On Tuesday August 16, the University of Sydney will experience the most exquisite celebration of love as the Rainbow Campus campaign unites rainbow couples to show Australia what it is missing.
Rainbow Campus is campaigning for university campuses around Australia to become safe spaces for the LGBTQI community. Since the Orlando shootings, steps to overcome prejudice, bigotry and hatred against the rainbow community have become more urgent.
Rainbow Campus asks universities to implement six policies to be deemed Rainbow Campuses: accessible safe space for LGBTQI students; a portion of student services amenity fees (SSAF) to go to LGBTQI student organising; comprehensive LGBTQI staff training; gender neutral bathroom; changing trans students' names; and signing onto a marriage equality pledge.
The rainbow campus campaign was launched at University of Sydney during USU pride week, and a copy of the demands was handed to the Vice Chancellor office. Since the launch, rainbow campus campaigners have met with university management to discuss the importance of making university a rainbow campus.
The university's management agreed to work on all demands, while admitting the process of implementing these policies will require time. The exception is signing on to marriage equality.
University management made it very clear that the Vice Chancellor has refused to support marriage equality on the basis that it is a political issue and the university will not take a stand on any political issue.
Rainbow campus supporters do not accept the university's decision, saying to them this is a human rights issue.
Rainbow campus campaigner Rachel Evans said: “By not supporting marriage equality the university is not staying neutral but actually taking a stand against marriage equality. It is saying to its student that it is okay if the government treats you like a second class citizen.”
Rainbow Campus campaigners are joining with six organisations on Sydney University to host a wedding to outshine all weddings. They are calling on rainbow couples, their guests, the community and allies to get equal married.
The event will be held at the University of Sydney, with five lucky couples offered free hair and make-up, bouquets, photos and video coverage of the day. Set in the Refractory, near the sandstone “Quad”, the event will host 200 people, giving up to 10 couples an unforgettable ceremony.
Guests will be treated to a delicious fully-catered reception by HostCo, the University of Sydney Union catering service that does weddings on campus. Students and staff are invited to join this stunning ceremony to celebrate rainbow community's enduring love and passion for equality.
The wedding begins at 1pm and will end at 2pm followed by a reception from 2-3pm.
Organiser Andrea Zepher said: “Supporting us on this day are the Sydney University Postgraduate Representative Association, Student Representative Council, University Student Union, the Sydney University branches of the National Tertiary Education Union and the Community Public Sector Union, along with the Ally Network (rainbow staff).
“We are asking Vice-Chancellor Michael Spence and all staff to show their support for Rainbow Campus and come on the day,” said Evans. “So far Sydney University has rebutted the Rainbow Campus proposal, and we want them to see that there is nothing to fear from equal love.”
All couples and guests must RSVP here.
The Facebook event is here.
Couples please email Ahmed education@supra.usyd.edu.au
Call Rachel 0403 517 266 for more information.
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