Perth based student Adelaide Knowles has been instrumental in the development of a new national network for queer students. The Australian Queer Student Network (AQSN) aims to link students across the country together in a network that supports student’s rights, representation and advocacy. Ms Knowles, who is a co-convenor of AQSN, told OUTinPerth that there are
‘So many things happening in the queer spectrum that need more of a focus so that’s what the network is going to do … prioritise queer issues and organize autonomously.’
The network will rely on a website as well as phone link ups and an annual meeting at QC, the national conference for LGBTIQ students.
Although the site is live it is still in development, with AQSNÂ is concentrating on ensuring information is up to date and debugging ahead of an official launch timed to coincide with the beginning of the academic year in early March.
Although she acknowledged that things were getting better for queer students, Ms Knowles identified mental health issues, representation, resources on campus for students and sexual health as some of the challenges still facing students.
‘We’re hoping to connect people to what they are looking for, and share resources and ideas’ she said.
For more information see www.aqsn.org.au
