News
'Return to Self': A gender affirmation learning resource
The University just launched ‘Return to Self’, a 38-minute video and podcast series, to help everyone feel more confident supporting trans colleagues and students.
Centring on the stories and insights of three trans people, ‘Return to Self’ unpacks what gender affirmation is and why it matters, offering practical guidance without judgement. Fae, Cam, and Nora bring the concepts to life in thoughtful and relatable ways.
The resource brings humanity, nuance, and clarity to the topic – so trans people can be better supported in the workplace, the classroom, and our lives.
‘Return to Self’ works as a standalone self-paced resource for individuals, or as the foundation for optional in-person sessions tailored to the needs of specific teams.
It is designed to suit different learning preferences; you can choose to watch the videos, listen to the podcast episodes, or simply read the transcript.
At its heart, it encourages us all to create an environment where people can get on with the work and study they want to do, and the lives they deserve to live.
Disability Inclusion
We are all shaped by a variety of experiences and identities (for example, gender, sexual orientation, ethnic or cultural background, migration history, faith etc.). The term intersectionality means “recognising how these can overlap or interconnect and, in some instances, contribute to complex forms of discrimination or disadvantage” (ARCSHS). Many people inside the LGBTQIA+ community also face stigma and discrimination based on disability, and this is compounded by gender, ethnic or cultural background, migration history and visa status.
The University of Melbourne has recently launched a new Disability Resource Hub:
- Services and supports for students and staff with disability or caring responsibilties
- Information for allies wanting to learn more to support students and staff
Learn more about intersectionality from Kimberlé Crenshaw ( TED Talk)
ARCHS: LGBTQA+ people with disability report from the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society at La Trobe University.
IDAHOBIT on 17 May 2026
May 17 marks the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT). IDAHOBIT started on May 17 1990 when the World Health Organisation removed homosexuality from the Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems. It is a day to draw attention to the ongoing discrimination that LGBTQIA+ communities face as well as celebrate the enduring resilience and strength of the community.
IDAHOBIT is still important in 2026. The 2024 AWEI survey found that LGBTQIA+ people are less likely to be out at work now compared to in 2022, with only 38% of those surveyed fully 'out' at work.
Each year for IDAHOBIT, the University celebrates with Progress Pride Flag installations across our campuses. Have a look around your campus next week!
We encourage allies to make their support visible this IDAHOBIT. Some small but practical actions you could take to help LGBTQIA+ people feel safe and welcome in your work area or classroom include wearing a rainbow lanyard and pronoun pin (email us if you need one!), adding your pronouns to your email signature, and mentioning IDAHOBIT and other LGBTQIA+ days of significance at the start of your lectures, tutes or meetings.
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