Queer at TUSA
As a queer student, sometimes it is a bit hard to find your way on campus and navigate UTAS’s online environment. Here’s the page to help you through this maze, with info on the communities you’ll want to join, the people you can come to with concerns and questions, and a Frequently Asked Questions section answering any other questions you may have.
Queer Societies and Communities at UTAS
Pride Society of TUSA
This is the only queer-specific student society at uni, for all your rainbow events and advocacy.
Queers in Science
A more informal community group for all queer students and professionals who work in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine). Join the Tasmanian Chapter of Queers in Science Facebook Group here.
Queer Health and Medical Students
An informal group led by the Tasmanian University Medical Student Society (TUMSS) Queer Representative, open to all queer health students in any discipline. We hold monthly coffee catchups in Hobart, Launceston and Burnie, and subsidise coffees for participants!
Queer Housing Tasmania
A place for LGBTQI+ folk to safely find homes. If you have a room you need filled in an existing share house then you can post it here. If you’re looking for a place to stay/people to team up with to make a share house of your own, you can advertise here. This is a safe place for anyone who identifies as part of the LGBTQI+ community.
Queer Specific Contacts, who can support me?
Ally Network
The Ally Network is the official university network that trains people on how to be LGBTQIA+ allies. They are in place to a safe, nurturing, inclusive, and affirming University environment.
The Network is currently under review and very silent, so you may not see much of them. If you face discrimination or bullying, please contact the University’s Safe and Fair Community Unit.
The Ally Network Governance Committee
The University of Tasmania Ally Network Governance Committee will play a key role in the advancement of the University’s Ally Network through the development and implementation of its objectives. The Committee will operate within the broader context of the University’s Behaviour Policy and Inclusion, Diversity and Equity principles. The TUSA Equity President sits on this committee, so if you want to get in contact, reach out to Veda Surapaneni.
LGBTQIA+ Student Working Group
This group is composed of a diverse range of staff and students at UTAS. The purpose of the group is to organise events for queer days of visibility, and ensure student voices are heard. The TUSA Equity President sits on this committee, so if you want to get in contact, reach out to Veda Surapaneni.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I change my gender / first name / last name at UTAS?
Currently, the process can be initiated by contacting UConnect From there UConnect will guide you through the process. You should not have to present an official change of name certificate immediately, as long as a Statutory Declaration is presented. However, UTAS will ask for a change of name certificate after a certain negotiated time frame. If further documents are needed, or you are concerned with the process, feel free to contact any of the people listed above.
Below are some links with further information:
How do I change my personal details?
How can I update my name to ensure it is correct on my testamur?
I have changed gender. Can I get a new testamur (degree certificate) with my new name on it?
Where are gender neutral bathrooms on campus?
At TUSA we believe that everyone can use the bathroom that fits their gender identity. If you’d like to use all-gendered bathrooms, the maps below show where to find them. All the bathrooms on the Cradle Coast campus are all-gender bathrooms.
Where are the queer spaces on campus?
Each campus has (or will have) a space where queer people and allies are welcome to hang out, study, meet up, play board games, and so on. The spaces can be a bit hard to find if you’re not familiar with campus yet, so here are the directions on how to get there:
We’re currently making a video of where our Queer Spaces are, so keep an eye out!
The queer space in Hobart is in the TUSA building (1 Churchill Ave). Walk through the car park, get in the door (you’ll need your student ID), make your way to the first floor following the signs, and cross the bridge to the other building. When you’re in the student lounge of the TUSA building (great for movie nights – you can book it for free!), take a right and the queer room is right in front of you. No need to book the room, just show up.
Currently, there are no queer spaces in Launceston or Cradle Coast, and we’re working hard to change this.
Are there queer friendly/specific University sports?
UTAS Sport is trying to be more queer-friendly, but sometimes they could use your help. Currently, TUSA is planning a Pride in Sport campaign with UTAS Director of Sport, Donald Knapp.
OutTennis is a queer community of tennis players that meet up every Tuesday from 6-9 and play social tennis. The skill levels range from beginner to advanced, and everyone is welcome! It is not run by UTAS but many UTAS students attend.
The Queer Sporting Alliance offers queer basketball and roller-skating competitions.
What’s on?
[26th September] Cradle Coast Campus Ally Training – Ally Training helps organizations use inclusive, respectful language, and behavior. Working It Out [Working It Out Inc.] offers Ally Training for TUSA staff and students.
International LGBTQIA+ Peer Support Group – LGBTQIA+ advocacy initiative for students coming from culturally different backgrounds. More information coming soon.
Back to Equity Page