Sexual and gender diversity

LGBTQIA+ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and gender diverse, intersex, queer and questioning, asexual and aromantic, plus other related identities. There are many alternative acronyms out there, including GLBT, LGBTIQ, LGBTQIA+, LGBTTIQQ2SA or LGBTIH, to name just a few. Sometimes, you’ll see the word Queer used as an umbrella term for these various identities as well.

Since the 1980s, the term ‘queer’ has been reclaimed as a positive self-identifier. This word operates as an umbrella term for diversity within sex, gender, and sexuality by challenging the societal labelling of some people as “acceptable” and others as “unacceptable”.

We use the term queer in LGBTIQA+ as a way of including the constantly evolving set of identities that exist within the diversity of sex, gender, and sexualities across cultures, times, and contexts.

LGBTQIA+ communities are diverse, and each member of the community will have had different experiences. However, members of LGBTQIA+ communities have in common that they do not fit the ‘heteronormative’ model of society (that is, the model in which cisgendered heterosexual people are considered the ‘normal’). Importantly, many members of LGBTQIA+ communities experience intersectional marginalisation, in that they experience overlapping forms of discrimination and marginalisation (for example, they are both LGBTQIA+ and disabled).

Minus18 keep a comprehensive and up-to-date guide to words and definitions in the LGBTQIA+ community. You can see it here: https://www.minus18.org.au/articles/your-guide-to-words-and-definitions-in-the-lgbtqia+-community

Everyone has pronouns that are used when referring to them. Pronouns are how we identify ourselves apart from our name, and how we refer to another person in conversation.

Knowing and using a person’s pronouns demonstrates respect and acknowledges their identity.

 You can find a helpful guide for asking about pronouns and understanding pronouns here: https://www.npr.org/2021/06/02/996319297/gender-identity-pronouns-expression-guide-lgbtq

Flinders University is committed to ensuring that we consistently and correctly use preferred names in all correspondence and communications. Work is underway, in partnership with the Pride Network and FUSA, to review and update systems to meet this commitment. If you encounter a problem, let us know by emailing pride@flinders.edu.au. 

Universities can and should be safe and inclusive places for members of LGBTQIA+ communities. These suggestions can help staff and students to create a study and work environment that supports and affirms our LGBTQIA+ communities.

• Assume that approximately 10% of the people you work and study with are members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and others will have family and friends who are members of the community.
• When you observe homophobic or transphobic behaviour, jokes, or remarks, challenge them.
• Learn and use a person’s name and pronouns
• When you don’t know a person’s pronouns, use ‘they/them’
• All staff and students have a responsibility for creating a study and work environment that is free from harassment and discrimination.
• Behaviour that offends, humiliates and creates a hostile environment may constitute harassment and is grounds for disciplinary action. 

All gender bathrooms are available throughout the Flinders University campus. These bathrooms are co-located with accessibility bathrooms, and there is one in each University building. Each * on this map shows you where each of these bathrooms are located.

Before including questions about sexuality in data collection, consult with the literature and consider the rationale for collecting these data.

When asking about sexuality, avoid the reinforcement of a binary-only model and aim to be as inclusive as possible.

Here is a good example:

How do you describe your sexuality?

• Heterosexual or straight
• Lesbian
• Gay or homosexual
• Bisexual
• Pansexual
• Queer
• I use a different term [open text box]
• Prefer not to answer

Gender is one of the most common pieces of demographic data collected about people. Unfortunately, many of the ways of asking for gender data can be exclusionary, forcing people to answer questions incorrectly or incompletely. By taking the time to carefully consider how you capture gender data, you can be more inclusive and accurate in your data collection.

When capturing gender data, it's important to consider what information you're actually seeking and whether you even need to capture gender data. The key is to make sure the question you ask provides the information you want, and only asks for information you're actually going to use.

The Australian Government Guidelines on the Recognition of Sex and Gender is a good starting place to think about what and how you are asking.

Best practice

The most inclusive option is simply to provide an open-ended space for people to write their gender, just like their name.

What is your gender? ______________________

However, this isn't always practical and providing predetermined options can help people when limited literacy or understanding may be an issue.

If you are providing predetermined responses, it can help to allow for multiple selections. In a digital form this means using checkboxes instead of radio buttons.

And where possible include both the option for self-identification and the ability to opt out of the question. Giving a variety of options, such as those below, allows the person to choose the option(s) that they prefer most.

• Woman
• Man 
• Non-binary / gender diverse
• My gender identity isn't listed. I identify as: [open text box]
• Prefer not to say

Queer Collective 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. 

The Queer Officer supports and promotes sexual diversity on campus by providing information about 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 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.

Flinders University offer a range of health, counselling and disability services provided by professionals with training in working with members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Learn more about these services.

Yungkurrinthi Student Engagement sits within the Office of Indigenous Strategy and Engagement, and offers a range of support services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students:

Learn more about Indigenous student support. 

Flinders University is committed to the safety of all members of the University Community.

As part of this commitment Flinders University offers health, counselling and disability services to those students who have experienced, witnessed, or been told about an incident of sexual harassment or sexual assault.

The Safety on Campus page provides information about the support services available and how to report an incident of sexual harassment or sexual assault.

Learn more about these services.

Flinders University treats the health and wellbeing of employees seriously and offers a range of assistance programs and counselling services. Free, confidential psychological support is available to Flinders staff.

Learn more about this program.

Security officers are available 24 hours a day around campus and can provide safety escorts where needed.

Learn more about security at Flinders.

For information about your legal rights and how to make a complaint about unlawful discrimination (including sexual orientation, gender identity, intersex status), sexual harassment and victimisation you can contact either of the agencies below:

·        SA Office of the Commissioner for Equal Opportunity: https://www.equalopportunity.sa.gov.au/

·        Australian Human Rights Commission: https://humanrights.gov.au/