LGBTIQA+ & gender diverse inclusion
Victoria University values and supports our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, asexual and gender diverse community.
Our strategy
Our LGBTIQA+ & Gender Diverse Strategy 2020-2023 outlines our ongoing commitment to inclusion for the LGBTIQA+ and gender diverse community. The strategy has been extended until 2024.
We are reviewing our 2020–2023 LGBTIQA+ & Gender Diverse Strategy. This review, and development of our new plan, is to ensure sufficient consultation and alignment with our updated Operational Plan.
Our new Pride Plan will continue to guide us in the planning, advocacy, support, and engagement of the LGBTIQA+ community at VU.
Pride Peers
Pride Peers contribute to the University’s progress towards a thriving place to study and work, underpinned by the Strategic Plan 2022-2028.
We are key support contacts for staff and students who need guidance or support. Pride Peers reflect the diversity of the LGBTIQA+ and gender-diverse community in the best way we can, bringing many and varied perspectives to the issues in this space.
Pride Peers are committed to understanding homophobia in the work and learning environment, and the broader community. We understand the barriers experienced by the LGBTIQA+ and gender-diverse community. We provide confidential and safe support to staff, and act as a sounding board or reference group on matters that may impact the LGBTIQA+ community.
Pride Network
The Pride Network is composed of staff who identify as part of, or are allies for, the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, asexual and gender diverse community. Pride network members contribute to VU’s LGBTIQA+ and Gender Diverse Action Plan, and meet regularly to organise events and opportunities that increase the visibility of the community.
Executive Director, Institute for Health & Sport Professor Alex Parker is the Executive Sponsor of the Pride Network and is a strong advocate towards LGBTIQA+ inclusion at Victoria University. For further information about the Pride Network, please email .
Be U at VU
Students and staff can now update their chosen first name, chosen last name, pronouns, and affirmed gender. It's all about making sure the way you're addressed at VU reflects who you truly are.
As a current student, you can make this change in your MyVU profile under "Chosen Details”. Staff can make these updates in VU People First (login required).
Visit the chosen name, pronouns and gender page for more information.
Gender affirmation at VU
We support trans and gender diverse staff, students and their peers, to ensure full participation in the work and study environment, enabling access to appropriate assistance.
What is gender affirmation?
Gender affirmation is a personal process where a trans or gender diverse person implements steps to live as their defined or affirmed gender identity, rather than the gender assigned to them at birth. Gender affirmation may involve social, medical/surgical and/or legal steps that affirm a person’s gender.
This process may include:
- Social affirmation, which can involve a number of changes to the way you identify outwardly. This may include: changing names and pronouns, trying new clothing and hairstyles, using your voice differently, and tucking and binding body parts to name a few. Social affirmation may involve trying new or different clothing. All staff are supported to dress in a way which best reflects their gender identity, including transgender, gender diverse and non-binary staff. In the workplace, professional dress standards apply to staff, regardless of gender.
- Medical affirmation, which involves medical interventions such as hormones or surgery
- Legal affirmation, which can involve changing your legal gender marker and name in official documents and records to live as your defined gender(s).
Facilities at VU
Pride rooms and community spaces are located across VU campuses.
