Pride Week 2024 is here! Join us as we celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community and culture at the University of Newcastle. There’s plenty of fun events for everyone to get involved with, whether you’re a member of the community yourself, or an enthusiastic ally.
In the spirit of Pride, I spoke with Lucy Egan from the ALLY Network, who explained to me how the University honours its commitment to diversity and inclusion through this network. Staff and student ALLIES show their dedication to advocating for the LGBTQIA+ community through attending professional development training. This training equips them with the ability to support LGBTQIA+ individuals, resist against discrimination, and continuously develop their knowledge.
Lucy was inspired to join the Network as an undergraduate student because the lanyards caught her eye and signalled which staff members were open and trustworthy. Now a postgraduate student and staff member herself, Lucy was keen to take the opportunity to undertake ALLY training. She shared why she thinks the ALLY Network is important to our university community:
“As a university, we are a place of knowledge and a place of education, so I think it makes sense that we have initiatives like the ALLY Network that promote inclusivity and awareness.“
Lucy with one of the Drag Queens at Pride Week last year.
Lucy also highlighted the importance of visibility. “I think visibility is really important, it’s signalling to other people’, she said. ‘Particularly when you’ve got a lot of people, a lot of very different people–different demographics, different age groups, different identities–it’s really important to have designated ‘safe’ people that people can approach.“
While visibility is imperative, Lucy thinks that the work done behind the scenes is just as key and is part of a continuing practice: “It’s about incorporating the practices and knowledge into your everyday work and conversations as well.“
During her training last year, Lucy also attended the Drag Queen Storytime event at the library. She plans to go to Pride Week again this year, including events such as the Pride Flag Raising Ceremony. If you’re keen to attend as well, see the UNSA (University of Newcastle Students Association) website for more details and a full list of events.
Why not check out what Pride Week has to offer? Or if you are a student, consider joining the ALLY Network yourself.
For further resources, check out the ALLY Network (including a complete list of ALLIES at the University) and the Queer Guild.