Passion and pride collide for rainbow community
Students, staff, and members of the community gathered at CQUniversity’s Rockhampton North campus on 30 August to celebrate Wear It Purple Day, an annual international event that embraces diversity and inclusivity, uniting LGBTIQ+ people and allies in efforts to create a more inclusive future.
The 2024 theme ‘Your passion, your pride’, is one that CQUniversity Senior Lecturer and Ally Program Coordinator Dr Gemma Mann is getting behind, and is encouraging others to embrace the collective responsibility in celebrating diversity.
“By showing our passion for inclusiveness – as one of CQUniversity’s core values – and taking pride in our institution, we can all work together to ensure everyone feels accepted on our campuses, in our classes and across our activities,” Dr Mann said.
“Allies and members of the LGBTIQ+ community work across our campus footprint to ensure that our value of inclusiveness is understood and embraced by everyone, and we are dedicated to making connections within both CQU and the community, including allies in other organisations.”
Since the commencement of the Ally Program in 2011, Dr Mann has been working with academics, professional staff, and students to increase their knowledge of LGBTIQ+ terminology and experiences, understand the impact of exclusion and the incredible power of inclusive practice, and has also created a specially-tailored micro-credential course, Understanding Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity to further foster understanding and communication around the topic.
“For a lot of people who aren’t in the community, or don’t know anyone who identifies as LGBTIQ+, it can be a lot to learn, and sometimes difficult to navigate,” Dr Mann said.
“I ask you to please be kind, and understand that everyone has different experiences. Connection and a genuine willingness to learn goes a long way.”
Dr Mann said that wearing purple demonstrates to the rainbow community that they are welcome and respected, acknowledging all have the right to be proud of who they are.
CQUniversity staff member and Ally Program member Gabby Rothery who was present on the day said it was so important to show solidarity within the University and to continue to provide a safe space for people to feel accepted.
"It is a safe space here for those in the LGBTIQ+ community, where people can come and learn freely without hiding who they are, and also know that they are not alone," Gabby said.
"In my role as an Ally, it helps people to know that I am a part of the community and that I can provide a safe space for people to talk to if they ever need to reach out for support."
To get involved or to learn more, visit the Wear It Purple website, or click to enrol in CQU’s free micro-credential.
