Queer at TUSA
As a queer student, sometimes it is a bit hard to find your way on campus and navigate UTAS’s online environment. Here’s the page to help you through this maze, with information on the communities you’ll want to join, the people you can come to with concerns and questions, and a Frequently Asked Questions section answering any other questions you may have.
Queer Societies and Communities at UTAS
Pride Society of TUSA
This is the only queer-specific student society at the university, for all your rainbow events and advocacy.
Queers in Science
A more informal community group for all queer students and professionals who work in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine). Join the Tasmanian Chapter of Queers in Science Facebook Group here.
Queer Health and Medical Students
An informal group led by the Tasmanian University Medical Student Society (TUMSS) Queer Representative, open to all queer health students in any discipline. We hold monthly coffee catchups in Hobart, Launceston, and Burnie and subsidise coffee for participants!
Queer Housing Tasmania
A place for LGBTQI+ folk to safely find homes. If you have a room you need filled in an existing shared house, you can post it here. If you’re looking for a place to stay or people to team up with to make a shared house of your own, you can advertise here. This is a safe place for anyone who identifies as part of the LGBTQI+ community.
Queer-specific contacts: who can support me?
Ally Network
The Ally Network is the official university network that trains people on how to be LGBTQIA+ allies. They are in place for a safe, nurturing, inclusive, and affirming University environment.
The Network is currently under review and very silent, so you may not see much of it. If you face discrimination or bullying, please contact the University’s Safe and Fair Community Unit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I change my gender / first name / last name at UTAS?
Currently, the process can be initiated by contacting UConnect. From there, UConnect will guide you through the process. You should not have to present an official change of name certificate immediately, as long as a Statutory Declaration is presented. However, UTAS will ask for a change of name certificate after a certain negotiated time frame. If further documents are needed or you are concerned with the process, feel free to contact any of the people listed above.
Below are some links with further information:
How do I change my personal information?
How can I update my name to ensure it is correct on my testamur?
I have changed gender. Can I get a new testamur (degree certificate) with my new name on it?
Are there queer friendly/specific University sports?
UTAS Sport is trying to be more queer-friendly, but sometimes they could use your help.
OutTennis is a queer community of tennis players that meet up every Tuesday from 6–9 and play social tennis. The skill levels range from beginner to advanced, and everyone is welcome! It is not run by UTAS, but many UTAS students attend.
The Queer Sporting Alliance offers queer basketball and roller-skating competitions.
The Tasmanian University Quadball Club is a statewide social sport that encourages all individuals of any gender and ability to participate.
Where and how do I find an All Gender Bathroom on my campus?
Here is a video to show you how to use UniMaps to find an All Gender Bathroom.
Women at TUSA
At TUSA, we acknowledge the issues faced by students who identify as women and gender-diverse people. We’ve created a page for UTAS students to help you navigate university life. Scroll down for information on the communities you’ll want to join, the people you can come to with concerns and questions, and a Frequently Asked Questions section answering any other questions you may have.
Women’s Societies and Communities at UTAS
Women’s Society
The TUSA Women’s Society aims to create a safe community for women, non-binary, and gender non-conforming folk to meet, learn, and grow. You can become a member at http://bit.ly/utaswsmember or reach them at utaswomenssociety@gmail.com. They host regular catch-ups and a few larger events throughout the year.
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