Flying the flag to show our pride

Flinders University is committed to providing a work and study environment that is characterised by equality, respect and collegiality.

Throughout the month of October, Flinders will be acknowledging LGBTIQ+ History Month. In Australia, the month is celebrated in October to coincide with National Coming Out Day on 11 October.

The pride flag was raised on the flag poles near Registry Building on Friday, 1 October, to kick off Flinders celebrations for the month and serve as a visible acknowledgement of Flinders’ commitment and understanding to sexual and gender diversity within our community.

The stairs next to the Library at Bedford Park are undergoing a facelift

The stairs next to the Library at Bedford Park are undergoing a face lift, and will soon sport the colours of pride to support our commitment to inclusivity and diversity across the University.

The University community is invited to submit suggestions for inclusive words and phrases that will be added to the stairs in early November. If you would like to be involved, you can submit your suggestion here.

The Flinders University pride face mask, with all proceeds from sales going to Flinders Pride Allies.

Pride face masks are also available to purchase through the Flinders Uni Shop, with proceeds from sales going to Flinders Pride Allies. The team has organised a pop-up shop on the ground floor of the Hub for mask collection on Tuesday 19 October, from 11am to 2pm.

Flinders University Student Council Queer Officer, Shanii Sparrow, says that the importance of LGBTQIA+ visibility cannot be understated.

“I grew up with a deaf parent and learned the power and importance of community and visibility at a young age. Visibility is important as it shines a light on marginalised communities and provides them with the opportunity to be seen and heard. It also allows them to create representation for both current and future generations,” says Shanii.

“Throughout history, stories have been passed down that share the details of different cultures, histories and events, but LGBTQIA+ people are often left out of these stories, so for lack of a better word, we’ve always been ‘invisible’.

“This is why Queer visibility is so important. It serves as a reminder not just to ourselves and our peers, but to the rest of the world that we’re here, we’re queer and we’re not going anywhere.”

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