Ally @ Murdoch

What is an Ally?
An Ally is an informed person who provides a “safe zone” in their work or study area for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans or intersex students or staff.
Trained Allies display an “Ally” sign on their door or in their work area. Their visible presence assists in combating hetero-sexism and homophobia.
Potential Allies undergo a short (half day) training and are invited throughout the year to information seminars on relevant issues. They are provided with information about lesbian, gay bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBT/I) community resources that they can pass on to others who enquire.
Allies are NOT experts on LGBT/I issues nor are they expected to provide any kind of counselling.
Allies DO undertake to provide a safe, welcoming and confidential environment for LGBT/I students and staff, or those who wish to be informed on issues that are faced by people in these communities. (top)

Why do we need an Ally program?
Unfortunately homophobic and heterosexist behaviour and incidents do occur on campus. Whilst data for universities is limited, we do have research which shows that 70% of gay and lesbian young people report being abused at school. The damage caused may contribute to serious emotional turmoil which may follow the young person into their undergraduate studies.
Australia has one of the highest youth suicide rates in the developed world, and homophobia has been suggested as one causal agent.
For staff it is no less difficult, despite government and university policies which support the right of all to study and work in an environment that respects them as individuals, where they are not subjected to discrimination or harassment, actual experiences may vary across work areas. (top)

What does it involve being an Ally?
The Murdoch ALLY program sets out to develop a visible network of empathetic people who are allies to students and staff identifying as lesbian, gay, trans, bisexual, or intersex (LGBT/I).
An official Murdoch University Ally has undertaken a short training program, during which they have learned about issues that members of the University community may have to deal with as a consequence of their sexuality or gender identity. Allies will continue to develop their knowledge about these matters through maintaining a connection with the Ally network, attending further Ally seminars and professional development opportunities.
Allies are not experts about matters of sexuality and gender identity, they are people who strongly support the University's stance on making this an environment where all people can safely work and study free of harassment or discrimination. In particular, a Murdoch Ally understands the reasons why many transgender, bisexual, gay, lesbian or intersex people are not in positions to speak out on their own behalf, or are fearful of being harassed or discriminated against, and why it is so important to have allies who are prepared to do this. (top)

What do Allies do?
Allies have a special Ally sticker near their work area or on their office door which advertises their official Murdoch Ally status. Allies provide a “safe zone” for students and staff who identify as LBGT/I. Allies have a folder of community information which they can provide to people who enquire; for example youth services, health services, information for parents of lesbians and gay men, etc. Allies also have copies of articles and information about topics related to sexuality and gender identity that they can share with people who would like to know more information. Allies undertake this voluntary role knowing that their contribution helps to make Murdoch a better place to work and study for everyone, not just members of the community who identify as LGBT/I. (top)