Sarah Graham, Centre / Unit: Student Services Unit Position: Peer Network & Community Coordinator

I am really proud to work for an organisation whose values match my own. As a queer staff member with a passion for social justice, I know that when I speak up at UTS my concerns will be listened to and actioned by senior executives and management – we are all on the same page that it is really important to create and maintain an inclusive and respectful environment – not only for our students but also staff.

We also have amazing continual professional development opportunities provided by our Equity and Diversity Unit and HR, for example the UTS ALLY Program, as well as training in Unconscious Bias and Mental Health First Aid which allow us to evolve with the times.

Caleb Ferguson, Centre / Unit: Centre for Cardiovascular & Chronic Care, Faculty of Health Position: Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Research Fellow

I’ve been employed at UTS for around 7 years as a nurse academic and recently graduated from UTS with a PhD at UTS, so I speak from both staff and student perspectives.

I began teaching undergraduate nursing students and have gradually moved towards a research intensive role. I enjoy a lot of things about UTS. Being able to talk to colleagues about my partner and family, have a photo of him and me by my computer on my desk and hosting a safe place and UTS ALLY sticker on my office door. Talking about the recent queer flick I saw the cinema or events I attended as part of the Sydney Mardi Gras.

I am proud that we have a vibrant, accessible and friendly, diverse and compassionate ALLY network to support LGBTIQ students and staff. I’ve always been passionate about supporting students to the best of my ability and this also extends to students that may be going through a hard time coming out or identifying with a gender or sexuality.

An empathetic and listening ear is always available. Apart from this, I often choose to wear a t-shirt to work rather than a formal business shirt, and I can’t say anyone has ever bothered!

Adrienne Reid, Centre / Unit: Scholarly Information Position: Collection Development Assistant

I have been a part of UTS for 5 years, as both a student and a staff member, and I have never once felt the need to hide who or what I am.

I don’t have to edit my conversations with colleagues to avoid offending them because our workplace is inclusive and accepting of diversity.

This allows everyone to be comfortable with their own differences and makes for a healthy and productive environment. True leadership influences people to do what is right.

I’m proud of the University’s support of and engagement with the SGD (Sex and Gender diverse) community. I joined the ALLY initiative at UTS because I wanted to be a part of that positive force, to raise awareness of LGBTQIA+ concerns.

I hope that every person who walks through our doors feels warm, welcome, and wanted.

 Joseph Yeo, Centre / Unit: Higher Education Language & Presentation Support Position: Senior HELPS Advisor

UTS is a truly inclusive organisation. There hasn’t been a single moment in my 10 years at UTS when my ethnicity or my sexuality defines who I am and what I can(not) do. The fact that our UTS Allies consist of academic and professional staff members of diverse genders, sexualities and ethnicities speaks volumes about our inclusivity, and our integrity and commitment to make UTS a safe and welcoming place to work and study. Because UTS has provided an environment in which I can be comfortable in my own skin, literally and figuratively, I am a happy employee; I am able to develop strong professional and social relationships with my colleagues; and I am in a privileged position to lend my support to any UTS staff and students – not only to make them feel safe, but also to assure them that the university IS a safe and embracing community.

Drew Andrea, Centre / Unit: Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences Position: Teaching & Learning Innovation Officer

The University of Technology Sydney is one of the younger of the large universities but has made considerable ground in its short history and I can see why. Its progressive nature with not only a focus on study and learning but also that which encompasses the human side to the equation to create students that are open minded to the diversity of our world. I enjoy seeing students graduate with a positive attitude and being responsible members of society that embrace the LGBTIQ+ community. It really does show that learning at a university is more than learning facts and figures and how the time spent here can be a bigger part of personal learning and growth. Having the UTS ALLY network and regular PRIDE events sends a great message to our students that not only are we supportive but embracing. The number of staff wishing to be a part of this community grows every day and really illustrates how the culture at UTS celebrates rather than tolerates diversity. I am very proud to be part of an organisation that is open to new ideas on how we can do things better.