What is an Ally?
Allies are staff and students who are knowledgeable in, receptive to and understanding of LGBTIQ issues.
Allies provide a safe place to talk for members of the Flinders community who seek support in a confidential environment.
Allies act as a contact point for staff or students and are able to discuss LGBTIQ issues in essays, curriculum, finding information, resources, support, coming out and other life issues.
Allies are representative of the entire Flinders community and are therefore not identified on the basis of their sexuality.
An Ally is not:
- someone with ready-made answers
- necessarily a counsellor, nor necessarily trained to deal with crisis situations
- necessarily able to provide assistance with the grievance process associated with harassment or discrimination
- An open, accepting attitude
- To be listened to, to be understood and be able to explore the issues
- Confidentiality
- A wide variety of referral avenues both on and off campus
- Completion of essential training and interview process
- Act as a role model for the University in terms of their language and behaviour
- Proactively addressing behaviours considered prejudicial towards sexual diversity
- Knowing when to refer on / seek further assistance
- Attending occasional Ally meetings and information sessions on various issues
Contact an Ally
You can contact an Ally if you want to discuss any of the topics mentioned above. You can identify the office of a staff member who is an Ally by the official Ally sign on their door or desk:
Sturt Rd, Bedford Park
South Australia 5042
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