By Queer+ GSEA Clara Bertuch
This semester was full of exciting events for the Queer+ and wider Burgmann community!
On 20 February, we marked Mardi Gras with a ‘Queer+ Icons’ night, where everyone dressed up as their favourite LGBTQ+ characters. The night featured live music by queer artists and themed cocktails/mocktails inspired by iconic queer TV shows, movies, and pop culture, thanks to our collab with Le Chat. The event celebrated Mardi Gras as a time to embrace self-expression and identity and challenge stereotypes.
The Queer+ portfolio’s second major event, ‘You Can’t Ask That’, took place on 17 May and was designed with allies in mind. With pre-approved anonymous questions, the event gave residents a safe space to ask the questions they might usually be too afraid to voice out loud, accompanied by hot chocolate and cookies. These were answered by a diverse panel (including myself and ANUSA Queer+ Officer Jemma Rule) drawing from real-life experiences across the Queer+ spectrum to help educate and debunk assumptions.
In Term 2, I also started Queer+ Chats, which now run every second Saturday morning. These casual meetups offer a space for members of the community and allies to connect, socialise, and explore a range of Queer+ topics. We've already had two great coffee runs, and we’re on a mission to visit every café in the area by the end of the year!
One of the biggest achievements for all the GSEAs was running Nights In, where we each led important conversations within our individual portfolios and also came together to run joint sessions that encouraged open, floor-wide discussions. Over three weeks in mid-term 1, we had the opportunity to speak with and hear from representatives from every floor. This was a chance for residents to challenge their perspectives, learn something new, connect more with their floors, and get a better feel for what Burgmann is all about.
While it was definitely a challenge, it was incredibly rewarding, and we were really glad to hear that residents enjoyed it based on the thoughtful feedback we received!
