University celebrates rainbow community

LA Trobe University staff and students marked pride week recently with a special flag raising ceremony and events celebrating the diversity and inclusivity of the campus.

Campus director Dr Julie Rudner said the week allows for members of the LGBTQIA+ community to see themselves represented.

The campus held an open day on Sunday, and Dr Rudner said queer students are now more likely stay in regional areas than previously.

“In the past, kids would’ve left the regional areas to go to the big city because that’s where it was safest and best for their own personal development and identity,” she said.

“But now the way things have changed means people don’t have to go to the big city anymore, they can stay in a regional community and still get all the benefits it offers, as well as be out and proud.”

Pride Week featured live music, a queer cinema pop up, and Trans and Gender Diverse Bendigo and Beyond clothing swap, free food and a photo wall.

LGBTQI+ counsellor at La Trobe, Chris Butler, said pride week events are key for younger people who may be just discovering their sexuality.

“Having these sorts of celebrations where you can come to something and be yourself is really important,” he said.

“People who come to uni are usually a younger age or they’ve just come from high school and they’re often exploring who they are and who their identity is.

“Pride celebrations are one of the ways that people who are discovering their queerness can explore that in a safe and celebratory environment.”

Mr Butler said as queer counsellor on campus, students don’t have to spend time educating him on their problems.

“I’m here because students can come to me, and they don’t have to explain themselves,” he said. “They can come to me and say I identify as whatever, here’s my problem, let’s do the counselling.”