Content warning: the following message refers to harm and violence towards the transgender and gender diverse community.
We are aware that some members of the La Trobe University community are experiencing distress following the protests outside the Victorian Parliament on Saturday.
La Trobe University is committed to supporting equity, diversity, and inclusion across all areas of our activity and providing a respectful, safe, and equitable environment for all students and staff.
We condemn discrimination, violence, and hateful speech and behaviour in the strongest possible terms, including anti-transgender and neo-Nazi extremism. There is no place for such behaviour or ideology in our society.
If you or someone you know needs support, you can access the following services at the University:
- Our Dedicated LTU Queer counsellors
- The Safer Community service for students to report concerning, threatening or inappropriate behaviour
- The Finding Pride social support program on the Melbourne campus
- The LTSU Queer Collective on the Melbourne campus
Support and information is also available from the following agencies:
- Transgender Victoria, which provides information and services for trans and gender diverse people
- QLife, which provides anonymous and free LGBTI peer support and referral
- Minus18 and ReachOut, which provide support and information for young people
- Transcend Australia, which provides resources and support for trans, gender diverse, and non-binary children
- Beyond Blue or Headspace, which provide mental health support via live chat, phone, or email
On behalf of the La Trobe University community, I offer our support to all students who have experienced harm and distress following the protests on Saturday.
Professor Susan Dodds
Acting Vice-Chancellor