RMIT University has been recognised with a third SAGE Cygnet Award for its work to create a safer, more inclusive environment for LGBTQIA+ staff and students. The award acknowledges structural and cultural reforms that address systemic barriers, boost representation, and centre the lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ people across the university.
A people-first approach to systemic change
RMIT tackled barriers including low representation, invisibility, and limited systemic support. Their strategy focused on both structural reform and community connection, combining inclusive recruitment, policy change, and visibility initiatives with a strong emphasis on education and allyship.
Staff and students have benefited from efforts such as gender affirmation leave, inclusive hiring practices, and visibility through Pride events and ally networks.
These were backed by training and resources including mandatory LGBTIQA+ 101 modules and a popular “Top 10 Tips to be an Effective Rainbow Ally” guide.
These steps created tangible improvements in visibility, safety, and inclusion.
Measurable impact across the university
Since launching these initiatives, the number of gender-diverse professional staff appointed has jumped from just six (2015–2020) to 51 (2022–2024).
In feedback, one staff member singled out the recruitment process as being particularly inclusive: “This was the first time I applied to a role while being out, and I felt supported and affirmed by the process.”
The number of people attending LGBTIQA+ events has grown more than six-fold.
Most tellingly, the percentage of LGBTQIA+ staff who feel comfortable being “out” at work rose from 53% in 2018 to 78% in 2024.
One staff member described RMIT as “the first organisation I’ve worked where I can be me. There is no need for me to hide myself.”
Continued commitment
Professor Kay Latham, Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Gender Equity, said that the award recognises the University’s ongoing commitment to being a values-led employer and puts RMIT one step closer to achieving the Athena Swan Silver accreditation.
“We’re committed to supporting the gender-diverse staff and students within RMIT’s community, prioritising an intersectional approach to ensure our systems reflect our values of inclusion and impact, and this third Cygnet is an incredible recognition of this work,” said Professor Latham.
RMIT plans to deepen the impact of its work in LGBTQIA+ inclusion by creating more localised, informal opportunities for connection and celebration, and by increasing executive visibility and advocacy.
With three SAGE Cygnet Awards now in hand, RMIT continues to lead by example in transforming institutional culture — and in showing what authentic inclusion looks like. Their other Awards recognise their work to make recruitment more equitable, and to improve participation and career fulfillment for parents and carers.
Find out more
This Award builds on the university’s Athena Swan Bronze Award, and marks a milestone on their pathway to Athena Swan Silver accreditation.
You can read all about RMIT’s actions, and the outcomes and impacts, in their full Cygnet Award application, or read an overview version in this progress and impact summary.
