Diverse Genders, Sexes and Sexualities Advisory Group

The Diverse Genders, Sexes and Sexualities Advisory Group provides a forum for discussion, information-sharing and strategic advice on issues related to students, staff and members of the wider community who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and gender diverse, intersex, queer and questioning, asexual and aromantic plus other related identities (LGBTIQA+).

Terms of reference

The Group will:

• Provide the University with strategic advice and informed direction on LGBTIQA+ related initiatives, policies and procedures, and issues that may be affecting LGBTIQA+ staff and students
• Create a platform for stakeholder engagement and information sharing on LGBTIQA+ inclusive initiatives, policies, and events across the University
• Guide the University’s progress in achieving targets set out in the action plan for ‘Staff and students of diverse genders, sexes and sexualities’.
• Identify the University’s priorities and objectives to advance Monash’s LGBTIQA+ strategy
• Promote visibility of LGBTIQA+ programs and supports, and identify barriers for LGBTIQ members of the Monash community
• Lead the promotion of LGBTIQA+ events and initiatives across all Australian Monash campuses
• Provide opportunity for queer representatives of Monash Student Organisations to offer feedback and advice
• Report to the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee as required

Meeting frequency

The Group will meet four times per year or as required.

Membership

The following are ex officio members of the Group:

• Senior Inclusion Adviser, Respectful Communities
• Manager, Staff Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
• DGSS Priority Area Convenor, Malaysia Diversity and Inclusion Committee
• Monash Graduate Association (MGA) Queer Officer
• Monash Student Association (MSA) Queer Officer
• MONSU Caulfield Queer Officer
• MONSU Peninsula Queer Officer
• Queer Leaders Scholar
• Queer Leaders Scholar - MRS

The remaining members of the Group will be made up of no more than 15 appointments from staff who are registered members of the LGBTIQA+ Ally Network.

The quorum for the meetings of the Group is one third of the membership taken to the nearest whole number.

The Group may co-opt members as required. Other senior staff may attend by invitation as appropriate.

Executive support

Provided by Respectful Communities.

Monitoring and review

The Group’s Terms of Reference will be subject to annual review.

Reporting

The Diverse Genders, Sexes and Sexualities Advisory Group is a sub-committee reporting to the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee. The Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee is an advisory committee reporting to the Vice-Chancellor’s Executive Committee.

Committee achievements

• Creation of the Inclusive education guidelines for teaching staff
• Proposed and advocated for the creation of all-gender toilets at Monash, including conducting community consultation
• Advocating for a decrease in the fee for testamur replacement in the case of name change as part of a gender affirmation process
• Advised on the creation of the Capturing gender data inclusively guide document for university staff and students

Meeting dates for 2023

Contact information

Chair
Professor Nicholas McGuigan

Executive Officer
Asher Cameron
Phone: +61 3 9902 0248