Choosing where to study overseas can sometimes be a daunting decision – diving into a different culture and environment can be challenging, but simultaneously very rewarding.
This decision can be made more daunting still for members of the LGBTQIA+ community, raising questions about the inclusiveness and safety of a new university campus and city.
With the goal of easing some of the anxiety that can surround these questions, this article explores how UQ fosters a safe and inclusive space for the LGBTQIA+ community, based on an interview with Tara, one of UQ’s current LGBTQIA+ international students.
How have you found your experience as an LGBTQIA+ student at UQ?
“For me personally I feel safe at UQ no matter what I look like or dress like.”
UQ is dedicated to cultivating and upholding a safe, inclusive and accepting environment for LGBTQIA+ people. The University’s initiatives include the UQ Ally Network, education workshops on gender, sex, and sexual diversity, inclusivity-focused policies and many more. UQ’s commitment has been recognised with a Gold Employer ranking in the 2024 Australian Workplace Equality Index, the ‘definitive national benchmark for LGBTQIA+ inclusion in the workplace’. UQ was also the winner of the Trans & Gender Diverse Inclusion Award in 2024.
Read more about UQ's initiatives to ensure LGBTQIA+ inclusion.
What has been your experience with UQ staff?
“[In my course], all these people are amazing, and they’re very inclusive and friendly. It’s nice, you feel accepted.”
The UQ Ally Network is an award-winning UQ initiative focused on making the University a diverse, positive, accepting and inclusive space. While UQ Allies are not experts in sexuality, sex, and gender, they are committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for LGBTQIA+ staff and students and can be contacted for confidential support, advice, or information.
Do you have a preferred inclusive space on campus?
“I think anywhere on campus feels safe.”
While Tara didn’t have a preferred on-campus inclusive space, the Carden Queer Room is the dedicated St Lucia campus community hub for LGBTQIA+ students looking for a study and/or social space in which they can feel completely comfortable wearing gender affirming wear. Kitted out with an ‘extensive tea collection’ and a kitchenette, it’s the perfect place to relax and connect with friends.
Do you have any advice for others in the LGBTQIA+ community looking to study at UQ?
“I feel like this year I’m seeing a lot of people just showing up the way they are, and I think that’s really amazing to see. I think sometimes people are nicer than you think they are, so expecting the worse out of people can be harmful to you and them…so just show up as yourself while being safe. I would say that UQ is pretty safe to explore yourself and your identity, so don’t try to fit yourself in a box. It's overrated, just do your thing, and people who accept you will stick around.”
One place to find an accepting community is at the UQU Queer Collective’s regular social, charitable, educational and political events. These events offer community, friendship and support to LGBTQIA+ students, and are a great place to start to find an inclusive community in which you’ll feel safe, respected and valued.
“There’s a lot of good things about UQ and being queer in Brisbane.” By providing Tara’s appreciated perspective, as well as some UQ resources, we hope to have given a useful insight into what it's like to be an LGBTQIA+ international student at UQ.
Article by Jayde McCarthy
Bachelor of Advanced Humanities
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