The University of Queensland has been recognised with a SAGE Cygnet Award for trans and gender diverse inclusion, acknowledging its efforts to build a safer, more affirming workplace for trans and gender diverse (TGD) staff and students. 

The award reflects years of work to remove structural barriers, improve visibility and understanding, and embed inclusion in policy and practice. 

HR has a huge role to play 

UQ’s journey began with identifying gaps in HR systems, awareness of support, and leave for gender affirmation. 

In response, the University introduced 20 days of paid gender affirmation leave in its 2024–26 Enterprise Agreement, ensuring more consistent and equitable support for TGD staff. 

It implemented inclusive HR and recruitment systems, enabling staff to choose to record pronouns and self-identify their gender, and launched an LGBTQIA+ recruitment guide to ensure applicants see themselves reflected and respected throughout the hiring process. 

“When I came for my job interview, I saw UQ Ally posters, and that reinforced my decision to work at UQ,” said one academic staff member. 

Building the Allyship Network 

The UQ Ally Network — now representing more than 15% of full-time equivalent staff — has expanded its reach through workshops, visible signage, and leadership engagement.  

Progress Pride flags have been permanently installed, and campus-wide digital assets further signal UQ’s ongoing commitment to inclusion. 

Evidence of a culture of support 

These actions have made a tangible difference. Staff survey data show that belief in UQ’s support for TGD employees has grown from 75% in 2019 to 80% in 2025, and satisfaction with the gender affirmation process has increased by more than 14 percentage points. 

“The UQ culture of support for gender-diverse and trans people has been simply fantastic. I’ve been told by my Head of School that they wanted to know immediately if I received trouble during my transition – it was unambiguously clear that they genuinely cared,” said a staff member. 

UQ’s not stopping there 

To raise awareness of policies such as gender affirmation leave, UQ is working to address this through a new communications campaign and further system improvements to strengthen transparency and access. 

Find out more 

This is UQ’s second SAGE Cygnet Award, with their first addressing gender equity in academic promotion. It builds on the University’s Athena Swan Bronze Award accreditation, and marks a milestone on their pathway through the internationally recognised Athena Swan framework. 

You can read all about UQ’s actions, and the outcomes and impacts, in their full Cygnet Award Application or read an overview version in this Progress and Impact Summary.