Across UTS you’ll find over 140 allies from 22 faculties, schools and departments. Find out who they are, what they do, and how to get support when you need it.
What are UTS allies?
The UTS Ally program is a visible community of empathetic UTS staff that support LGBTQIA+ students and staff members.
Allies are trained over two workshops, where they explore terminology and language, find out about resources and learn more about some of the experiences that LGBTQIA+ communities may face. Allies go on to take a more active role in solidarity with LGBTIQA+ communities here at UTS and beyond! “Prior to attending this workshop, I thought I knew about some of the struggles experienced by some members of the LGBTQIA+ community,” says Vivilia Widjaja – a UTS Counselling staff member and ally. “But during the workshop I learned just how much prejudice and violence, both overt and more subtle, that members of the LGBTQIA+ community are still facing, and the need for good support options.”
Whether it’s to better support students or for a more personal reason, many staff members have their own story for why they sign up to become an ally.
“I did wonder if ally training was for people like me. After all, I live being an ally every day. And yet, ironically, I also worried if I’d be taking up space. As a white, cis, straight-ish, middle-aged woman, would I be relevant as an ally? I wanted to be able to contribute to that sense of community at UTS, to be visible in the often invisible web of support,” says Penni Russon – a FASS Senior Lecturer.
Who are they for?
UTS allies are for any students and staff who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex, queer and/or asexual and anyone who belongs to a sexual or gender minority (and anyone who’s questioning!).
The UTS Ally program aims to promote acceptance, understanding and respect at UTS by placing LGBTQIA+ empowerment and visibility at its core, offering a network of people who are there to listen if needed.
How do I contact an ally?
If you’re in need of friendly support or you just want to chat to someone who gets it – you can reach out to a UTS ally by email. The UTS ally database (Sharepoint website) shows everyone who’s available to reach out to, by faculty or different units around UTS (such as ActivateUTS, Student Services Unit, the Library).
Can I become an ally if I’m a student?
We love your enthusiasm! Currently, only UTS staff members can sign up to become allies. If you’re looking for ways to get involved in queer activism, make friends and connect with the LGBTQIA+ community on campus, The UTS Queer Collective is a great place to start.
Any UTS staff member can become a UTS Ally, so if you’re keen to get involved, check out the upcoming training sessions.
Where else can I get support at UTS?
If you’re in need of support, the UTS Counselling Service is here for you. Vivilia Widjaja says during the first session, you and your counsellor will usually chat about what’s been going on, what you want to achieve from counselling, and what kind of support you need. Then, you’ll come up with a plan for moving forward together – if that's what you’re after. That might mean more appointments with the Counselling Service or a referral to external services that can offer additional or more frequent support.
Whatever the outcome, the most important thing is that you know there’s always someone to help!