Sexual Orientation

ALLY PRIDE EVENT, 12 - 2 PM
October 28th
The Atrium, Fairway 7
CRAWLEY

A recent report "Feeling Queer and Blue",  based on research conducted by BeyondBlue Victoria, indicated a strong correlation between the incidence of mental health and the GLBTI community, with a particular emphasis on youth. Ms Dani Wright, Freedom Centre, WA, will speak to this issue at a lunch time gathering and scope their experience around this issue. The session will provide UWA Allies an excellent opportunity to raise their awareness and deepen their knowledge around an important aspect of the GLBTI experience.

This UWA event commemorates the annual PRIDE week in Western Australia and is open to all Allies, GLBTI staff and their supporters.

A light lunch will be served.

Please use this link to register.

See also... Ally Network Sexual Diversity at UWA How the West was Won - Presentation to Amnesty International Conference - Sydney, October 2002 Justice Michael Kirby's Address - Opening Ceremony, Gay Games 2002 HERSA Conference Presentation - Straight Talk about Queer Issues Using Inclusive Language UWA Policies Federal & State Legislation Links to websites concerning Sexual Orientation   Writing themselves in again: 6 years on The 2nd national report on the sexual health and well-being of same sex attracted young people in Australia. Submisssion by The University of Western Australia to Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission Inquiry: Discrimination against People in Same - Sex Relationships.

The University of Western Australia recognises its role in providing leadership and vision in the often controversial areas of equal opportunity, gender and sexuality.

While many organisations have made a significant contribution towards achieving equal opportunity, these initiatives have almost universally excluded the important issues of sexuality and gender identity.

UWA included sexual orientation within its Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Policy Statement in 1990, more than a decade before the WA Government enacted legislation in this area.  UWA has built on this strong policy foundation with the implementation of two ground breaking sexuality initiatives:

• The Rainbow Project assessed campus climate with respect to sexuality among both the staff and student body by conducting a wide ranging student survey and holding focus groups for staff. 

• The Ally Project has involved establishing a network of over 250 allies across the University community that can support GLBTI* staff and students, build a support and advocacy network and promote awareness and visibility around these issues.
* GLBTI – gay, lesbian, bi sexual, transgender, intersex

In addition, the University respects and formally acknowledges sexual diversity through practical initiatives such as flying the Rainbow Flag during WA Pride month, adopting an inclusive definition of partner within the Enterprise Agreements and acknowledging intersex status (see gender identity) on student academic achievement records.  Finally, there is a growing recognition of the need to embed perspectives on sexual diversity within the curriculum and in training conducted with staff across the University.