Shining bright at Midsumma Pride March
A group of more than 50 VU staff, students, friends and family members braved the 38-degree summer heat to proudly in Melbourne's iconic Midsumma Pride March.
Along with rainbow Pride t-shirts and bucket hats, the Victoria University Student Union (VUSU) brought extra joy to attendees, painting sun-screened faces with rainbows and hearts to celebrate LGBTIQA+ communities.
The enthusiastic VU contingent chanted, cheered and danced down Fitzroy Street alongside 10,000 participants.
VU's Vice-Chancellor Professor Adam Shoemaker and Chief TAFE Officer Wayne Buston marched alongside their colleagues, celebrating Pride and inclusivity at VU.
Professor Shoemaker described the day as:
Amazing. This is one of the key days of the year. It's a visible demonstration of what we believe.
Associate Professor Matthew Klugman, researcher and lecturer in sport studies, joined the march for the second time, describing the 2023 march as one of the highlights of the year:
It's superb. This is the vision of what the University can be and it's just glorious.
For VU Sports Coordinator Julz Nannetti, the Midsumma March shows the importance of visibility "demonstrating to staff and students that they can show up to work and uni and be exactly who they are."
After the march, some VU attendees joined in the celebrations at Cantini Gardens with food trucks, DJs and performances - while others welcomed the chance to jump aboard the air-conditioned VU bus back to our campuses.
Gender Affirmation leave
In another step forward in VU's commitment to progressive inclusivity, VU staff can now access Gender Affirmation leave, which allows for up to 30 days of paid leave.
Announced recently by Professor Shoemaker it means that transgender, non-binary and and gender-diverse employees can take paid leave as they take steps to affirm their gender.
Chosen name initiative
Launched in September 2023, the chosen name initiative means staff and students can easily update their details, including chosen name, pronouns and gender identity, and see these reflected across university information systems.
To date, 1,600 staff and students have updated their chosen name, pronouns or gender markers in VU systems.
