ECU is committed to creating a safe, inclusive and supportive environment where lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, questioning, asexual, agender and otherwise sexuality, gender and bodily diverse (LGBTIQA+) students can be themselves and feel part of the ECU community.
Our commitment to LGBTIQA+ inclusion is a core part of how we operate and is reflected in our work to ensure student voices and experiences shape what we do. Read about student specific information and support below.
You can read more about ECU’s university-wide commitment to LGBTIQA+ communities and initiatives on our LGBTIQA+ Diversity and Inclusion webpage.
ECU has a vibrant LGBTIQA+ community where students can connect with peers and feel safe. This includes through:
LGBTIQA+ events are held during Orientation each semester to help new students find their place and meet peers. Upcoming sessions
During the semester, Student Life runs social sessions for LGBTIQA+ students to make friends, share experiences, and learn about services and support. Learn more
ECU is committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment across all of our campuses. However, we do have specific initiatives and designated spaces to ensure LGBTIQA+ students feel safe and connected.
Our Pride Rooms are a safe space for LGBTIQA+ students (and their supporters) to connect and build community on campus. All students have automatic access to Pride Rooms by swiping their student card on entry.
Our Pride Room locations are:
Everyone has a right to safely use a bathroom, regardless of their sex assigned at birth or gender expression. We know that some people, particularly trans and gender diverse people, may not always feel safe to do so.
ECU has all gender bathrooms on each of our campuses for people of any gender or experience, but particularly those who may not feel safe using gendered facilities, or those who do not identify as a man or a woman.
Student Success can assist you with a smooth transition to university and help you stay on track with your studies so you achieve your full potential at ECU. This can include connecting you with LGBTIQA+ groups and support, and providing guidance to affirm your gender at ECU.
The Wellbeing Precinct is an inclusive, integrated space with various services to support the physical and mental wellbeing of all ECU students. This includes:
ECU Health Service
Affordable and accessible health services for staff, students and the community.
A free, confidential service to support participation and success in study for students who live with a permanent or temporary disability, medical condition, mental health condition, or who are the primary carer for a family member with a disability or medical condition.
If you are accessing mental health or medical support to affirm your gender or explore your identity, you may be able to get academic adjustments via a Learning Access Plan (LAP).
ECU's LGBTIQA+ Ally Network brings together like-minded ECU staff to support the University in building an inclusive environment where LGBTIQA+ people feel safe, supported, and proud to be themselves. The network Leadership Team is available to provide general guidance and information for LGBTIQA+ and ally students and staff.
The Trans, Gender Diverse and Non-Binary (TGDNB) Support Guidelines are designed to provide information and support to anyone who has previously, is currently, or may in the future affirm their gender within ECU, regardless of the language they use to describe their identity or where they are in their personal journey.
While some systems allow name change regardless of legal name, some do not. We are continuing to advocate for change with our providers.
Contact Student Success for support and guidance on changing your name within systems at ECU.
We are currently only able to change the name on someone’s student ID if they have legally changed their name. This is due to restrictions from Transperth, something we are advocating to change.
Some platforms, including Teams and Canvas, allow you to include your pronouns on your profile.
Students can request to update their gender marker in person at the Student Hub or via email to enquiries@ecu.edu.au.
While a student’s legal name is required on their testamur, the name called out at their graduation ceremony can be their preferred or affirmed name.
If an ECU Alumni has legally changed their name due to affirming their gender, ECU will reproduce a testamur with their new legal name, free of charge.
