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.<\/p>\n
Campus director Dr Julie Rudner said the week allows for members of the LGBTQIA+ community to see themselves represented.<\/p>\n
The campus held an open day on Sunday, and Dr Rudner said queer students are now more likely stay in regional areas than previously.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn the past, kids would\u2019ve left the regional areas to go to the big city because that\u2019s where it was safest and best for their own personal development and identity,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut now the way things have changed means people don\u2019t 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
LGBTQI+ counsellor at La Trobe, Chris Butler, said pride week events are key for younger people who may be just discovering their sexuality.<\/p>\n
\u201cHaving these sorts of celebrations where you can come to something and be yourself is really important,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople who come to uni are usually a younger age or they\u2019ve just come from high school and they\u2019re often exploring who they are and who their identity is.<\/p>\n
\u201cPride celebrations are one of the ways that people who are discovering their queerness can explore that in a safe and celebratory environment.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr Butler said as queer counsellor on campus, students don\u2019t have to spend time educating him on their problems.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m here because students can come to me, and they don\u2019t have to explain themselves,\u201d he said. \u201cThey can come to me and say I identify as whatever, here\u2019s my problem, let\u2019s do the counselling.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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 […]<\/p>\n