Join us in celebrating LGBTQIA+ inclusion in sport

Campus Life is committed to fostering a safe, fun, and inclusive environment for people with diverse genders and sexual orientations.

In 2019, Campus Life's University Sport became a key partner of the Pride in Sport Program, committing to the further development and enhancement of our sport and recreation programs, services, and activities to foster LGBTQI inclusion.

We recognise the importance of working with various communities within the broader LGBTQIA+ community to ensure that our sport programs and facilities are as safe, fun, and inclusive as possible.

We define success as everyone being able to thrive as their authentic selves

We’re passionate about supporting people to lead happy, healthy, and active lives. Campus Life acknowledges and celebrates diverse genders and sexual orientations. There is a place for you in our sport programs exactly as you are.

Zero tolerance for homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia

Campus Life has a zero tolerance approach to any form of discrimination, bullying, harassment, or vilification of people based on their gender and/or sexual orientation. Homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia are not tolerated within our sport programs, activities and facilities.

The Darlington Statement

We support the Darlington Statement, which was developed in 2017 by the intersex community and organisations across Australia and Aotearoa/New Zealand. It sets out the priorities and calls by the intersex human rights movement across the two countries, under six headings: a preamble, human rights and legal reform; health and wellbeing; peer support; allies; and education, awareness and employment.

We acknowledge the diversity within the intersex community and respect the distinctiveness of the intersex movement.

Support and resources

Below is a list of support services that specialise in providing support to people with diverse genders, sexual orientations and/or people with intersex variations. Note: acronyms used below are representative of what the respective organisation specialises in.

If you require immediate help or medical attention you can contact:

  • On-campus: +61 (2) 9850 9999 (Security)
  • Off-campus: 000 (Emergency Services)
  • After hours support and assistance: 1800 CARE MQ (1800 2273 67) – please note this confidential service is for MQ students only

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis you can contact the following services:

  • Student Wellbeing – please note this confidential service is for MQ students only
    E: wellbeing@mq.edu.au
    T: 1800 CARE MQ (1800 227 367) - this is available 24 hours, 7 days per week
  • Lifeline
    Lifeline provides confidential crisis support that is accessible 24 hours a day. They encourage any person in Australia who is contemplating suicide, experiencing emotional distress, or caring for someone in crisis to call, text or chat.
    T: 13 11 14
    Text: 0477 13 11 14
    Webchat available.
  • 13YARN
    13YARN is a free and confidential crisis support line run by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people that operates 24/7. They provide a culturally safe space for you to yarn about your needs, worries, and concerns.
    T: 13YARN (13 92 76)

The following organisations specialise in providing support for the LGBTQIA+ community:

  • ACON provide confidential fee-based short-term counselling (up to 12 sessions) for LGBTQ+ people seeking support in relation to their mental health and wellbeing.
    T: Call 9206 2000 to make an appointment.
  • QLife provides anonymous and free LGBTI peer support and referrals for people wanting to talk about their sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings, or relationships.
    T: 1800 184 527
    Webchat also available.
  • Twenty10 offers phone support (ages 12-25) between 1 pm – 3 pm weekdays (excluding public holidays). You can leave a message at any time. If you are deaf, or have a hearing or speech impairment, you can contact the service through the National Relay Service.
    T: 02 8594 9555

Here are some other LGBTQIA+ organisations that may be of interest (please note that these organisations do NOT offer phone and/or webchat counselling):

  • Black Rainbow is a national volunteer Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBQTIA+SB social enterprise in the pursuit of positive health and wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer, Asexual, Sistergirl and Brotherboys (LGBQTIA+SB).
  • Blaq Aboriginal Corporation was established as a collective response to the identified need for a strengthened visibility of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTQ+ community. BlaQ is working with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTQ+ community toward a future where all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans, sistergirls, brotherboys, queer and non-binary individuals are valued and safe in all aspects of society.
  • Minus18 is Australia's charity improving the lives of LGBTQIA+ youth. They are leading change, building social inclusion, and advocating for an Australia where all young people are safe, empowered, and surrounded by people that support them.
  • Oceania Rainbow Network are working towards celebrating our sexual diverse gender community in a culture of equality, respect, dignity and pride for the Oceania Rainbow community. Ensuring representative Oceania Rainbow Community structures are inclusive of all Melanesian, Micronesian and Polynesian communities and encouraging of Oceania Rainbow communities participation in decision-making, planning, provision and delivery of services and programs.
  • Sydney Queer Irish supports those who identify as LGBTQI within and connected to the Irish and Irish Australian community in Sydney and NSW.
  • Trikone Australia is a non-profit, volunteer-led social-support organisation for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ+) people of South Asian descent living in Australia.

You can contact the below people/teams for confidential LGBTQIA+ inclusion in sport support/queries.

General sport enquiries:

MQ Pride in Sport Staff Ambassadors:

Our MQ Pride in Sport Staff Ambassadors are passionate about LGBTQIA+ safety and inclusion in sport. If you have questions about our LGBTQIA+ sport inclusion work at Macquarie University, our ambassadors are happy to answer these or refer you to someone who can.

You can contact:

Staff Ally Network at Macquarie University:

The Staff Ally Network at MQ is a network of more than 600 university staff members who are members and/or allies of the LGBTQIA+ community.

  • You can see a full list of LGBTQIA+ Allies from the sport team here.
  • You can also contact the Ally Network Steering Committee if you are an MQ staff member and have questions about the Ally Network: allynetwork.sc@mq.edu.au

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion enquiries (for MQ students and staff):

  • Student Diversity and Inclusion Unit (for MQ students)
    E: respect@mq.edu.au
    T: +61 (2) 9850 6849

Staff Wellbeing – Employee Assistance Program:

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a confidential counselling, coaching and wellbeing service free for all Macquarie University and entity staff and their immediate family members.

Call Benestar on 1300 360 364 or create your BeneHub account to access our EAP services anywhere, anytime.

ID: MAQ
Token: MAQ01

Sport Australia

Pride in Sport

Other resources

Below is a selection of informative and entertaining videos and podcasts made by diverse people about their everyday lived experiences.

Advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers is available via Smart Traveller.

All travellers face risks overseas. Risks can be higher for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTQIA+) people in some destinations. It's your responsibility to get the facts first and take steps to reduce your risks.

If you would like more information, please contact Pride in Sport (ACON) or one of our staff allies.