The Role of Staff Networks

Discriminatory attitudes towards LGBTIQ*-people have no place in today’s society, yet they continue to blight the engineering sector, contributing to the opinion that the Engineering profession is still living in the past. Staff networks are an effective means for improving inclusivity and in delivering workplace equality for LGBTIQ*-people. From increasing understanding of different sexual orientation amongst employees to improving the external reputation of an organisation, staff networks are an important tool to support any organisation.

The LGBTIQ*-Ally-Network at TU Wien

TU Wien values LGBTIQ*-inclusivity. We have our own staff network called "TU Allies“ which was founded by employees and students and is striving to make a positive impact on the well-being of colleagues and students as well as help us to make a tangible difference in areas that are important to our LGBTIQ*-community.

The aim of the network is to continue to raise the profile of diversity and inclusion. Our goals are to promote the acceptance of LGBTIQ*-employees and assist in framing university policies. We intend to provide a support by hosting events across the university and in conjunction with other networks. We want to help people to be themselves at work. 

Allies are one of the most effective and powerful voices for LGBTIQ*-people. Given that LGBTIQ*-people do not make up a majority of the population at most workplaces, allies are critical in raising their voices in order to create a welcoming athmosphere at the workplace for them. By showing support of LGBTIQ*-people at TU Wien, allies to bring down the issues and conditions that adversely impact the lives of LGBTIQ*-people. By choosing to visibly and verbally stand up, allies also make others understand the importance of equality, acceptance, and respect.

What does it mean to be a LGBTIQ*-Ally at TU Wien?

Every member of our university, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, can support the LGBTIQ*-community (e.g. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender). But being an ally takes action. Allies actively stay informed on current LGBTIQ*-topics and events. They speak up and they support equality by engaging for policies that protect LGBTIQ*-people from discrimination. Allies are important supporters of the LGBTIQ*-community, as they have one of powerful and influential voices. They are platform for activism against homophobia and transphobia and they personally advocate for equal treatment for all people.

An ally at our university is a person who acts both to facilitate the development of students around topics of sexual orientation and gender identity and to improve the experience of LGBTIQ*-people at the university alike. Our network at TU Wien includes queer-friendly and queer-identified faculty, staff and students who provide support for the LGBTIQ*-community at our university.

An ally to LGBTIQ*-individuals is a person who:

• believes that it is in their self-interest to advocate LGBTIQ*-people
• has an understanding of LGBTIQ*-issues and is comfortable with their knowledge of gender identity and sexual orientation
• understands how patterns of oppression are formed and is willing to identify oppressiveness and challenges the oppressive behaviors of others
• has a way that feels personally authentic to confront oppression
• similar to how an LGBTIQ*-person “comes out”, an ally “comes out” as an ally by publicly acknowledging her/his support for LGBTIQ*-people
• chooses to cooperate with LGBTIQ*-people and represents their needs, especially when they are unable to do so on their own
• expects to make mistakes but does not give up when matters become discouraging
• promotes a sense of community with LGBTIQ*-people and shows others the importance of these communities.
• engages to address and confront individuals without being defensive, sarcastic or threatening

Our Allies at TU Wien

Here cou can get in touch the allies at the TU Wien: » The Ally-Network at TU Wieneach out

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