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QueerHi my name is Mike Williams and I am the 2008 Queer Officer.
My role is to provide support to queer students and staff members. I can be contacted at lss-queer@unimelb.edu.au.
I also work with Lisa Sarmas, a lecturer at the Law School, who is the faculty's Gay and Lesbian Liaison Officer. Either Lisa or I can speak with people regarding any discrimination they may face or just about general issues related to fitting into the Law School. Lisa can be contacted at l.sarmas@unimelb.edu.au.
Whilst the portfolio is called 'Queer', it in-fact encompasses all people who are same-sex attracted as well as transgender people.
It also welcomes students and staff who are not attracted to the same sex but who are supportive of the equality of same sex attracted and transgender people and/or have friends who attend the social events that we host.
Below is a list of initiatives which the Queer Portfolio is undertaking in 2008.
Social Events:
Social events run once every month. These are typically dinners or drinks and attract a large number of people. Social events are a great way to meet new people as well as talk to me about any issues you want to raise.
Law Reform and Speakers Series:
In the past, the Queer Portfolio has written various submissions to state and federal governments on the issue of equality for same sex attracted and transgender people. We aim to write more submissions in 2008. If anyone would like to assist in the writing of these submissions, or has any ideas they would like to share, please send me an email.
Throughout 2008 the Queer Portfolio will be hosting notable speakers to discuss the issue of reform. In past years, the Portfolio has hosted Nick Toonen, Rodney Croome, David Menadue and Senator Brian Grieg.
Kristen Walker, who is an associate professor at the Law School provided a lecture on gay marriage.
Personal Support/Counselling:
If queer students and staff are facing personal issues and want to have a chat to someone, they can send me an email and we can discuss their issues in a confidential setting.
If it is felt, though, that more assistance is required or the problem is one which you are having trouble handling, I suggest the University of Melbourne counselling service. It is a great resource and free of charge. The website can be found here: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/counsel/
HIV/AIDS Legal Centre (HALC):
The Queer portfolio is supportive of the work of HALC. HALC is a community legal centre which provides free advice to people living with HIV/AIDS and has been running continuously since 1993. It is the only community legal centre in the state which operates entirely on a voluntary basis (no-one who is involved in its management is paid). In 2008, the queer portfolio will be hosting a fundraiser for HALC to raise much-needed funds so it can continue its good work.
Its website can be found here: http://www.vicaids.asn.au/content/ContentPage.asp?SectionID=30 |
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