A message from our International Student Engagement Leads
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It is indeed a tough time for all of us and we hope you and your loved ones are staying healthy during this pandemic.
We would like to send our thanks to all the frontline health care professionals and the essential workers who are helping the world battle the COVID-19 pandemic, and share our deepest condolences to those who have lost their loved ones during this hard time.
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the University of Melbourne community and Pride in Action Network members in so many ways. As international students and members of the LGBTQIA+ community trying to navigate this tough time, we are personally reflecting on issues arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Many international students landed in this nation believing an education in Australia is – beyond the adventure of new land to live in – a necessary advancement to a brighter future. This global pandemic has shattered the dreams of many of us and has left thousands of international students in an extremely vulnerable position with no support.
Many of us have lost jobs or financial support from family. Because of their temporary student visa status, these students are not eligible for government financial support, leaving many students struggling to afford their tuition, rent, bills or even food and other necessities.
International students with Asian heritage are now facing waves of racial discrimination in Australia. There was recently an unprovoked attack on two international students from the University of Melbourne. Hurtful remarks related to the COVID-19 pandemic also exist on social media platforms. This pandemic is not an excuse for anyone to practice prejudice and violence motivated by fear and hatred. We must stand with and support each other to move forward together. We are all in this together as parts of this beautiful, courageous and diverse community.
According to the University of Melbourne Annual Report of 2018, 42% of the student population are international students coming from over 140 countries. Many will be members of the LGBTQIA+ community. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many community members to return to their home countries or remain in other quarantine environments where their wellbeing and safety are compromised. Consensual same-sex sexual acts are criminalised in 63 countries and freedom to express sexual orientation and gender identity is limited in 34 countries (ILGA, 2019). Even within Australia, community members could be living in households and areas where discrimination and violence against LGBTQIA+ communities still exist.
I, Long, have decided to move back to my home country and am planning on deferring my study. Here, I served 14 days in a quarantine facility with other Vietnamese international students from all over the world. Although life in the facility is not the easiest, I had the privilege to be myself, supported by others around me and am amazed by how much the LGBTQIA+ community in Vietnam has accomplished. However, my time inside the quarantine facility comes to an end and I move into quarantine at home. I face the reality that I am not yet out to my family; I am going back into the closet which I stepped out seven years ago when I moved for my education. My personal experience has helped me acknowledge my own privilege and understand more about the issues of wellbeing and safety the LGBTIQIA+ community is facing during the pandemic.
I, Jack, want you to remember that you don’t have to be productive or active right now. Try your best not to put unrealistic expectations on yourself. Now more than ever, it is an important time for us to love ourselves. On the bright side, I am using this social distancing as an opportunity to improve a lot of my skills, such as taking a good selfie in the mirror or learning how to flirt with guys online. Having friends, who are also international queer students, on my side to support me in this difficult time is helping me to get through all of this. Talking to them online, Zoom dating and online partying, regardless of our distance, is helping me to keep myself in the present and feel less alone during this isolated period. As a cisgender, able-bodied gay male with adequate support I am privileged in this situation. It is much more difficult for many of my international friends and fellows and it was heartbreaking to see that my friend Long had to go back to Vietnam while I am still able to stay here to continue my online study with no distraction.
Our thoughts are with those queer students who may have to navigate moving home, perhaps into unsupportive spaces. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help from your friends, family, and professionals. Get in touch with Stop 1 or your department for advice, guidance and even scholarship opportunities. We are here to provide support, at least morally and mentally at this stage. Many organisations are delivering support services and groups via phone, Zoom, or chat rooms, like Thorne Harbor Health or Headspace. Your health, safety and wellbeing should be the number the one priority. Let’s keep practising social distancing a little longer so we can get back to our normal life as soon as possible.
We know it is hard for you, but you are surviving day by day. You are not alone, we love you, and we are so proud of you. Stay safe and stay strong, friends. Keep going!
Best,
Long and Jack
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Navigating COVID-19 in LGBTQIA+ communities
The impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) is being felt by all of us. We all need to look out for each other and our health. Diverse communities may be feeling additional pressures and unique challenges surrounding the economic and health situations created by the coronavirus.
We have developed a page listing resources relevant for communities and thier allies – please share these resources and encourage people to reach out if they need support.
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ON DEMAND Webinar: Transgender Day of Visibility 2020
What does the next generation of trans-friendly health care providers look like?
As part of Transgender Day of Visibility, Dr Asiel Adan Sanchez joined our Co-Chair Dr Megan Sharp to discuss trans-affirmative care in medical education.
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Callout for IDAHOBIT: Submit your photo or video
IDAHOBIT, marked on 17th May each year, is the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia. It is a time to celebrate the resilience of LGBTQIA+ communities, while recognising that there is still a long way to go in the fight against discrimination.
This IDAHOBIT we are focusing on the importance of social connection and the importance of spaces where people can be themselves – which is especially significant during this time of physical distancing.
We will be creating and sharing a video of our wonderful community celebrating at home. If you would like to be involved, please send us a photo or short clip of you and your household (including pets!) or online community wearing rainbows, dancing with your fans from Midsumma, or with a message for LGBTQIA+ communities for IDAHOBIT.
Keep an eye out for our special IDAHOBIT newsletter on Tuesday 12 May.
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Queer students: UMSU Queer have you covered
The amazing folk at UMSU Queer have been running meetups and game sessions on Zoom! Head to the UMSU Queer website and facebook page to stay in the loop with upcoming sessions.
UMSU have a great repository of COVID-19 support and resources pages for students – to help simplify the information overload.
Many students have been contacting UMSU about fee relief, a major issue for many students. They have launched a survey to gather student opinions and experiences to advocate for support form the University.
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These are challenging times for all. We hope that the links below provide some relevant info on how we can all help each other, staying connected, and some much needed distraction!
If you are after news and updates re COVID-19, ABC News is a great source of info and offers news in languages other than English.
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Queer Love In
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Equality Australia presents Queer Love In, an online event that will bring LGBTIQ+ artists and performers who have lost work due to COVID-19 to your homes! Tune in on Saturday 2 May.
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21 Quarantine Date Ideas for Friends, Partners, and First Dates
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The best virtual and long-distance date ideas from users of the dating app Lex, the most creative queers on the internet.
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9+ Video, Tabletop, and Other Games to Play During Quarantine
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From Animal Crossing to roleplaying games to ones exploring queer culture, these titles will transport you to new worlds, whether you’re playing solo or with others.
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themfest
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them. has launched themfest, a virtual music and arts festival for and by the LGBTQ+ community. The ongoing series of live Instagram broadcasts will include drag performances, stand-up sets, concerts, cooking shows and much, much more.
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MQFF Virtual Film Night
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Grab some wine (or a cocktail), order some dinner, get the pop-corn ready and join the MQFF community for our virtual film night viewing of Freak Show on Friday 1 May at 7:00pm.
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Isol-Aid Festival
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The Australian music community presents Isol-Aid, an Instagram live music festival full of your favourite home-grown artists. Having just completed its fifth weekend festival, keep your eyes out for the next dates and line-up.
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Podcast episode: Make Australia Gay Again
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Our favourite podcast Nancy goes on a quest to find the truth behind a mysterious gay and lesbian island kingdom, in Australia.
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The 'Itch', and Other Ways History Explained Lesbianism
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"They are reported to use certain instruments of diabolical operation to excite desire."
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Pride in Action Network
Celebrating diversity and an inclusive culture
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LGBTQIA+ Resources + Services
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