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Sexual and gender diversity

Employee resources Working at Flinders Equal opportunity and diversity Sexual and gender diversity

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      • Sexual discrimination

Universities have a key role to play in promoting cultural diversity among their staff and students. One dimension of 'culture' is sexual identity. 

Other dimensions of culture include gender, religion, disability, age, and ethnicity. Acknowledging and affirming the sexual and gender diversity of the Flinders' community requires in part an understanding of issues impacting on people who do not identify as heterosexual.

These web pages are intended to serve as a resource of information about sexual and gender diversity for staff and students at Flinders University.

Pride Network

The Pride Network is an initiative designed to enhance University culture by creating a more welcoming and inclusive environment for members of the Flinders community who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer (LGBTIQ).

Learn more about the Pride Network

Creating inclusive environments

Universities have a key role to play in promoting the cultural diversity among their staff and students. The following information aims to provide both staff and students with suggestions on how to create a study and work environment that supports and affirms the sexual diversity of the Flinders community.

General points for reflection
  • Sexuality is one of many facets that make up a persons identity.
  • Assume that approximately 10% of the people you work and study with identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transsexual, transgender, intersex, questioning and queer and others will have family and friends who identify as such.
  • When a sexually diverse person expresses an interest in developing a friendship with you do not assume they are making an advance towards you.
  • Be aware of the verbal and non-verbal messages you give out about your acceptance and affirmation of diverse sexual and gender identities. 
  • Reflect on any stereotypical attitudes you may hold in relation to diverse sexualities and do not allow them to cloud your professional judgement or workplace decisions. 
  • Recognise the diversity of family structures and relationships that exist in society. Not all families comprise of a heterosexual couple and children. Likewise, not all relationships are exclusively heterosexual. 
  • Sexual orientation is distinct from gender identity. 
  • Behaviour that offends, humiliates and creates a hostile environment may constitute harassment and is grounds for disciplinary action. 
  • When you observe homophobic behaviour or hear homophobic jokes or remarks, challenge them.
  • All staff and students have a responsibility for creating a study and work environment that is free from harassment and discrimination.
Strategies for inclusive tutorials
  • Familiarise yourself about issues that impact on sexually diverse students.
  • Reflect on your own verbal and non-verbal signals you communicate about your level of acceptance and affirmation of sexually diverse people. 
References and further resources
  • Gay and Lesbian Health Victoria
  • Shine SA
  • Ministerial Advisory Committee on Gay and Lesbian Health (2003) Health and Sexual Diversity: A Health and Wellbeing Action plan for GLBTI Victorians

Words and language

The following list of words aims to provide a starting point for a developed understanding of some commonly used terms related to diverse genders, sexes and sexualities. There are sensitivities and political issues associated with the meanings of some terms both within and outside the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer and questioning communities, so the list is not definitive. 

List of words

Bisexual 
A person who is romantically and/or sexually attracted to people of more than one sex (but not necessarily equally attracted to each). It is an umbrella term that people may use to describe a diverse array of sexualities.

Cisgender person
Someone whose personal and gender identity corresponds with the gender they were assigned at birth.

Closeted
Hiding one’s sexuality from others.

Coming out
The process through which a person comes to recognise and acknowledge their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Fluid 
Acknowledgement that sexual identity, attractions and behaviours are often fluid - shifting and changing over time and experience. The same is true for gender.

Gay 
A person who is romantically and/or sexually attracted to a member of the same sex. The term is most commonly applied to men. 

Gender
Refers to range of characteristics that pertain to and are used to differentiate between masculinity and femininity, resulting in assigned ‘roles’ based on societal assumptions and expectations. Often this is first assigned at birth and stems from assumptions regarding biological sex, gender identity and social structures.

Gender assigned at birth
The categories that people are divided into based upon their biological and reproductive organs, hormone expression and chromosomal composition at birth. In humans, the biological definition of a male includes the presence of XY chromosomes, higher levels of testosterone, a penis and testes. In females, this is the presence of XX chromosomes, higher levels of estrogen, a vagina, a uterus and ovaries. For intersex people, they possess a reproductive or sexual anatomy that do not fit these typical definitions and is something that they are born with.

Gender diverse
A term used to describe someone whose gender identity does not correspond with the gender traditionally associated with their sex.

