The Macquarie community is passionate about creating a place where people of diverse sexuality and gender are welcome, respected, valued, safe, supported and, above all, feel they can be their true self at work.

Irrespective of your sexuality or gender, everyone at the University has a role to play in making this happen, and one of the many ways to contribute is by joining the Ally Network. And with Pride Month upon us, there’s no better time to find out more and to join.

Set up in 2009, the Ally Network now has more than 600 members to provide support and help foster an inclusive campus for the LGBTQ+ community.

“I joined because I wanted to connect with colleagues who hold similar values and contribute to the inclusive culture at Macquarie,” says Dr Raymond Trau, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Management and member of the Ally Network Steering Committee.

“It’s important that we connect to groups of individuals who share our values, and, collectively, make a difference in our workplace.”

The Ally Network seeks to raise awareness of the issues faced by members of the LGBTQ+ community, and help foster an inclusive campus where everyone can safely work and study free of harassment or discrimination.  Ally Network members are visible on campus via the rainbow lanyard. It is important to know Allies, like all of us, are on a continuous journey of learning and education and are not experts and may not be from the LGBTQ+ community, however they have made a commitment to creating a safer campus community.

“It has been incredible to see our network grow into an active community, especially during the challenges of the past few years. We all share a collective responsibility to create environments where our students thrive and our staff feel safe to bring their whole selves to work each day. A huge part of that is visibility, and showing up as an Ally, wearing the Ally Network lanyard, is a visible sign to the LGBTQ+ community that we see you, we hear you and you are welcome, just as you are,” says Sophie Curtis, Ally Network Steering Committee Chair and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Lead, Campus Life.

To become an Ally, staff members undertake LGBTQ+ Awareness Training online, followed by a face-to-face training session. The training sessions are designed to increase knowledge, understanding, and awareness of issues affecting members of the LGBTIQ+ community. On completion of training, you will become a member of the Ally Network.

Register for training via the Learning App in Workday. For more information about joining the Macquarie Ally Network please email workplacediversityinclusion@mq.edu.au.

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Come and meet the Network at the Pride Wall launch

In the spirit of Pride and as part of Macquarie’s Pride Month festivities on campus, the Ally Network will be launching the MQ Pride Wall – a digital installation that celebrates Macquarie’s LGBTQ+ staff and student community. Grab a cuppa on the way and join the Ally Network for a rainbow cupcake morning tea and the Pride Wall display. All welcome, no RSVP required.

Pride Wall launch details
Monday 27 June, 10.30am – 11.30am
Intercultural Foyer (Arts Precinct), Level 3, 25b Wally’s Walk