Getting to grips with life under lockdown has been difficult for many of us, and this is especially true for anyone who was already feeling anxious before the onslaught of COVID-19 because of some form of discrimination, bullying or harassment they were facing.

On International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia 2020 (IDAHOBIT), Macquarie stands together with our LGBTIQ+ staff and students and continues to work towards an environment where everyone feels welcomed, respected, valued, safe and supported – and is therefore able to fully participate in University life.

“This year’s IDAHOBIT theme is ‘Breaking the Silence’”, says Sophie Curtis, Manager of Sport Development and Partnerships and Chair of the Ally Network Steering Committee. “It’s a call for all of us to start having respectful conversations that pave the way to fostering a culture where people can be their authentic selves free from fear.”

The theme will be explored in this Thursday’s Ally Social Event in which Samantha Webster, relationships manager from Pride in Diversity, will facilitate a session about the importance of IDAHOBIT and what ‘breaking the silence’ might mean for different people, followed by a guided Ally discussion.

The event is the first of a series of events organised by Macquarie’s Ally Network Steering Committee as part of their 2020 Strategy. The Steering Committee was officially established last year to support and provide a more structured framework to our Ally Network, which works to identify issues and opportunities to support the University’s LGBTIQ+ inclusion objectives and focuses on three key areas: education, visibility and engagement.

“Our aim is to create a visible, connected and educated network of Allies to support the LGBTIQ+ community at Macquarie,” explains Sophie. “We want to become a network of reference for positive change and impact on campus, and proactively engage our Allies and their networks. This also means reaching out to the broader Macquarie community through internal and external stakeholders to influence change towards an inclusive community for people of diverse sexualities and genders.

“IDAHOBIT also provides us with an opportunity to reflect and learn from each other about how exclusive and damaging behaviours can be identified and addressed, to ensure that our community can safely work and study at Macquarie free of harassment and discrimination”.

The Ally Network Steering Committee works closely with the University through the Executive Sponsor of the Ally Network, Nicole Gower, Vice-President People and Services.

“I take great pride in the work we do as a University, and in particular the work of the Ally Network, to provide an inclusive culture and sense of belonging at Macquarie” says Nicole.  “But, there’s still so much to learn and do in this area.

“I did my Ally training two years ago, and even after working in the space for over 20 years, I learnt a huge amount. I would encourage all staff to engage with the Ally Network and join in the IDAHOBIT events being held this week.”

To become a member of the Ally Network please send an email to workplacediversityinclusion@mq.edu.au.

Find out more about how you can get involved in this week’s events in the IDAHOBIT program.