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/questioning, asexual, as well as other expressions of gender, sex, sexuality, and identity (LGBTQIA+).

Why have a Pride Network at Flinders?

Recent Australian research and anecdotal evidence shows that prejudicial behaviours based on sexuality frequently occur in schools and tertiary institutions, including Flinders University. This is despite the existence of anti-discrimination legislation and policies. The visible presence of Pride Network on campus goes some way in creating a safer and more welcoming environment for both new and current members of the Flinders community who do not identify as heterosexual by:

Proactively addressing prejudicial behaviours and language.
Providing a safe place for people to talk about issues related to sexuality and/or gender identity.
Educating people about issues related to sexuality and/or gender identity .

Pride Committee

The Pride Committee comprises staff and students who are knowledgeable in, receptive to and understanding of LGBTQIA+ issues.

The Pride Committee was established to be advocates for LGBTQIA+ matters, obtain feedback from relevant members, and to advise the Vice-Chancellor and University on key equity and social issues facing the Flinders LGBTQIA+ community.

Expression of Interest now open!

We are taking Expressions of Interest for general Committee Members, Co-Chair, and Co-Secretary.

The EOI will remain open until Friday 6 December 2024. Nominate here today!

Pride Committee Terms of Reference

Pride Committee Roles and Responsibilities

What is the Pride Network?

The Pride Network comprises staff and students who are knowledgeable in, receptive to and understanding of LGBTQIA+ issues.

Pride Network members provide a safe place to talk for members of the Flinders community who seek support in a confidential environment.

They act as a contact point for staff or students and are able to discuss LGBTQIA+ issues in essays, curriculum, finding information, resources, support, coming out and other life issues.

Pride Network members are representative of the entire Flinders community and are therefore not identified on the basis of their sexuality.

What a Pride Network member is not

A Pride Network member 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

What to expect from a Pride Network member

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

Expectations of Pride Network members

Completion of essential training
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

Becoming a Pride Network member

Because most people grow up in a world that is predominantly heterosexual, our beliefs, attitudes and behaviours are often shaped by this, with assumptions made and entrenched in our culture. However, this ‘one size fits all’ model does not necessarily accommodate LGBTQIA+ people. The process of alliance to LGBTQIA+ people and LGBTQIA+ issues can take time. For this reason, awareness training and information sessions that examine heterosexist assumptions are an essential part of becoming a Pride Network Member.

All Pride Network members need to take part in training. Undertaking the training does not necessarily lead to having your details as a contact on the webpage and you may decide the role is not one you feel comfortable with.

If you are interested in becoming a Pride Network member, please contact the Pride Network committee.

Contact Pride Network committee