We value and support our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, asexual and gender diverse community.
The University's LGBTIQA+ & Gender Diverse Strategy 2020-2023 outlines our ongoing commitment to inclusion for the LGBTIQA+ and gender diverse community.
Pride Peers contribute to the University’s progress towards a thriving place to study and work, underpinned by the Strategic Plan 2022-2028.
We are key support contacts for staff and students who need guidance or support. Pride Peers reflect the diversity of the LGBTIQA+ and gender-diverse community in the best way we can, bringing many and varied perspectives to the issues in this space.
Pride Peers are committed to understanding homophobia in the work and learning environment, and the broader community. We understand the barriers experienced by the LGBTIQA+ and gender-diverse community. We provide confidential and safe support to staff, and act as a sounding board or reference group on matters that may impact the LGBTIQA+ community.
| Name | Area | Primary campus location |
| Frances Atkinson | Media & Corporate Communications | Footscray Park Building K |
| Marian Cronin | Equality, Inclusion & Belonging | Footscray Park Building K, K528 |
| Charlton Quitoriano | College of Sport, Health and Engineering | St Albans |
| Tessa Benson | Service Centers and Student Advisory | Footscray Park Building M, M239 |
| Andy Ackerly | Academic Staff | St Albans |
| Grace Mugford | Learning Hubs | St Albans Library, Level 2, Building 7 |
| Karina Ireland | Midwifery | St Albans |
| Stuart Martin | Student Wellbeing | Footscray Park Building M, Student Wellbeing Level 2 |
| Eko Hermawan | Alumni & Development | Footscray Park Building K, K526 |
| Sara Austin | Equality, Inclusion & Belonging | Footscray Park Building K, K528 |
| Rochelle Lepper | Moondani Balluk | Footscray Park |
| Heather Marsh | Equality, Inclusion & Belonging | Footscray Park Building, KK528 |
We provide safe, welcoming and confidential support to our LGBTIQA+ communities.
The Pride Network is composed of staff who identify as part of, or are allies for, the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, asexual and gender diverse community. Pride network members contribute to VU’s LGBTIQA+ and Gender Diverse Action Plan, and meet regularly to organise events and opportunities that increase the visibility of the community.
Executive Director, Institute for Health & Sport Prof Alex Parker is the Executive Sponsor of the Pride Network and is a strong advocate towards LGBTIQA+ inclusion at Victoria University. For further information about the Pride Network, please email pridenetwork@vu.edu.au.
Students are invited to get in touch with VUSU's LGBTIQA+ Officers.
Sponsor and Chairs:
Members include:
Students and staff can now update their chosen first name, chosen last name, pronouns, and affirmed gender. It's all about making sure the way you're addressed at VU reflects who you truly are.
As a current student, you can make this change in your MyVU profile under "Chosen Details”. Staff can make these updates in VU People First
Visit the chosen name, pronouns and gender page for more information.
Later, this will also include:
We support trans and gender diverse staff, students and their peers, to ensure full participation in the work and study environment, enabling access to appropriate assistance.
Gender affirmation is a personal process where a trans or gender diverse person implements steps to live as their defined or affirmed gender identity, rather than the gender assigned to them at birth. Gender affirmation may involve social, medical/surgical and/or legal steps that affirm a person’s gender.
This process may include:
For further information or support on gender affirmation, contact inclusionbelonging@vu.edu.au.
Other ways you can promote inclusion and understanding for the trans and gender diverse community:
We also recommend watching:
Our commitment to supporting LGBTIQA+ staff and students has earned VU Silver employer status in the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI), the national benchmark on LGBTIQ workplace inclusion.
We are a member of Pride in Diversity, who provide training and consultancy to assist VU in developing our LGBTIQA+ awareness and support in the workplace.
Students and staff at the 2023 Midsumma Pride March.
Pride rooms and community spaces are located across VU campuses:
A number of all-gender facilities are available to staff and students across VU campuses. All staff, students and visitors have the right to use toilets and other facilities appropriate to them.
