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If you are having technical difficulties with any of the below processes, you can contact Student Central for support.

Gender identity

You can update your gender in at any time without providing supporting documentation. Navigate to Personal Data > Profile > Personal Details > Biographic to view your gender. Click on the gender row to access as drop-down menu and select from the following options to best represent your gender identity:

• Woman or female
• Man or male
• Non-binary
• Different term
• Prefer not to say

Name and title

It is important to note that while adopting a new chosen name is a common form of gender affirmation, it is just as common for TGD folks to want to keep your existing name – it is a personal choice!

At ANU, your legal name is used for any official communication (e.g. on your academic transcript), and otherwise you can state your preferred name to be used on ANU systems such as Canvas, ANU student email and ANUHub. Your preferred name is also shared with teaching staff.

If your chosen name is different from your legal name, you can update your preferred name and title in at any time without providing supporting documentation. Navigate to Personal Data > Profile > Personal Details > Personal to see how your name is recorded in ANU systems. If you do not already have a preferred name listed, you can add this by clicking the ‘+’, selecting Preferred from the drop-down list, and entering your preferred details. Otherwise, click on the existing Preferred name row to edit your details.

If you have legally changed your name, or your Primary name listed on ANUHub is incorrect, you can update it by sending a completed form, as well as supporting documentation (e.g. birth certificate, passport, marriage certificate, change of name certificate, divorce certificate) to Student Central.

Please see below, under Further information, for advice on how to legally change your name in the ACT.

If you come across an instance where your preferred or chosen names should be displayed and are not, please reach out to Inclusive & Respectful Communities.

Pronouns

ANUHub currently lacks the function to collect and display your pronouns. This is being reviewed in 2026 and changes will be communicated to students as they happen.

You can add pronouns to your profile in by navigating to Account > Settings > Edit Settings and selecting from the drop-down menu next to Pronouns. Currently this is limited to four options: 

• None
• She/her
• He/him
• They/them

Please note changing your pronouns in Canvas will not flow through to other ANU systems.

Needing or wanting to communicate your correct name and pronouns to others can be both exciting and scary. Like all forms of gender affirmation, the process of ‘coming out’ (sharing your authentic gendered self with others) is a personal journey and can look very different from one person to the next. While some people prefer to come out publicly to everyone at once, often it is a gradual process that starts with one or a handful of trusted friends or family members. There is no ‘correct’ order or pace other than what feels best for you.

As an ANU student you have access to various forms of support if you feel you need guidance throughout this process. Student Safety and Wellbeing, ANU Counselling, the ANUSA Queer* Department, and Residential Mentors (RMs) or Deputy Heads of Residence (if you live on campus) are all great resources – you can read more about these services under the Support section below.

The following questions may help guide how you communicate about your gender, name, pronouns or other details:

What do you want to share, and who do you want to share it with?

• Your chosen name, pronouns, gender identity, changes to your appearance…
• Friend/s, family, peers, teaching staff, colleagues, supervisor…
• Be clear about whether you want those you communicate with to keep it confidential, or if you are comfortable with them sharing it further (and if so, what and how they share)

How would you like them to find out?

• In person, via email, phone, message, video call, social media…

Would you like to communicate directly or would you like someone to communicate on your behalf?

• E.g. a support person, lecturer/tutor, RM, supervisor…
• Would you like to be present at the time?

For groups, would you like them to find out individually or as a group?

When would you like this to happen?

• Unsure, ASAP, the next time I see them, before next semester, during the break…

Some examples of what this might look like:

• I want to share my chosen name and pronouns with my friend group, classmates and teaching staff. I will tell my friends one by one next time I see them, but I will ask my tutors to inform my class groups via email at the beginning of the next semester. I am happy for them to refer to me with my chosen name and pronouns in other social circles.
• I want to share my chosen pronouns and try using make up but only with my best friend for now.
• I want to share my pronouns with my colleagues. I will tell my supervisor first during our catch up, then send a message in Teams to inform everyone and let them know I might appear in different clothing to usual.
• I want to tell my parents this weekend that my gender identity has changed. I would like my sister to be with me at the time for support.
• I have spoken with the Wellbeing Coordinator and my RM in my Residential Hall and decided to share my chosen name with my floor community. I will ask my RM to make me a new door sign and message the floor group chat before the next tea night to let them know.
• I have updated my name and pronouns on social media. I don’t want to make an announcement but people can reach out if they have any questions.

