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LGBTIQA+ Ally Network

ECU's LGBTIQA+ Ally Network brings together like-minded ECU staff to support the University in building an inclusive environment where lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, questioning, asexual, and otherwise sexuality, gender and bodily diverse (LGBTIQA+) people feel safe, supported, and proud to be themselves.

Established in 2008, the Network now has over 150 staff members, and a Leadership Team who coordinate LGBTIQA+ events and initiatives at ECU.

The Network is driven by ECU's strategic commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging, as outlined in the ECU Strategic Plan 2022-2026 and several whole-of-university supporting plans.

Network Member Responsibilities

Ally Network members are expected to:

  • Promote a culture of inclusion and belonging for LGBTIQA+ staff, students, alumni, and members of the wider community
  • Share and elevate the voices and lived experiences of LGBTIQA+ people
  • Embed awareness and knowledge of LGBTIQA+ diversity and inclusion into everyday practice and curriculum at ECU
  • Signal inclusion, acceptance, and celebration of LGBTIQA+ people through visible signs of support such as rainbow lanyards, pins, door signage, and email signatures
  • Challenge homophobia, biphobia, interphobia and transphobia wherever it feels safe and appropriate to do so
  • Engage with Ally Network professional development and opportunities to connect with other Ally Network members and LGBTIQA+ staff
  • Promote LGBTIQA+ events and days of significance within schools and centres and attend events where possible
  • Promote the Ally Network and encourage staff to complete Ally training

Ally Network members (including Leadership Team members) are not responsible for providing:

  • Counselling and personal advice
  • Crisis support
  • Guidance on matters relating to workplace harassment, bullying, and discrimination. This role sits specifically with University Contact Officers (UCOs), confidential contacts who are Ally trained, and specifically equipped to be an alternative (to HR) contact point for complaints and queries.

Leadership Team

The Ally Network Leadership Team consists of Ally Network members who have volunteered for additional responsibility to lead and progress LGBTIQA+ initiatives at ECU on behalf of the Ally Network, and act as a contact point to support ECU staff and students to do the same. The Leadership Team reports to and has one formally recognised position on Pride @ ECU, an LGBTIQA+ advisory subcommittee of the ECU Equity and Diversity Committee.

How to join the Network

ECU staff can join the LGBTIQA+ Ally Network by completing the LGBTIQA+ Awareness (Part 1) and LGBTIQA+ Ally (Part 2) training. This training is offered internally throughout the year. For upcoming dates and to register, head to the Staff Development Calendar via the Staff Portal.

More information

For more information about ECU's work to support and celebrate LGBTIQA+ communities, visit the LGBTIQA+ Diversity and Inclusion webpage or contact the Ally Network Leadership Team by emailing ally@ecu.edu.au.

We would like to acknowledge and pay respect to the Noongar people, the traditional custodians of the land upon which ECU's campuses stand and programs operate.

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