LGBTQIASB+ Inclusion + Support

UNEMSA is committed to embracing diversity and eliminating all forms of discrimination in medical and tertiary education. We welcome all people irrespective of ethnicity, lifestyle choice, faith, sexual orientation and gender identity, and celebrate diversity, individuality, and equality.

UNEMSA is a proud member of ACON’s Welcome Here Project, and the med common room is a designated safe space at the university for all LGBTQ+ people.

We support ACON’s IDAHOBIT and Wear It Purple Days each year. To find out more about our pride initiatives, please contact our Wellbeing Officer.

LGBTQ+ Support Resources

There are a number of LGBTQ+ support services available both nationwide and specifically to residents of NSW.

  • ACON is a global leader in community health, inclusion and HIV responses for people of diverse sexualities and genders.

  • Minus18 provides peer support, runs events, and provides resources for LGBTQ+ youth.

  • Twenty10 incorporating GLCS NSW works with people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and gender diverse, intersex, questioning, queer, asexual and more, LGBTIQA+ people and others of diverse genders and sexualities, their families and communities.

  • QLife provides Australia-wide anonymous, LGBTI peer support and referral for people wanting to talk about a range of issues including sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships.

Queer amsa

AMSA Queer advocates for accessible healthcare services for Queer students and communities and produces resources and webinars to better equip medical students to serve Queer patients. AMSA Queer also manages the AMSA Queer Network, which is the largest network of Queer medical students in Australia.

Every year the AMSA Queer (QAMSA) community grows and takes on new and diverse challenges. QAMSA is heavily involved in the representation and advocacy of Queer students. With the continuation of its own Pride Month celebration, it aims to educate all medical students on a range of Queer health issues. QAMSA also manages the AMSA Queer Leaders Facebook group which trains and up-skills Queer Leaders across medical schools.

QAMSA’s private Facebook group provides a safe space for LGBTQIA+ medical students to connect, find community and solidarity, and discuss issues of particular interest to the Queer community. The page is accessible to LGBTQIA+ identifying medical students. To join the Facebook group, simply email the team at queer@amsa.org.au or request to join here @AMSA Queer Network.

Instagram: @amsaqueer

Click here for educational resources promoting LGBTQIA+ equity + creating safe spaces in clinical practice by QAMSA and Wavelength Med.

UNE ALLY

Established in 2022, the UNE Ally Network is a group of staff and students who are committed to making the University of New England a welcoming and inclusive environment for members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

The Network is open to all current staff and students of UNE and is run by the UNE Ally Network Committee.

When you are in Armidale, come and visit our Queer Space! You can find it on the lower level of Dixson Library. The UNE Queer Space is a safe and open area that is for everyone to use.

“What is an Ally?

Being an Ally means:

  • Supporting equal rights for everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender, sex characteristics, race, nationality, ethnicity, neurodiversity, impairments, religious belief / non-belief, and many other marginalised identities.

  • Doing what you can to call out discrimination and fight for equality.

  • Trying to make the world a better place for anyone who identifies as LGBTQIA+.”

UNE Ally Network not only offers an amazing community, but they also offer free UNE Ally Network Training! This will be available when you register with the group. You will get a certificate too (great for CVs!). 

Joining the Network

To join the Ally Network, new members need to send an email to allynetwork@une.edu.au with the following information:

Counselling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

The UNE CAPS team are professionally qualified and registered psychologists, who offer support no matter the stage of your student journey.

We know study does not happen in a bubble and things like personal concerns, money matters, mental health, managing relationships, stress or adjustment issues can impact your ability to be focused, motivated or organised. We have a number of appointments available for you (note: for free!) to reach out and connect with a member of our team and we can support you with your current needs and move you closer to your study goals. You can become the student you want to be!

Additional LGBTQIA+ resources: 

https://www.une.edu.au/current-students/support/student-support/une-wellness-centre/mental-health-resources/lgbtqia-resources