the LGBTIQA+ community – today and every day.
Why is visibility important?
For many gender diverse people, a lack of representation, role models, and community can be isolating and make it difficult to feel proud in our identities. Trans Day of Visibility is a day of pride and celebration for gender diverse identity, achievements, and community. TDOV is about reclaiming space and being visible.
What you can do this week and beyond
- Learn and use people’s correct pronouns. Correctly using someone’s pronoun is one of the most basic ways to show that we value being inclusive and respectful. When we are referred to with the wrong pronoun, it may make us feel disrespected, invalidated, and alienated. The simple act of using the right pronouns can help build trust, improve communication and make everyone feel welcome.
- Update your pronoun with the new Microsoft Office 365. Deakin IT and Microsoft have now added a pronoun feature to Office 365 profile cards. This update is for both Outlook and MS Teams. See detailed steps to Add, change, or delete your pronouns and FAQs about pronouns in Microsoft 365.
- Are you going through the gender affirmation process? Discover how Deakin can support you, including changing personal details on your enrolment records.
- Join our Deakin Pride Network. The LGBTIQ+ Pride Network is a member-led network, designed to provide community, social support, and a safe and welcoming space for LGBTIQ+ staff, students, and allies. Please register if you would like to be a member of the Deakin Pride Network.
- Join a club! You are welcome to join Deakin Geelong Queer Collective or Deakin Pride; Queer Society Burwood (PRIDE).
- Enjoy the Deakin Pride Spotify playlist. This joyous playlist has been created by, and for, the whole Deakin community. Add your songs and enjoy!
- Access external resources and materials. Transgender Victoria (TGV) has a range of helpful resources. We also encourage you to make use of the Victorian Government’s LGBTQIA+ Inclusive Language Guide.
- Located in Melbourne? Join us at UNASSIGNED GALLERY in Brunswick on Transgender Day of Visibility for an all trans/gender diverse variety show extravaganza! Hosted by QWINY and Bette Rosé, the night will feature drag, comedy, and live music with performances from Ed Moon, Florian Wild, Maddy Weeks, Theresa Problem and Smasha Bong! Sunday 31 March 2024, 6–11pm AEDT. Register now
Support is available
We value the diversity of our students, including those who are LGBTQIA+ or questioning their gender or sexuality.
- We offer all-gender toilets on each campus and our network of harassment and discrimination contact officers are here to provide personalised assistance if you need it.
- Remember Deakin can support you through your gender affirmation process, including changing personal details on your enrolment records.
- If you’d like to support someone affirming their gender, check out our handy tips.
- Find out more about LGBTQIA+ support at Deakin and in the community.
- You can also access external support via the following services:
- Transgender Victoria
- Lifeline – 13 11 14
- Switchboard
- QLife
- queerspace.