Queer students at Wollongong University are celebrating a 'win' by finally getting the university to give them a new queer space. The campaign for a new space has lasted years, including a dramatic 47 hour 'sit-in' last year leading to the arrest of 3 queer students.
Wollongong University has been ignoring the needs of
marginalised groups on campus for four years, but has
finally been forced to take action by the Queer
(Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex)
Student Collective on campus, achieving a vital space
in which to fight the rampant homophobia both on
campus and in the wider community.
Annaliese Constable, the women's representative for
the queer collective 2004 used much of her time
involved in the Wollongong University Student Council
to fight for queer student's rights on campus, in
particular to secure a safe space on campus for queer
students. After years of being ignored an occupation
was staged during August last year to bring attention
to the fact that queer students at Wollongong were not
safe, supported by the university, or able to
challenge homophobia on campus.
Claire English, Female National Queer Officer for the
National Union of Students (NUS) visited the space
during Orientation week this year and recounted,
"In the space the university had provided for queer
students, a lesbian was threatened to be burned to
death, when it rained there was a serious danger of
power cords getting wet and electrocuting people and
security did not patrol the space to check on students
safety, the place was not fit for a storage cupboard,
let alone a student space."
National Office Bearers from NUS spent time both in
2004 and 2005 trying to help the students receive
recognition and results from Wollongong University.
Craig Comrie, Male Queer Officer for 2005 stated,
"The queer space campaign in Wollongong is a clear
indication of what students would lose under Voluntary
Student Unionism. It is an absolute right for students
to be able to run campaigns against homophobia on
campus. Without a compulsory collection of student
fees then queer students will suffer
"The support that is provided by campus queer officers
and a space to combat oppression is invaluable and it
has been declared time and time again by students that
these facilities stop youths suiciding from loneliness
and isolation"
Across the country today, students will be
coming out against the Voluntary Student Unionism
Legislation and it's impacts on both straight and
queer-identifying students at the National Union of
Students National Day of Action.