Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) students and staff
The University of Canterbury (UC) aims to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment, and recognises that belonging is important for everyone. UC supports LGBTQIA+ students and staff with assistance on and off campus, and celebrates sexual and gender diversity on campus.
Get connected and stay informed
You can tap into UC’s Rainbow network and receive relevant info and event invites throughout the year by making contact with UC's Rainbow Advisor, Ari Nicholson.
Simply email your name and contact details to ari.nicholson@canterbury.ac.nz
LGBTQIA+ groups and support
QCanterbury and TEU Rainbow Te Kahukura provide a safe social place for sexually and gender diverse people to meet on campus.
Q-topia is a social support group for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex, takataapui, fa’afafine and all queer or questioning youth in the Canterbury region aged 14 - 25.
OUTLineNZ provides a confidential advice service for the LGBTQIA+ community, their friends and families.
InsideOUT and RainbowYOUTH work with New Zealand’s queer and gender diverse youth to provide a safe and supportive environment.
Rainbow Networking Canterbury is about connecting businesses, professionals and individuals of the Christchurch LGBTQIA+ community – it has monthly gatherings
You can download the Gay and Lesbian Youth Support pamphlet from the Community and Public Health website.
"Anyone starting university can feel alone and if you're queer it's doubly so. It's important to find your community and at UC that exists in so many different places. To be in a place where your work and your identity are validated is so exciting. If you reach out, you'll be welcomed."
–Sean Lydiard, UC Me. Read more here
Who can you talk to at UC?
UC Diversity champion
A UC Diversity champion is someone who is knowledgeable on, and sympathetic to, diversity and equity issues. Please contact our diversity champions should you have any questions or issues regarding diversity. They are all very approachable and are keen to hear what you have to say.
UC Health Centre
The UC Health Centre provides free counselling to all UC students. To make an appointment with a counsellor, ring the Health Centre on 03 369 4444
The Health Centre is open 8.30am – 5.30pm Monday to Thursday and 9am – 5pm Friday.
Student Care
The friendly, professional advisors at Student Care are here to help you by providing free and confidential advice and support. You can talk with a Student Care Advisor by phoning, emailing, dropping in, or making an appointment.
To contact Student Care
Visit Student Care, located on the ground floor of the Forestry Building.
Telephone 03 369 3531
Email studentcare@canterbury.ac.nz
Student Care is open 8.30am-4.30pm Monday to Friday.
USCA Advocacy and Welfare
UCSA Advocacy and Welfare offers all enrolled UC students access to free and confidential services and provides advice on basically anything!
Contact Advocacy and Welfare to make an appointment
Ee-Li Hong - Advocacy and Welfare Manager
Telephone 03 364 3911
Email ee-li.hong@usca.org.nz
The UCSA Advocacy and Welfare team is available Monday to Friday 9am-4.30pm in the UCSA office located in the Undercroft.