LGBTQIA+ support and community

You belong here

If you're working out who you are, looking for community or supporting someone you love, this page is for you.

Find support, people and resources

Free, confidential support

In immediate danger, call 000. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, call 13YARN on 13 92 76.

Talk with QLife for anonymous LGBTQIA+ peer support (available daily, 3:00pm–9:00pm), or get free, confidential and specialist support from Adelaide University Counselling.

Call QLife 1800 184 527 Visit Student wellbeing and safety

Get support

Free support services are available across South Australia. Most are open to anyone without a referral.

Talk to someone for free

Qlife – LGBTQIA+ peer support and a safe space to talk
Adelaide University Counselling – confidential sessions with university counsellors
Bfriend – confidential peer support and connection
13YARN – 24/7 culturally safe crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
headspace – mental health and wellbeing support for ages 12–25
ReachOut – anonymous online support and peer connection for young people

Gender-affirming care

SHINE SA – sexual health, reproductive care and relationship wellbeing support
Thorne Harbour Health – LGBTQIA+ health, counselling and peer support
Trans Health SA – health services and support for trans and gender diverse people
SAMESH – sexual health, HIV support and peer programs
Intersex Peer Support Australia – information, advocacy and peer connection
LGBTIQ+ Health Australia – national LGBTQIA+ health advocacy and resources

On-campus

Meet other Adelaide University queer students, find a space of your own and get the practical stuff sorted.

Adelaide University Queer Collective

Find community, connection and support with queer students and allies.

Join for free

Dr Duncan (Rainbow) Lounge

A dedicated lounge for LGBTQIA+ students on Level 4 West, Union House, City East campus.

View City East campus map (PDF)

Respect at AU

Safety advice, anonymous reporting and incident support for any student.

Get safety advice

Update my pronouns and gender

Change your personal details.

Update in myEnrolment

Find an all-gender bathroom

Available across multiple campuses.

See locations

Events we mark each year

Days for visibility, celebration and remembrance.

IDAHOBIT – 17 May

International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersex Discrimination and Transphobia.

Visit the IDAHOBIT website

Wear it Purple Day

Celebrate LGBTQIA+ young people, supporting them to feel seen, respected and safe.

Visit the Wear it Purple website

Feast Festival

Adelaide's LGBTQIA+ arts and cultural festival. Three weeks of performances, exhibitions and parties across the state.

Visit the Feast Festival website

Dr Duncan Memorial

Every May, we remember Dr George Duncan, whose 1972 death helped spark gay law reform in South Australia.

Read about Dr Duncan

IDAHOBIT - May 17
Wear it Purple Day
Feast Festival
Dr Duncan Memorial

People in your corner

Helpful people and organisations, local and national.

Relationships

Pink Parents – Adelaide's LGBTQIA+ family community, playgroups and meet-ups
PEACE Multicultural Services – relationship support for multicultural communities
Women's Safety Services SA – LGBTIQA+ inclusive family violence support
Transcend – support for families of trans and gender diverse children

Rights and advocacy

SA Rainbow Advocacy Alliance (SARAA) – LGBTIQA+ advocacy in South Australia
Working Women's Centre SA – free workplace rights, discrimination and support
Equality Australia – national LGBTIQA+ rights advocacy
Australian GLBTIQ Multicultural Council – multicultural and multi-faith advocacy
Black Rainbow – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBQTIA+SB health and wellbeing
Australian Human Rights Commission – human rights information and support
Play by the Rules – safe, fair and inclusive sport resources

Understanding gender and sexuality

Exploring your identity can happen at any age, but university is often when it starts.

Questioning your gender or sexuality can be hard. Coming out and transitioning can also be wonderful.

Gender identity is how you understand and experience your own gender. It's separate from sexuality, and everyone's experience is unique.

If you're working through it, or supporting a friend who is, headspace has clear explainers on gender identity and sexuality. The support above is here for you too.

Adelaide University is committed to a safe, inclusive environment for everyone. Discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation goes against University policy and is unlawful under the Sex Discrimination Act 1984.