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At the recent Midsumma Pride March 2026, Monash debuted a re-imagined design of the University’s Pride shirt.

The Pride shirt serves as both an internal and public-facing symbol of Monash’s commitments to improving the safety, inclusion, and wellbeing of Rainbow and LGBTIQA+ folk across all areas of the University. It is an accessory through which we can express both our pride in our identities and our allyship with communities, and thus holds strong meaning and purpose.

In line with the evolution of the Pride at Monash branding, and in response to community feedback, the Respect, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (REDI) team led the process of co-designing a new shirt in collaboration with Rainbow and LGBTIQA+ communities, allies, and a team of student designers.

Through an initial design workshop hosted by proud queer advocate, educator, and event producer delsi, the REDI team sought insight from participants about how they envisioned a new shirt design encapsulating the diversity of identities, histories, and inclusion of Rainbow and LGBTIQA+ folk. Feedback and ideas were collated into a design brief, which highlighted elements that were of clear priority to participants, including a flowing rainbow that spanned the shirt and the scattering of stars and symbolic flowers, such as violets, lavender and orchids.

The project was then continued by two student designers from the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture, Stephanie Bridges and Bryony Baker, who worked together to incorporate the design brief and Monash branding guidelines into a cohesive design. The pair (who were also present for the design workshop) began by undertaking research into the symbolism of aforementioned flowers, ideating initial concepts that commenced the creation of the first iteration.

After several rounds of consultation and various iterations, the design was eventually consolidated into a piece that clearly represented the Pride at Monash brand, incorporated significant symbols, and was unmistakably Monash. Steph and Bryony were incredibly passionate about ensuring key elements proposed through the design workshop were included and accurately representative of Rainbow and LGBTIQA+ communities and their feedback.

The final design was worn for the first time at this year’s Midsumma Pride March, making a fantastic statement, with more than 200 staff, students, alumni and community members marching with pride.

The REDI team expresses great gratitude to all of those involved in the process, and looks forward to seeing the new design out in the community throughout the year.