Sexuality and Gender Diversity (LGBTIQ+) at UOW - University of Wollongong

UOW’s values of mutual respect and diversity underpin our commitment to providing an equitable and safe workplace for all.

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 a number of support services and initiatives.

Letters UOW on a backdrop of rainbow coloursa

LGBTQIA+ students and staff support services and initiatives

Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI)
Gender Affirmation at UOW
Sexuality and Gender Diverse Action Plan
The Welcome Here Project
UOW Pride Network (formerly Ally Network)

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.

More about AWEI at UOW

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.

The Sexuality and Gender Diverse (LGBTIQ+) Action Plan was developed to outline actions that UOW will take to support equal opportunity for staff and students of diverse sexualities and genders. UOW recognises and celebrates the intersectional identities of our LGBTIQ+ community and the value this diversity brings to our work, research, and learning environments. We are committed to fostering an inclusive culture where all individuals feel seen, supported, and able to thrive, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation.

The below goals align with the UOW Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategic Commitment and with the Equity Diversity and Inclusion Policy.

Access the plan

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.

Welcome Here locations at UOW

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.