The LGBTIQ+ ALLY Network

ALLY - hi res logo
The LGBTIQ+ ALLY Network aims to create a more inclusive culture at the University by promoting greater visibility and awareness of those who are diverse in their sex characteristic, gender and/or sexuality.
This includes: lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, asexual, agender, aromantic; + other diverse sexual orientations and gender identities.
The Network offers professional development and training to staff and students leaders who are prepared to advocate on behalf of members of the University who are diverse in their sex characteristics, gender and/or sexuality (LGBTIQ+).
What is an ALLY?

An ALLY is a staff member or student on campus who, through attending professional development, is aware of the issues faced by members of the LGBTIQA+ community. An Ally is an active agent of change who chooses to challenge anti-LGBTIQA+ prejudice and heteronormative values.

ALLIES are not experts of sexuality and gender identity but continue to develop their knowledge of these matters.

What to expect from an ALLY

A UON ALLY can offer you:

  • a safe place to talk
  • an open and accepting attitude
  • an opportunity to be listened to and understood
  • confidentiality
  • a wide variety of referral avenues both on and off campus

Join the LGBTIQ+ ALLY network

If you would like to join the LGBTIQ+ ALLY network you will be expected to:

  • Attend an ALLY training session.
  • Be a role model for the University through your behaviour and language.
  • Recognise existing heterosexual privileges and be reflective.
  • Work within and support existing equal opportunity and anti-discrimination policies.
  • Proactively raise the visibility of the ALLY Network.
  • Publicly identifying yourself as an ALLY by allowing your name to be included on the ALLY page and in information provided to staff and students.
  • Be a point of contact on campus and provide a ‘safe zone’ for staff and students to seek support.
  • Attend ALLY activities, events,  information sessions min x3 p/year *Pride flag raising for an example.
  • Understand support services and referral pathways on campus.
  • Be open and respond respectfully to questions from and about LGBTIQ+ students and staff and maintain confidentiality.
  • Keep up to date and informed about current related issues, learnings, resources and information about people who are diverse in their sex, gender and/or sexuality (LGBTIQ+).

About LGBTIQ+ ALLY Training

This 6.5 Hour session includes ACON's 4-hour LGBTIQ+ Awareness Training Package, along with a better understanding of our commitment to our ALLYship of broader LGBTIQ+ communities together with University specific case scenario's and a panel.

This in-person training will introduce you to the acronyms and expand your understanding of sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and sex characteristics and insight into experiences of staff and students.

The session includes activities, open discussion, and take-home resources.

Topics

  • Gender and sexuality diverse people and communities
  • Understanding the difference between gender and sexuality
  • Outline the health impacts of social stigma and assumptions
  • Understanding the lived experience of people with a diverse gender and sexuality
  • Understanding the health impacts of social stigma and assumptions
  • Legislation
  • Acceptance versus inclusion

Staff members can now enroll via Discover.

Please note: the ALLY Network and training is mostly for staff, but we also have places for students who are in leadership roles such as Club presidents, Peer mentors, Convenors, etc. If this is your case, please email us at EDI@newcastle.edu.au to secure a spot in one of our sessions.

More information