-1220_x_732.jpg "RMIT Midsumma 2020")
RMIT has received top recognition in the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) 2020 LGBTQ Inclusion Awards, becoming the first organisation ever to be named Employer of the Year twice.
The award recognises several years of continuous improvement in all aspects of LGBTQ inclusion in the workplace and sees RMIT become a Platinum qualifier.
RMIT was also named a Gold Employer for the third year in a row, ranking in the top 10% of organisations who applied, and was a finalist in both the Trans/Gender Diverse Inclusion and Employee Network of the Year categories.
is the national benchmark on LGBTQ workplace inclusion, and the annual LGBTQ Inclusion Awards run by recognise organisations around the country fostering and supporting diverse communities.
Vice-Chancellor and President Martin Bean CBE said the award recognised RMIT’s shared commitment to creating an inclusive culture and nurturing the diversity that made the RMIT community so extraordinary.
“At RMIT we uphold every person’s right to feel safe, supported and free to be themselves,” he said.
“We also know that when we bring together many minds, perspectives and lived experiences, we transform lives and shape the world.
“Our value of inclusion is steadfast and it’s wonderful to see a new tradition emerging as we come together on digital channels to celebrate and honour our diversity.
“Although we can’t share physical spaces with the ease we once did, I’m incredibly proud to see the RMIT spirit continuing to thrive.”
ACON Pride Inclusion Program Director Dawn Hough said this year’s awards marked the 10th anniversary of the AWEI.
“Over the past decade, we have seen incredible advancements in workplace diversity and inclusion,” Hough said.
“As we progress further, it remains critical that not only efforts are acknowledged and congratulated, but pressure continues to be applied to maintain and build upon what has been achieved.”
RMIT is a proud member of the and , a national not-for-profit employer support program for all aspects of LGBTIQA+ inclusion.
The University actively supports staff and students within the RMIT community who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer/questioning or asexual/agender through a whole-of-university approach, guided by a Diverse Genders, Sexes, and Sexualities (DGSS) which was launched in 2016 as part of RMIT’s Diversity and Inclusion Framework.
A DGSS working party for students and staff monitors and oversees the implementation of RMIT’s DGSS Action Plan.
Executive Director Students Dene Cicci said the University was humbled by the announcement and extremely proud of the many passionate people whose ongoing work went into achieving the award.
“We aim to be a place where diverse genders, sexes, and sexualities are recognised and welcomed, everyone is free to be themselves, and where staff and students benefit from our diversity,” Cicci said.
Cicci said the University demonstrated its ongoing support for young people who identify as DGSS through , partnerships with , the Melbourne Queer Film Festival and , to support mentoring opportunities for DGSS professionals.
He said RMIT also actively participated in the Pride March and had also committed to .
The third annual was delivered virtually last month, and celebrated , with the launch of RMIT’s new Trans Ally Guide and a dedicated website of resources.
