1. Gender Neutral/Gender Inclusive Language: Be sure to use gender neutral/gender inclusive language if you’re not sure of someone’s pronouns, gender identity, or their partner’s. It’s never harmful to ask for someone’s pronouns, just be open about it.
2. Privacy: Respect others’ privacy and confidentiality and keep the trust they’ve put in you.
3. Be Consistent: Remember to try and use correct names and pronouns in conversations even if the person you’re talking about isn’t in the room. Practice makes perfect and helps to build good habits with your personal connections.
4. Respect Boundaries: Some of the rainbow community members may not want to talk about their sexual orientation or gender identity all the time – it’s nothing personal
5. Be Curious: Don’t ask invasive questions. Don’t go asking about what body parts someone is working with, or if they’re still shaving daily. It’s none of your business! Be curious about how your friends are doing. Ask if they feel comfortable talking about their journey. Ask about events you could go to with them to learn. You can ask what something means to someone but not treat them like Queer Wikipedia. When in doubt, Google!
6. Humour: Be mindful of the jokes you and those around you make. Be open to receiving feedback if someone does take offense. Be mindful of what you share on social media.
7. Belonging: Queer, questioning, or ally, try and make it a safe space for everyone! This means taking a chill pill on jokes that push it, not having prejudice, and not treating someone like their queerness is their only personality trait.
8. Being Supportive: Let your friends know you’re a safe person and they can be comfortable with their identity around you.
Where do I find a queer-friendly flat and/or queer flatmates?
There are a few ways to do this, but here are some suggested by Queer Support:
- Check out online sites like TradeMe as some may include this in their listings.
- There are some really helpful flatting groups out there, here are some examples:
- Rainbow Housing NZ (Facebook) – queer houses across Aotearoa.
- UniQ – students often post about looking for flats and/or flat mates.
Facing Discrimination in Flat Hunting
It is unlawful to be discriminated against when looking for a flat. You cannot be turned down as a potential tenant based on being a member of the rainbow community, much like based on culture, religious beliefs, age, ability etc.
This is true for looking for flats and deciding whether to continue or end a tenancy. It is also unlawful for anyone, including landlords and/or property managers, to tell anyone to discriminate.
Unless discrimination is done explicitly, it can be hard to prove. Regardless, it doesn’t feel good and it is not ok. If you suspect you’ve been discriminated against, come speak to OUSA Student Support for advice.
Queer Support at OUSA
Queer Support offers support at the University and Polytechnic for everyone, rainbow people and allies alike. Here are a few things they offer:
- One on One Support: Confidential chats about anything you need. This support also includes advocacy, information and access to resources. contact q.support@ousa.org.nz to book a chat.
- Volunteering Opportunities: Queer Peer Support and event assistants.
- Queer Space: A safe place on campus that also houses the Queer Library.
- Events celebrating diversity.
- Workshops & Trainings: Educating staff and students on rainbow issues and the best ways to be supportive.
- Queer Friendly Staff Network (QFSN): Keen to know who the queer-friendly people in your department are? We have a list located here on the OUSA Student Support Hub.
- OUSA Queer Support also offers a few donated binders. These are available to loan from the OUSA Student Support office. Come and see us for more info!