Sex and Sexuality in Adelaide

Welcome to your home away from home in Australia. During your time in Australia and at university you may find yourself forming many new friendships and relationships with other people, some of which may become sexual relationships.  Sexuality is much more than sex. It is part of who a person is and how they think about themselves, their bodies and their relationships with other people. This can be a very positive experience as new relationships are formed and you learn about yourself. An understanding of Australian culture and knowledge of safe sexual health practices can also help to make this a constructive experience.

In Australia, most people have the freedom to express themselves and make their own decisions. You may notice that in Australia sexual expression is more overt than in your own country and that there is great diversity in how people express their sexuality. You may be wondering about your own sexuality and be unsure about how you wish to express it. On the other hand, you may already be clear that you are hetereosexual  (attracted to people of the opposite sex) or that you are homosexual (attracted to people of the same sex), or bisexual (attracted to people of both sexes).

In Australia, people who are attracted to those of the same sex are often called "gay" or sometimes "queer". Women who are attracted to women are also often called "lesbians". If you are gay or bisexual, or are questioning your sexuality, it is important for you to know that there are support services available in Adelaide. There are also social groups which offer the opportunity for you to meet people who are similar to you.
One support service is called Bfriend, which provides support to people who newly identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender. The main way Bfriend provides support is by linking up a newly identifying person with a trained volunteer. Bfriend volunteers offer someone to talk with, ask questions of, accompany you to events you may be interested in, provide introductions to the broader community and other things that are important for you in your exploration. These things are discussed between you and the project worker when you first come to Bfriend. You can find more information about Bfriend by ringing Desmond on 8202 5192 or Truffy on 8202 5805. Or you can look at the Bfriend website at:
http://www.ucwesleyadelaide.org.au/bfriend/default.htm
The University of Adelaide respects the rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender students to study in an environment which values diversity, respects difference, and which is free from harassment.
The Students' Association has Sexuality Officers who provide information about coming out, sexual health, sexual harassment and safe sex. You can contact them on 8303 5406.
The Rainbow Room in the Union Building on campus is a place for non-hetereosexual students to study, relax and meet friends. It is located on level 6 of the Union Building.

Australia has very strong legislation around sexual harassment and sexual assault.  This means that when you engage in a sexual relationship that it must be consensual.  Have sex only when you are both ready and you both want to. It is OK to say "No". It is also OK to change your mind and say 'No" at any point. Having sex with someone who didn't give consent is rape, which is a criminal offence in Australia. If this has occurred to you or to someone you know, there are supports in the community. For information, support and advice in Adelaide, contact Yarrow Place Rape and Sexual Assault Service (08) 8226-8777. The University of Adelaide also has a strong anti-harassment policy to ensure that the university is a safe place for people to work and study.

If you decide to participate in a consensual sexual relationship, a level of personal knowledge and skills will help you to make healthy life choices. First, practise safe sex by using contraception, water based lubricants and condoms in order to prevent sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies. There are a number of community-based organisations that can provide advice about sexual health. On campus you can visit the Parklands Medical Practice Ph: 8303-5050. Off campus SHINE SA Ph: 8364-0444 and The Second Story Health Service Ph: 8232-0233 offer a range of counselling and health services.  SHINE SA also has a very good website found at www.shinesa.org.au. 

Your personal safety will also be enhanced by having an awareness of the effects of drugs and alcohol, which may be readily available in the Australian social scene.  Taking alcohol and recreational drugs can affect your ability to make decisions such as identifying danger signs and unsafe situations. Some tips for keeping safe in social situations include planning to go out and hang out in a group, going with people you feel safe with, and negotiating for one or two people to stay sober to keep a look out for the others. It is also a good idea to take a mobile telephone and money for a taxi, and to let a trusted friend or parent know where you are going and when you will be back. 

Bearing in mind some of the above considerations can help you to make healthy life choices, enjoy and control your sexual behaviour, be free from diseases and unwanted pregnancy, and express your sexuality in positive ways. Some students find that because Australia provides the freedom to express themselves and make their own choices, they can experience criticism and isolation from their own community, especially when they don't follow their family's customs or culture.  If you experience this it can be useful to explore the problem with a university counsellor, available (8303-5663) or an International Student Advisor at the International Student Centre. You could also ask for a referral to community organisation. There are many support services available in Adelaide to assist you to make your time here a healthy and personally rewarding one.