For two LGBT students, at Charles Sturt University, there is still a long way to go in changing attitudes and there is a push for more “physical” queer spaces at the university and in the Wagga area. 

Moving to Wagga in 2016 for her studies in veterinary science, 20-year-old Edon Lindell said over the past two years she has “come out” as a bisexual to her parents and friends. 

Ms Lindell has been dating her girlfriend for about four months and said that while attitudes are changing she feels the need to control her affection in public places.

“Mostly I feel fine, but everyone now and then we get people giving us looks or whispering comments to each other, “ she said. 

“I think what most upsets me is having to make a conscious decision each time as to whether it’s going to be OK to hold hands or kiss her.”

Working as the regional officer for the Australian Queer Student Network and as the secretary for Momentum, a CSU LGBTQI club, Ms Lindell is also calling for more queer areas.

“There are some queer social support groups such as Rainbow Riverina, Momentum, ACON and the Wagga trans/intersex and gender queer support group and these are all great,” she said. 

“But there is a serous lack of a physical space for queer people, particularity for young and closeted people.”

CSU’s manager of student well being, Mr Jon Wilby said he encouraged queer students to seek support from qualified counselors and psychologists. 

“We are actively involved in working with students from diverse backgrounds to ensure they have an equitable and positive university experience,” Mr Wilby said. 

“Students from LGBTIQ+ backgrounds have access to student liaison officers at each campus that can assist in addressing issues related to sexuality and gender that arise.” 

The university said they are in the process of looking at some more inclusive spaces to incorporate within the school environment. 

“CSU is exploring the possibility of providing more inclusive spaces at our campuses, such as queer spaces and gender neutral bathrooms,” said James Brann, engagement director. 

Ms Lindell considered herself quite “lucky” compared to her queer friends who have felt scared to go out in public, in fear of discrimination. 

“I’ve sat in classes with queer friends while other students or even lecturers have made homophobic jokes, not realising how hurtful it can be,” she said. 

“It’s been particularly bad for friends of mine that are trans or gender diverse, because we still have a long way to go with attitudes and education in gender diversity, particularly in rural areas.” 

The new discrimination laws are enforcing tough new penalties to keep community groups safe. 

It is now an offence in NSW to threaten or incite violence against people based on their race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, intersex or HIV/AIDS.

Ms Lindell said there needs to be more education around changing attitudes and having the courage to call out homophobia and transphobia. 

“It can be exhausting for queer people to constantly have to defend their existence and having great allies is such an important thing,” she said. 

“Events likes the potential Mardi Gras being held in Wagga next year are amazing initiatives and will help to improve attitudes in the region.” 

President of Momentum and TV production student Sam Luhrs, 21, said he has also felt a level of discomfort in Wagga. 

“As a trans person people can be a bit ignorant, change happens slowly and sometimes people want to rock the boat,” he said

“In Momentum, we’re here to support others and trying to raise a bit of awareness in the regional university setting, changing the one-man show environment.”