RELATED:
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
High-profile gay rights activists will advocate for equality in Bendigo this week as part of La Trobe University’s pride celebrations.
Organised by the university’s Rainbow Eagles queer collective, the five-day program coincides with what experts say is unprecedented support for LGBTI people in Bendigo.
Pride week participants will hear from former supreme court judge Michael Kirby, federal Greens senator Janet Rice and footballer Jason Ball.
Dennis Altman, a key figure in Australia’s gay liberation movement, will also deliver an inaugural lecture named in his honour.
La Trobe LGBTI counsellor Lachlan Slade said the guests were renowned for “bridging gaps between the straight and LGBTI communities".
While progress was being made, he noted same-sex marriage was still outlawed in Australia and transgender members of the Bendigo community sometimes “feared for life”.
But he acknowledged more people than ever before were allies of the LGBTI community and for them the focus of pride week would be learning inclusive practices.
Rainbow Eagles secretary and transgender law student Alex Collins described LGBTI-themed week as a chance for her to spread awareness about diversity.
“I’m openly out as transgender and I’ve started to transition, socially and physically, so I feel I’m able to use my knowledge to help others who may not know where to go,” she said.
“I want to be there for people who may be going through tough times in Bendigo – to show solidarity.”
A study of Australian universities’ LGBTI supports last year rated La Trobe as one of the countries’ best, only taking off points when it came to employment support for queer students.
This year’s pride events include a session on employment opportunities for same-sex attracted and gender diverse students.
The campus will hoist the rainbow flag in a show of support for its LGBTI staff and students.
“Everyone has that right to feel at home. Our main aim is for everyone on campus to feel at home,” Mr Slade said.