Gender expression
Gender expression includes all the ways a person communicates their gender based on societal factors such as gender norms and perceptions. These can be anything from clothes, make-up, language, behaviour and traditions. Gender expression is how a person outwardly shows their gender identity. It includes physical expressions such as a person’s clothing, hairstyle, makeup, and social expressions such as name and pronoun choice. Some examples of gender expression are masculine, feminine, and androgynous. Some people have the same gender expression all the time, while others may change their expression over time or based on circumstances. Some play with gender expression for theatrical purposes, or ‘drag’, and people can choose to express their gender identity in difference ways at different times. It can be psychologically distressing for some people who do not feel safe or comfortable expressing their gender identity.

Gender Neutral
The avoidance of distinguishing roles or language that is a reference to a specific gender or sex, therefore avoiding discrimination based on the social perception of gender. Language of this nature instead refers to people in general.

Homophobia
Homophobic bullying can include physical violence, name calling, ‘jokes’, sexual harassment or online bullying. Bullying on the basis of sexuality is a common experience for young people who are same sex attracted or for those who may not behave according to gender stereotypes.

Homosexual
A clinical term used to define a person who is emotionally, physically, and/or sexually attracted to people of the same sex.

Intersex
Someone that possesses a reproductive or sexual anatomy that does not fit the typical definitions of male or female based on the understanding of biological sex. Examples include possessing chromosomal variation such as ‘X’ or ‘XXY’ or a hormone insensitivity. This can be manifested as external or internal physical differences and identified at birth or later in life.

Lesbian
A woman who is primarily romantically and/or sexually attracted to women.

LGBTQIA+
Is an umbrella acronym for the array of identities that may be associated together. The acronym components are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and the “+” represents all the many other identities that exist beyond those listed.

Outed
Having one’s sexual orientation made public against one’s will. This is risky and may cause much harm to the person.

Pansexual (from the Greek 'Pan' meaning 'all') 
Recognising the potential of sexual attraction to all people, regardless of gender or sexuality.

Queer
Queer is an umbrella term which describes sexual and gender minorities. This means anyone who is not heterosexual and/or cisgender e.g. non-binary, genderfluid, agender, bisexual, pansexual.

Queer Affirming
Many organisations claim to be tolerant or inclusive of queer people. Queer Affirming goes beyond this - it means they will actively affirm and support their identity (supporting their identity and the challenges they face) as opposed to tolerating and accepting it.

Questioning
A term to describe those unsure of their sexual orientation/gender identity and/or asking questions about sexuality and gender.

Same-sex attraction
Attraction towards people of one’s own gender.

Sex
The categories that people are divided into based upon their biological and reproductive organs, hormone expression and chromosomal composition at birth. In humans, the biological definition of a male includes the presence of XY chromosomes, higher levels of testosterone, a penis and testes. In females, this is the presence of XX chromosomes, higher levels of estrogen, a vagina, a uterus and ovaries. For intersex people, they possess a reproductive or sexual anatomy that do not fit these typical definitions and is something that they are born with. 

Sexual orientation
The gender identity you are attracted to.

Sexuality
The term can mean actual sexual experience, sexual desire or self-identity. The three are not necessarily consistent with each other. 
For example, a person’s sexual behaviour may not necessarily represent their sexual orientation. 

Straight
A colloquial term used to describe people who are solely attracted to the opposite sex.

Transgender
A transgender individual is someone that does not correlate their gender identity with that which they were assigned at birth. Being transgender does not correlate with just those that identify as men or women, but also those that do not have a binary gender.

Transphobia
Transphobia is the fear, hatred, disbelief, or mistrust of people who are transgender, thought to be transgender, or whose gender expression does not conform to traditional gender roles. Transphobia can prevent transgender and gender nonconforming people from living full lives free from harm. Transphobia can take many different forms, including negative attitudes and beliefs, aversion to and prejudice against transgender people, irrational fear and misunderstanding, disbelief or discounting preferred pronouns or gender identity, derogatory language and name-calling, bullying, abuse, and even violence.

Educational resources

External resources

Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society (ARCSHS)
An independent research unit within the Health Science Faculty at La Trobe University which encourages and fosters research into all aspects of homosexuality, sexual attitudes and behaviours, gender and any issues related to or of relevance to the lesbian and gay community.

