Queer Unionists in Tertiary Education (QUTE

www.nteu.org.au/qute

QUTE Steering Committee 2019–20

Division Representatives

ACT Thomas Morrill UNSW (to Aug 20) NSW Kobie Howe NSW Div NT Alan Berman CDU Qld Amy Sergeant QUT SA Liz McNeil Flinders

Suzanne Edwards Adelaide Tas Brendon Condon UTas Vic Virginia Mansel Lees La Trobe WA David Rhodes ECU

Staff Support

David Willis Vic Division National Conference QUTE National Conference 2020, Our Voice at Work and Beyond, was attedned by over 50 participants in Melbourne in late January. The Conference made four recommendations. Working parties have been established: 1. Education: a commitment to develop and lead four Friday Forums a year. 2. Darlington Statement: to develop a campaign to end medical intervention for intersex people. 3. Policy Review: a review of union policies and procedures to ensure inclusivity. 4.World Pride: a commitment to contribute to the 2023 World Pride in Sydney.

Events Two LGBTIQ annual calendar events were held, remotely due to COVID-19: International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) Day May 17 and Wear it Purple Day 28 August. Event resources were developed and distributed and national Zoom events held, in addition to local Branch activities. QUTE members participated in various Pride events and marches. Thirty participants joined the 2020 Melbourne Pride March.

Actions QUTE members led affirmation of the Darlington Statement at National, Division and Branch levels. Resources The QUTE caucus flyer was updated in 2020. QUTE collaborated with Victorian Trades Hall Council to run ‘Pride Chats’ on campus that were used to develop the resource for LGBTIQ workers, End Divide Through Pride: A Resource for Workers, Unions and Employers. The draft NTEU Transition Guide for Staff and Elected Officers was completed, providing a framework and resources for assisting transgender staff and elected officers.

Collaboration Monthly national Zoom catch-ups were established. Catch-ups kept members updated, provided an opportunity to suggest new ideas and to ask questions. QUTE stalwarts Virginia Mansel Lees and David Willis have resigned from their positions. The Union thanks them for their boundless hard work and enthusiasm that has built and sustained QUTE for many years. ◆