Bathrooms

At ANU you are encouraged to use the bathroom facilities that correspond to your gender identity. Gender neutral bathrooms are also available in many locations across campus for those who prefer this option. 

ANU Sport
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ANU Sport is committed to providing a safe, fair, and inclusive environment where people of all backgrounds can contribute and participate. They have a Zero Tolerance approach to any unlawful discrimination or harassment toward any member of the LGBTIQA+ community.

ANU Sport supports all participation in affiliated programs based on someone’s affirmed gender and will facilitate this right as required. 

ANU Sport will implement the following guidelines for sanctioned events:

• For single-sex competitions, people can participate in the competition that best reflects their gender identity.
• For mixed-gender competitions, people can participate in a manner that best reflects their gender identity.  

For ANU students living on campus, the above also applies to all activities as part of the ANU Interhall Sports Competition, which is co-facilitated by ANU Sport and the Residential Experience Division.

Student Safety & Wellbeing
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Student Safety & Wellbeing is here to provide free and confidential support to students experiencing a range of issues that can impact on their university experience and academic engagement.  

Case Managers have backgrounds in allied health, social work and counselling. They offer person-centred and trauma-informed supports. You will be treated with dignity and respect, receiving a clear confidential service that empowers you to make choices and connect with others.

A Case Manager can help coordinate: 

• Safe making on-campus or in a Residential Hall or College
• Safety information and links to community services for students in off-campus accommodation
• Information and referrals to specialist support services at ANU and community services
• Information on Reporting processes within ANU and Police
• Developing support plans to work through what support a person needs to continue with studying or working
• Coordinating support required at the ANU - including negotiating academic accommodations and administrative processes, referrals and liaison with community services, and for students living on-campus - liaising with Residential Halls and Colleges.

ANU Counselling
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A free, short-term, confidential and non-diagnostic service available to all currently enrolled ANU students located in Australia. Students currently located overseas are encouraged to make contact, we can advise about alternative support options. Students don’t need a referral or Mental Health Treatment Plan from a General Practitioner to register and attend appointments. 

Highly trained and experienced counsellors have backgrounds in psychology, social work, counselling, mental health nursing or occupational therapy.

ANU Queer* Department and Queer* Officer
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The ANU Queer* Department is one of ANU’s 6 autonomous departments that operate to support the most marginalised members of society. They provide a lot of different support for students on campus, including the running of events, wellbeing support, and merch!

Additionally, to support the wellbeing of our gender diverse students, depending on finances, they attempt to offer free gender-affirming gear (including binders and tucking underwear) to queer* ANU students. The orders are placed typically once a semester and registration is done through an online google form.

ANU LGBTIQA+ Ally Network
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The ANU LGBTIQA+ Ally Network is made up of a group of staff and students across campus who are committed to providing an inclusive and respectful environment for people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer and asexual (LGBTIQA+). To join the network, you can attend one of the free LGBTIQA+ Ally Training sessions offered throughout each semester.

The Ally Network is hosted by IARC, who provide the Ally training, host events, and facilitate networking and support opportunities on behalf of the network.

Inclusive and Respectful Communities (IARC)
E: respect@anu.edu.au

IARC leads initiatives aimed at creating a campus experience that is accessible, inclusive, equitable, and respectful while valuing the diverse experience and contributions of the community it represents.

Pastoral Care and Support in Student Accommodation

ANU Residences provide a comprehensive support network for residents. The team includes a Head of Hall, Deputy Head, Community Support Officers (after hours), and Residential Mentors. Together they:

• Offer guidance and support with health, academic, financial, or personal concerns.
• Provide referrals to ANU and community services, including counselling.
• Help build a safe, inclusive, and connected community.

Residential Mentors are senior students who live alongside residents and are the first point of contact for day-to-day support, wellbeing check-ins, and community activities. They are trained in Psychological First Aid and Physical First Aid and are here to listen, support and refer you to further support if needed. They work closely with staff to ensure residents feel at home, connected, and supported.

Staff members provide professional support, coordinate programs, and ensure policies and standards are upheld. The Deputy is directly responsible for pastoral care, supporting your personal growth and academic progress, and supervising the Residential Mentor team. The Community Support Officer is available after hours as the escalation point for support.

