Training to support LGBTIQ* staff and students

Published in the Research School of Physics Event Horizon
Vol42 Issue42 31 October–4 November 2016

As part of the University’s commitment to providing a diverse and inclusive campus where all people can safely work and study free of harassment or discrimination, we are providing training to become an Ally.  Allies offer support to staff and students who identify as LGBTIQ*. 

RSPE have preserved additional places at the Ally Training.  Date TBA.

If you are interested in attending please contact Tania Maxwell ea.rspe@anu.edu.au Limited places are available.

The course provides participants with an overall understanding of why LGBTIQ* inclusion is important to an organisation, and provides a level of comfort around terminology. The training explores challenges often faced by people who identify as LGBTIQ* and raises awareness of the impact of harassment and discrimination.

This course is consistently held in high regard by attendees.

Further details on the program are outlined below.

Allies are not experts about matters of sexuality and gender identity, but they do understand the reasons why many transgender, bisexual, gay, lesbian or intersex people are not in positions to speak out on their own behalf, or are fearful of being harassed or discriminated against, and why it is important to have allies who are prepared to do this.

Ally training provides participants with an overall understanding of why LGBTIQ* inclusion is important to an organisation as well providing a level of comfort around terminology. The training explores challenges often faced by people who identify as LGBTIQ* and raises awareness of the impact of harassment and discrimination. Allies are both people who identify as LGBTIQ* and people who do not.  The Ally network is framed in this way in order to create a safe space for individuals who do not identity publicly as LGBTI to join the network and/or seek support without worrying it might label them immediately as LGBTI.

Allies are encouraged to develop links with the Ally network, including participating in follow up training.

The training will be delivered at ANU by Pride in Diversity http://www.prideindiversity.com.au/