May 8, 2014

A splash of rainbow paints a picture of diversity at UOW

Charlie Chaplin once claimed you’ll never find a rainbow if you’re looking down, but that logic was defied today (Thursday 8 May) as UOW students and staff came together to paint a rainbow crossing outside the library in support of same-sex relationships.

The original rainbow crossing on Sydney’s Oxford Street marked the celebration of the 35th Mardi Gras in 2013, but when it was removed, DIY rainbow crossings started popping up around the globe – from Canberra to Kenya.

This is the second year in a row that UOW’s Ally Network, which supports students and staff identifying as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, transsexual or intersex (GLBTI), has taken to the pavement with chalk.

“Last year was a bit of a phenomenon. It was a movement that swept the state and even further afield. It meant something to people, so we created our own and this year we are doing it again,” Acting Director of UOW’s Employment Equity & Diversity Unit, Ms Julie Croft, said.

Ms Croft said the message was simple: respect for diversity.

“The rainbow represents pride, equality in marriage and last year’s message that love equals love. If you identify with a minority group or not, we are all the same.

“The message we are trying to spread is that whatever colour you are in the rainbow, there is a place for you, and together we look beautiful,” Ms Croft said.

Jack Breen, who graduated from UOW with a Bachelor of Commerce in 2012 and now works as UOW’s Digital Marketing Officer, was among those who created the five metre rainbow.

“It’s great to see the University’s GLBTI students, staff and their allies coming together in a public demonstration of support. It shows that the culture here is not only inclusive, but also supportive and encouraging of students and staff celebrating their own identities.”

“As a student I found UOW to be overwhelmingly inclusive, supportive and open minded around most issues. Now, as a staff member, I have had a similar feeling.

“That’s what is great about universities; they are all about challenging prejudice and being on the forefront of social change.”

Ms Croft said she hoped the rainbow would serve as a reminder that diversity is positive, even essential, to progress.

“I think people recognise the value of diversity and if the success of the international campaign for marriage equality shows us anything, it’s that most of us value equality.”