Choosing where to study overseas can sometimes be a daunting decision. Diving into a different culture and environment can be challenging, but it can also be very rewarding.
For members of the LGBTQIA+ community, there can be additional considerations when choosing where to study overseas. Is the city safe and welcoming to LGBTQIA+ members? Are there groups and resources that provide support? Are there opportunities to be connected to fellow LGBTQIA+ members?
To ease some of the anxiety that can come with these questions, we speak to Tara, an LGBTQIA+ international student at UQ, to explore how The University fosters a safe and inclusive space for the rainbow community.
Is UQ LGBTQIA+ friendly?
“For me, personally, I feel safe at UQ no matter what I look like or dress like."
-Tara
UQ is dedicated to cultivating and upholding a safe, inclusive and accepting environment for LGBTQIA+ people. There are education workshops on gender, sex, and sexual diversity, and inclusivity-focused policies that seeks to establish the University as an international leader for the inclusion, respect, support and celebration of the diversity of gender, sex characteristics and sexuality in education and employment.
Read more about UQ's initiatives to ensure LGBTQIA+ inclusion.
UQ also provides all-gender toilets for people of any gender or gender expression. You can find all-gender toilets on UQ Maps.
What support is available for LGBTQIA+ students?
“The people at UQ are amazing, and they’re very inclusive and friendly. It’s nice, you feel accepted.”
-Tara
The UQ Ally Network is an award-winning, grassroots initiative of more than 1,200 well-informed staff focused on making the University a positive, welcoming 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.
Read up on how to be an ally of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Is UQ safe for LGBTQIA+ students?
“I think anywhere on campus feels safe.”
-Tara
UQ is committed to providing a safe environment for all students, whether they are domestic or international. On top of this, there is a dedicated 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.
At the St Lucia campus, the Carden Queer Room is kitted out with an ‘extensive tea collection’ and a kitchenette, a perfect place to relax and connect with friends. In Gatton, the Rainbow Room is located on the ground floor of Morrison Hall. Allies are welcome as guests in both spaces.
Do you have any advice for others in the LGBTQIA+ community looking to study at UQ?
“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 worst from 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."
-Tara
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 a welcoming community where you’ll feel safe, respected and valued.
“There’s a lot of good things about UQ and being queer in Brisbane," said Tara, providing first-hand insights 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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