La Trobe University recognises that gender expression and sexuality are different for everyone. We are committed to building a culture that respects and embraces gender and sexual diversity.
We have a vibrant LGBTIQA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual, transgender, non-binary, intersex, queer, questioning, asexual) community, and we celebrate and support our queer staff and students.
Specific resources for LGBTQIA+ students can be found in the LGBTIQA+ Resource Hub.
Whether you are brand new to La Trobe or been around for awhile, check out these ideas for how to connect with the LGBTIQA+ community at La Trobe.
1. Join our group program – Finding Pride
Finding Pride is a group program open to all our LGBTIQA+ students. This group may be of interest to those who are looking for a more supported group.
By joining a Finding Pride group, you’ll have a chance to connect with a small group of LGBTIQA+ students as you follow a structured program facilitated by the LGBTIQA+ Student Wellbeing team. Meeting weekly over 7 sessions, you and your group will go on a journey to share and learn resilience skills to help prepare you for the extra challenges that LGBTIQA+ people may face due to discrimination.
Details
Groups run multiple times throughout the academic year (February to November) and can be online or face-to-face at the Melbourne (Bundoora) Campus. Register your interest for LGBTIQA+ programs on the web page.
2. Join a Student Club or Society
La Trobe has a range of student clubs and societies, catering for a range of interests from gaming and theatre, to religion and politics. We have specific LGBTIQA+ clubs, and many more that are popular with LGBTIQA+ students. Clubs are a great way to meet new people, connect with your community and get involved in events and activities.
Details
Search the full list of clubs and societies on the find a student club web page.
If you don’t find something you like, you can always start a club of your own!
3. Participate in La Trobe’s annual Pride Week
Every year in August, across our campuses, the La Trobe community comes together to celebrate and support all members of our LGBTIQA+ community for our very own Pride Week. Pride Week in 2024 will be held from 26 – 30 August.
From stalls, entertainment, webinars and more, Pride Week is an opportunity connect, celebrate and support LGBTIQA+ students and staff at La Trobe.
“Isn’t Pride Month in June?”
In the United States, Pride Month is traditionally held in June, their summer. Australian cities hold Pride events throughout the year. As our Semester 1 exam period is held in June, La Trobe holds their Pride Week to coincide with Wear It Purple day each year in August.
Details
Check out the My La Trobe events calendar for all the events coming up on your campus!
4. ALLY Network and ALLY Training
The ALLY Network is designed to help our community better understand the lived experience of LGBTIQ+ staff and students.
La Trobe also provides ALLY Training that covers:
- understanding commonly used terms
- experiences of young people from the LGBTIQA+ community
- recognising and responding to homophobia
- creating an inclusive culture and providing support
- valuing and celebrating LGBTIQA+ people and culture
5. Join a mailing list
From Pride Week to International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), you can make sure you never miss any upcoming events or programs by signing up to the Pride @ La Trobe mailing list. Don’t worry – you’ll only get an email when an event is coming up.
The Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society (ARCSHS) newsletter is another must-follow. Sign up for this one if you are interested in reading about fantastic LGBTIQA+ research coming from La Trobe.
Details
Email pride@latrobe.edu.au and request to be added.
Sign up to ARCSHS newsletter or read past issues.
6. Contact a LGBTIQA+ Counsellor
If you’re looking for support more than socialising, we have dedicated LGBTIQA+ Counsellors who have experience in supporting students with diverse sexualities, sex and gender identities. You can talk to our LGBTIQA+ Counsellors about any range of issues that can impact your study or personal life.
Details
Read more about our LGBTIQA+ Counsellors.
Initiatives at La Trobe
Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society
We are proud to be home to the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society (ARCSHS) which conducts world-class research and education on the social dimensions of sexuality, gender, health and human relationships.
ARCSHS is also home to Rainbow Health Australia, a program that supports lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTQIA+) health and wellbeing through research and knowledge translation, training, resources, policy advice and service accreditation through the Rainbow Tick.
Trans and Gender-Diverse Voice Services
The Trans and Gender Diverse (TAGD) Voice Clinic, situated at La Trobe, provides an individualised program of voice and communication training for people wishing to explore the different ways they can use their voice and communication to express their gender.
For any queries about this article, please contact Respectful Communities respect@latrobe.edu.au.