Gaylawnet
Provides general information, news and resources concerning law as it affects the global gay, lesbian, bisexual, transsexual and intersex community.

Health in Difference 5 Conference Proceedings (Gay and Lesbian Health Victoria)
Conference proceedings from the National GLBTI Health Conference hosted by ARCSHS held in January 2005.

Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission: Gaymen & Lesbians
Provides information on issues impacting on gay and lesbian people in Australia.

Mapping Homophobia in Australia (M Flood & C Hamilton (2005))
This study identifies and examines the extent of homophobia in Australia using self-completion interviews with 24,718 respondents aged 14 years and over.

Not Yet Equal: Report of the VGLRL Same Sex Relationships Survey (R McNair, N Thomacos(2005)) 
A report documenting the experiences of people in same-sex relationships within the GLBTTIQQ communities in Victoria. Highlights areas in which same-sex couples have yet to reach full social inclusion.

Rainbow Report: Perspectives on Sexuality at The University of Western Australia (2002)
A report on the attitudes held by students at the University of Western Australia towards GLBTI people.

The Rainbow Owl 
Offering a wide-range of resources to support transgender and gender-diverse young people and children. Created as part of a broader project by Flinders researchers, Clare Bartholomaeus and Damien Riggs, this site offers a broad variety of information for teachers, parents and family members, mental health professionals, and young people themselves, including research, videos, books and useful links elsewhere on the web.

Straight Talk about Queer Issues (A Goody & J De Vries (2001))
This paper explores the climate for GLBTI people in the workplace and describes two projects that aim to make the University of Western Australia a more positive work and study experience for GLBT people.

Writing Themselves in Again 6 Years On (ARCSHS)
The 2nd National Report on the sexual health and well being of same-sex attracted young people in Australia.

Academic research by staff about sexual and gender identities

(Higher degree thesis or peer reviewed publications)

Naming the Unmentionable: Lesbian Domestic Violence
Ms Jan Thompson (1997)
MA Thesis (unpublished - available Adelaide University Library)
 

Pronouncing the Silent B (in GLBTTIQ) 
Dr Mary Heath (2005)
Gay and Lesbian Issues and Psychology Review Vol 1 No 3 (1) 

  • Pronouncing the Silent 'B'
     

Intersex Children and Genital Surgery, Honours Thesis 
Mr Paul Marks (2000) 
(unpublished - available Flinders University Library)


Lesbian zest: tips on how to survive and flourish and Thriving as a bisexual or queer woman: tips on how to flourish.
Dr Ea Mulligan and Dr Mary Heath (2007)
Findings from an interview-based research project investigating bi-sexual and lesbian women's strategies for achieving well-being initially focussing on welfare and community participation.

  • Lesbian zest: tips on how to survive and flourish
  • Thriving as a bisexual or queer woman: tips on how to flourish
     

If you are an academic staff member at Flinders and have published material on sexual and gender identities or have written a thesis in this area, please let us know if you would like it placed here by sending an email to equal.opportunity@flinders.edu.au.

Academic staff available to guest lecture on sexual and gender identity

Dr Mary Heath
Director of Law/ Associate Dean (Students)

  • Homophobic hate crimes
  • The well-being of bi-sexual and lesbian women

Mr Paul Marks
Director of Legal Studies

  • Transsexual jurisprudence
  • Queer Theory
  • Same-Sex Marriage
  • The Medical Response to Children with Intersex Conditions.
  • Dr Shannon Dowling (Australian Studies lecturer)

Dr Damien Riggs
School of Social Work

  • Heteronormativity and the Health Sciences
  • LGBT Mental Health
  • LGBT Parenting and Families
  • Foster Care and Lesbians and Gay Men


Sexual identities

If you are an academic staff member at Flinders and available to guest lecture on sexual and gender identities, please let us know sending an email to equal.opportunity@flinders.edu.au.

Information, resources and support

On-campus services and support

ALLY Network
A network of Flinders staff and students who understand and are familiar with sexuality issues. Members on the ALLY Network provide information and support to people who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transsexual, transgender, intersex and questioning queer and to people wanting to know more about these issues.

Queer Officer: Student Council
The sexuality officer supports and promotes sexual diversity on campus by providing information in regards to sexuality issues and acts as an advocate for students experiencing harassment or discrimination on the basis of their sexuality and/or gender identity. The Queer Officer can be contacted by email on queer.officer@flinders.edu.au.