Confidentiality and respect are central to all support provided.

Resources to refer to: p. 11-12.

A Gender Agenda
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T: 6162 1924 (Monday-Thursday)

A community organisation that works with and on behalf of intersex, transgender and gender diverse people, their friends, families, and allies. They provide social support, events, workshops, advocacy, training, policy advice, and resources.

Meridian ACT
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Canberra’s LGBTIQA+ Community Organisation. A community-controlled, peer-led organisation that provides health and social support services to our community.

QLife
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QLife provides anonymous and free LGBTIQA+ peer support and referral for people in Australia wanting to talk about sexuality, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships.

TransHub
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TransHub is ACON’s ground-breaking digital platform for trans and gender diverse people, their loved ones and health providers. Explore topics related to health, our rights, connection and affirmation.

Misgendering: Describing or addressing someone using pronouns or language that does not match how that person identifies their own gender or body. 

Deadnaming: For TGD folks who choose to use a different name from their birth name, their former name is referred to as their ‘deadname’. The act of using someone’s deadname instead of their chosen name is known as deadnaming.

Both misgendering and deadnaming can be unintentional, or accidental, or it can be done in an intentionally harmful way. Repeated and intentional misgendering or deadnaming is a form of sexual harassment as defined by the Australian Human Rights Commission.

Regardless of the intention, being misgendered or deadnamed can be confronting and traumatic and lead to experiencing gender dysphoria – the experience of not feeling aligned with your gender identity. You are encouraged to seek support using the resources above if you feel distressed. 

Transphobia: negative attitudes, feelings, or actions towards transgender people.

The and the both protect TGD folks against discrimination or harassment. 

In the ACT it is against the law for someone to discriminate against you because of your:

• gender identity, including appearance or mannerisms or other gender related characteristics of a person, with or without regard to the person’s designated sex at birth. It is also unlawful to discriminate against a person because the record of their sex has been altered under the Births, Deaths and Marriages registration Act 1997 (or an equivalent law in another jurisdiction).
• sex, or any characteristic generally imputed to your sex. It is also against the law for someone to discriminate against you because of characteristics you have which are exclusive to one sex, including around pregnancy, potential pregnancy, and breastfeeding.
• sex characteristic variations or intersex status

ANU Harmful Behaviours Disclosure tool
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Disclosing a harmful behaviour can be a difficult decision, and that person must feel safe and confident that any disclosure will be treated respectfully and appropriately.

A Harmful Behaviours Disclosure is not a formal report or complaint but is a mechanism for ANU to provide you with information and support through a Student Safety and Wellbeing Case Manager or the Staff Respect Consultant. The tool facilitates an identified or de-identified disclosure.

Lodging a disclosure does not prevent you from also looking at your reporting options both within the ANU or externally. A Student Safety and Wellbeing Case Manager or the Staff Respect Consultant can provide you with information on these options.

The Harmful Behaviours Disclosure tool webpage also includes information on formal reporting options available.

To legally change your name in Canberra, you need to be born in the ACT or have a current residential address in the ACT. This means you may need to update documents such as your driver license to reflect your status as a resident of the ACT. Access Canberra provides further information on , and on their website. 

You also have the option to apply to the relevant authority in the state or territory you were born in. 

When you have the relevant documentation prepared, you can apply to change your name through Access Canberra.

Accessing medical services, whether for gender affirmation purposes or for general health reasons, can be a challenging experience for TGD folks, as discrimination within the health system is unfortunately common.

has been highly recommended for TGD-friendly medical care, though TGD-friendly health professionals are common across the ACT.

(referred to under external support services above) is a great online resource for understanding medical affirmation practices and healthcare for TGD folks, and also includes a tool for finding affirming health professionals across Australia.

If you have TGD folks in your life who you want to support, wish to be able to support the community more broadly, or are just curious about learning more about TGD experiences, IARC offer LGBTIQA+ Ally Training for ANU staff and students. Visit the page for more info and to register for an upcoming session.

Otherwise, the first step in being an effective Ally is to be curious and do your own research. There is plenty of information and resources online. If you have specific people in your life who you want to support, it is always best to ask directly how you can best support them. However, be mindful of asking TGD people to explain their experience unless they offer to, as the burden of explaining marginalised experiences regularly falls on those in the marginalised community itself, which can be exhausting and retraumatising.