Queer Officer
The Queer Officer is responsible for liaising with the appropriate bodies in relation to issues pertaining to LGBTIQA+ graduates of Monash University, ensuring that the concerns of LGBTIQA+ graduates are brought to the attention of the MGAEC, convening and chairing an advisory group of LGBTIQA+ graduates, and more.
The learn more about this position, read the extract from the MGA Constitution.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself, your background and your area of study?
I'm Jonathan, a Master of Social Work student from the twin-island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, the very southernmost pair of islands in the Caribbean. My interest in Social Work was sparked by my study of psychology during undergrad, along with a lifetime of gravitating towards situations that required supporting and advocating for others.
My professional and volunteer career so far has given me opportunities to work with children with diagnoses that create challenges for their learning, youth with disabilities, people experiencing mental health crises, and survivors of sexual violence.
What is your new role within the MGAEC, and what are you hoping to achieve over your term in office?
As the MGA's Queer Officer, and as a member of the MGA's executive committee, my role is one and the same: to work for all post-graduate students here at Monash. That means advocating for programs, events and policies that promote equality and celebrate diversity, and fighting alongside students against systems that keep us feeling alone, small, unworthy, and unable to be the change we want to see.
While my focus is on queer students (students of diverse sexualities, gender presentations, gender identities, etc.), history has shown us time and time again that our liberation is often the catalyst and pinkprint for better conditions for everyone. My goal is to continue the work of previous MGA Queer Officers who worked hard to bond our queer student community together, and create a safe space for everyone to show up as their most authentic selves, and to do their most important work.
What motivated you to join the executive committee? What drives you to make a difference in your graduate student community?
My work has often put me in direct opposition to individuals in positions of power, unresponsive school administrations, morally-dubious businesses and even the laws of my own country. Now as a part of the MGA executive committee, my hope is to tap into the resources of the MGA to continue to advocate for and support my fellow students as we navigate power differentials within our community here at Monash.
So whether you need help figuring out an issue between you and your department, you and your professor or you and a classmate, please come to us. Or maybe you’re feeling forced to make a choice between work and school, or physical health and mental health, or tuition and rent payments, we’re here as resources to help you. The MGA staff, along with my fellow executive committee members and I, are here to serve you. So say hello, ask a question or make a request. Help us to know how best we can help you.