UOW’s values of mutual respect and diversity underpin our commitment to providing an equitable and safe workplace for all.
Sexuality and Gender Diversity (LGBTIQ+) at UOW
The University of Wollongong (UOW) supports and celebrates sexual and gender diversity. UOW is a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all members of our LGBTIQ+ community. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where LGBTIQ+ students and staff can flourish.
UOW's values of mutual respect and diversity underpin our commitment to providing an equitable and safe workplace and study environment. Harassment, sexual harassment, bullying, discrimination, or any harmful behaviour impacting our LGBTIQ+ staff and students is not acceptable in the UOW community.
We recognise and celebrate the rich intersectional diversity of our employees and students at the University of Wollongong, including our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer and otherwise sexuality and/or gender diverse (LGBTIQ+) staff. The more diverse perspectives, identities, and experience of our staff and students, the better our working environment, research, and educational experience of our students.
We celebrate and support our LGBTQIA+ students and staff through support services and initiatives, including:
- UOW Pride Network (formerly Ally Network)
- Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI)
- Gender Affirmation at UOW
- The Welcome Here Project
The UOW Pride Network is dedicated to providing a safe and respectful environment for people to raise issues, ask questions and share information within the gender, sex and sexuality diverse community. See more information on the intranet or UOW Pride Network website.
In 2023, the university achieved Bronze Accreditation from the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) for the 5th time, for its commitment to gender, sex and sexuality diversity. The University has been recognised for its strong policies and practices surrounding diversity and inclusion, specifically in relation to gender, sex and sexuality diversity activities and initiatives undertaken during 2022/23.
The AWEI now stands as the definitive national benchmark on gender, sex and sexuality diversity workplace inclusion and comprises the largest and only national employee survey designed to gauge the overall impact of inclusion initiatives on organisational culture. The Index drives best practice in Australia and sets a comparative benchmark for Australian employers across all sectors.
UOW continues its efforts to provide a workplace that is free from discrimination and harassment, where all staff and students can be their authentic selves.
The below resources provide guidance and information on affirming your gender at the University of Wollongong. Information is for both those affirming their gender and for the staff who support them such as managers, People & Culture staff and work teams.
As gender affirmation looks different to every person, these resources have been designed to provide general guidance and can be built out to create a plan that works best for the individual affirming their gender.
Previously known as The Safe Place Project, the Welcome Here Project started in 1998 in response to high levels of street-based violence directed at gender, sex and sexuality diverse people. Local businesses signed up to become a "Safe Pace" by putting a sticker in their shop front to let gender, sex and sexuality diverse community members know they could seek refuge if they were under the threat of violence.
