By University of Southern Queensland Vice-Chancellor, Professor Karen Nelson.
At the University of Southern Queensland, inclusion isn’t just something we talk about – it’s something we live. This week, we are proud to take a colourful and visible step forward in celebrating the diversity of our university community.
Across our three campuses at Toowoomba, Ipswich, and Springfield, we have unveiled a new symbol of belonging and pride: stairs painted in the vibrant colours of the Pride Progress Flag.
These installations coincide with IDAHOBIT (International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism, and Transphobia) on Saturday 17 May.
IDAHOBIT – also known as the Day Against LGBTQIA+ Discrimination – is the anniversary of 17 May 1990, when the World Health Organisation removed homosexuality from the Classification of Diseases.
The Pride Progress Flag represents a powerful message of inclusion, visibility, and respect for our LGBTQIA+ students, staff, and alumni, as well as all members of our community who value equity and inclusion.
The decision to paint these stairs supports our commitment to fostering a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment. These stairs will provide a daily reminder of that message.
They invite us all to reflect on the progress made toward equality and the work that still lies ahead. The initiative forms part of our broader efforts to champion equity and access across all facets of university life.
Whether through support services, education programs, policies, or days of significance like IDAHOBIT, we are continually striving to be a university that values and promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and safety.