Queer Society
Queer Society is run through Clubs and Societies and provides queer students with social activities in an open and safe environment. Examples of events organised by Queer Society include queer bowling, movie nights, and inter-uni social nights. 

Queer Space
Queer space is an autonomous space for queer identifying students on campus. It is located on level one in the Hub and provides a safe and friendly place for all queer students to be themselves, relax and feel safe. Queer space is open weekdays 9am-5pm and has a range of facilities including a computer with word processing and internet capabilities, an internal phone, a microwave, tea and coffee and a fridge. 

Health, Counselling and Disability Service
A free and confidential counselling service for Flinders' students which is LGBTIQ+ friendly.

Equal Opportunity and Diversity
Flinders University has in place grievance procedures for complaints of harassment and discrimination on the basis of sexuality. If you feel that you have been harassed or discriminated against, contact an Equal Opportunity Contact Officer.

Off-campus services and support - South Australia

Bfriend
A free and confidential service of Uniting Care Wesley Adelaide providing support to men and women of all ages who are newly identifying as being same sex attracted or people that are questioning their gender identity.

Gay and Lesbian Immigration Task Force SA Inc
Support group for LGBTIQ+ people with immigration problems especially regarding partner immigration to Australia.

MensLine Australia 
Provides counselling support by telephone or online.

Southern Women’s Community Health Centre
This regional women’s health service of the Noarlunga Health Services provides a comprehensive support service for lesbian, bisexual and transgender women. Telephone: 8444 0700.

Parents Supporting Parents and Friends of Lesbian and Gays (PSPFlag SA)
A South Australian based support group for parents and their sons and daughters who are gay, lesbian or bisexual.

SA Transsexual Support
Support group for transsexual people who have or are about to permanently change their gender roles. Also provides trans information for the community.

Shine SA
A non-government organisation providing a range of services on sexual health to the South Australian community. It is a GLBTTIQQ friendly organisation with healthcare teams based at Morphett Vale, Smithfield and Kensington.

Off-campus services and support - National

Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (AIS) Support Group
A peer support, information and advocacy group for people affected by AIS and/or related intersex conditions and their families.

Australian Bi Sexual Network
A national network for bisexual women, bi transgenders, bisexual men, partners and friends of Bi people and bi-friendly groups and services.

Deaf Queer Resource Centre
A national non-profit resource and information centre for, by and about the deaf lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transexual, intersex and questioning communities.

DocLIST
A free service listing health professionals recommended by lesbian and bisexual women (run by the Australian Lesbian Medical Association).

FTM Australia Network
An Australian based network providing contact, support and up to date information to men identified female at birth, their partners, family, supporters and service providers.

Intersex Human Rights Australia
An organisation seeking to improve the standards of living of people with intersex conditions.

Online magazines and newspapers

LOTL
Australian-based media development and events company producing lesbian lifestyle magazine.

Sydney Star Observer
A Sydney-based weekly gay and lesbian community newspaper. 

Festivals and celebrations

Feast
Adelaide’s annual LGBTIQ+ arts festival held in October/November each year.

Pride Week
An annual festival of events celebrating, empowering and supporting diverse sexual and gender identities. For further information, contact the Queer Officer, at queer.officer@flinders.edu.au.

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras
An annual parade and pride festival held each year in Sydney.

Culture and recreation

Queer Screen
A non-profit community organisation whose main aim is to celebrate and promote Australian and International queer screen.

Team Adelaide Inc
Promotes gay and lesbian sport in South Australia. Provides tennis, tenpin bowling, squash, movie nights, annual cabaret and co-ordinate teams for Gay Games and Australian Gaymes.

Lobby groups

Equality Campaign 
Supporting LGBTIQ+ rights

Sexual diversity posters

These posters were produced by members of the Flinders University Community to raise awareness of sexual diversity that exists on campus.

  • ALLY Poster
  • Equal Opportunity poster 1
  • Equal Opportunity poster 2
  • Equal Opportunity poster 3

Need help?

Do you need support in relation to a complaint of discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment or bullying? 

(08) 8201 9001

equal.opportunity@flinders.edu.au

EO Contact Officers

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Sturt Rd, Bedford Park
South Australia 5042

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Last Updated: 01 Dec 2022
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