Trans and Gender Diverse Staff and Students
At Griffith, we are committed to creating an inclusive and non-discriminatory environment for all staff and students, including trans and gender diverse staff and students. We have several policies and resources available to support staff and students to affirm their gender in a safe and inclusive way.
Sustainable Development Goals
Griffith University is aligned with the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and is committed to promoting gender equity and providing equal opportunities for all individuals by fostering an inclusive environment that respects and values diversity.
Updating your details in the HR System (Staff)
Changes can be made at any time without evidence through the staff portal to an alternative prefix including Mrs / Ms / Miss / Mr or the non-binary title Mx. Please refer to the userguide on how to change your prefix.
The ‘preferred first name’ in the system is a name that you (commonly) use that is different from your legal given name. The ‘preferred name’ can be changed at any time without evidence. Staff Portal > My Staff Page > My Personal Details > Name > Preferred Name.
In most cases across the University, you will be given the option to use a 'preferred name' category. However, there will be some records that will require a legal name change to be updated. More information on how to do this in Queensland can be found here. Your ‘legal given name’ can be amended once you have changed your name via the appropriate legal channels. Please see the userguide on how to change your legal name in the HR system.
Your gender can be amended, including if you identify as non-binary, on your personal record by emailing the Payroll team ( Payroll enquiry) within Human Resources.
Provided the 'preferred name' category has been updated with Human Resources (through the self-service portal), your email name and format will be updated.
Provided the 'preferred name' category has been updated with Human Resources (through the self-service portal), your telephone display name and directory entry will be updated. Please refer to the userguide on how to update the phone directory.
For Staff
During gender affirmation
Griffith understands that a person’s gender affirmation/transition process will be unique to them and while a person is going through their Gender Affirmation/Transition Plan they might want to consider some of the areas below. Find out more about paid gender affirmation leave in our Enterprise Agreements.
Leave entitlements
You may require leave or some flexibility during your affirmation or transition for surgery, medical appointments, counselling, or other related purposes. You, or your supervisor, are encouraged to contact your HR Business Partner for advice on leave entitlements, flexible working arrangements, and types of documentation that may be necessary to support these requests. For more information on your leave entitlements please view the leave and benefits webpage and discuss options with your supervisor.
For Students
Updating your details in My Griffith
You can make changes to your prefix, legal name, and gender by completing the change of personal details form and lodging it along with any documentary evidence via AskUs - Submit a question or visit Student Connect. Documentary evidence is not required for change of prefix and gender but is required for change of legal name.
While the University endeavours to use 'preferred names' in the first instance across all systems, there are a small number of systems (such as Turnitin) that require a manual process to be updated. To ensure these updates are made, or report instances of incorrect name usage, please raise a request via the IT Support Centre. The 'preferred name' can be changed at any time without evidence. MyGriffith > My Details > Contact Details > Names > Preferred Name.
For Alumni
Updating your personal details
Find out how to update your name and other details (including details on your degree certificate) as an Alumni in this "Ask us!" question
Updating Testamur (Degree) with a new name, post-graduation
If you have changed your legal name since you graduated and wish to update your Testamur with your new legal name, you will need to lodge a Change of Name request with the University (using the change of personal details form) and wait for confirmation of your name having been updated before you are able to lodge a request for a new Testamur. For more information, please click the button below.
Policies and Internal Resources
Support for Trans Staff and Students
Griffith is committed to supporting trans staff and students to affirm their gender (also known as transitioning) in a safe, positive and inclusive way. We have specific guidelines, a procedure and leave available for gender affirmation or transition in the workplace. Our Gender Affirmation Guidelines for staff and students aim to provide information and guidance for all members of the university community on how to achieve an inclusive and supportive environment for those seeking to affirm or transition their gender. This inclusion and support are strengthened through our Gender Affirmation, Inclusion and Support Procedure that is available for staff and students who are affirming their gender and those supporting them.
Staff Gender Affirmation Guidelines
Guidelines to Support Trans Students
Gender Affirmation Inclusion and Support Procedure
External Resources
Gender Identity, Expression, and Sex: Pride in Diversity Let's Talk Gender Publication
Terminology and Language: ABC Sexuality and Gender Glossary: Common gender and sexuality terms explained; Words Matter Publication: Terminology and Definitions
Beyond Blue Beyond Blue celebrates the strength, resilience, and diversity of LGBTIQ+ communities. Visit their site for a range of resources on reducing discrimination and promoting mental health.
Open Doors Youth Service Provides support to young people with diverse genders, sex, and sexualities. They support young people who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer, Asexual, Pansexual, Sistergirl or Brotherboy (LGBTIQAP+, Sistergirl & Brotherboy) aged 12-24 across South East Queensland.
The Pinnacle Foundation Provides educational and vocational support to young adults across Australia where their gender identity, sexual orientation, or sexual characteristics have prevented or hindered achievement of their career aspirations or personal development.
LGBTI Legal Service The LGBTI Legal Service offers free and confidential legal advice to Queensland residents who identify as members of the diverse lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and intersex community.
