From 1 - 25 September 2026 we're celebrating UQ's third annual SEXtember, an initiative aiming to encourage conversations about sex, sexuality, healthy relationships, sexual health and reproductive health.
Join UQ Respect for a month-long program of educational events and opportunities, including campus-specific Community Days jam-packed with fun activities and stallholders from across our community.
St Lucia
Wednesday 2 September (11am-2pm)
Great Court, St Lucia
Great Court, St Lucia
Gatton
Wednesday 9 September (11am-2pm)
Central Walkway, Gatton
Central Walkway, Gatton
Herston
Thursday 17 September (11:30am-1:30pm)
Outside Café Dose, Herston
Outside Café Dose, Herston
Dutton Park
Monday 21 September (11:30am-1:30pm)
Inner Space, Dutton Park
Inner Space, Dutton Park
Wednesday 26 August (10 - 11:30am)
Global Change Institute Building
Join the 2026 Industry Challenge with UQ SEXtember and ASHM. Team up with fellow students, tackle real-world sexual health and wellbeing challenges, get mentored by industry experts, and pitch your solution for the chance to win prizes! The Challenge starts with a kick-off session on the 26 August where you'll learn more about the Challenge, hear from a panel of our industry partners, and have the opportunity to meet other participants and form teams.
Global Change Institute Building
Join the 2026 Industry Challenge with UQ SEXtember and ASHM. Team up with fellow students, tackle real-world sexual health and wellbeing challenges, get mentored by industry experts, and pitch your solution for the chance to win prizes! The Challenge starts with a kick-off session on the 26 August where you'll learn more about the Challenge, hear from a panel of our industry partners, and have the opportunity to meet other participants and form teams.
Wednesday 26 August (10-11:30am)
Online
People with disability have the same right to healthy relationships and accurate sexuality education as anyone else, yet this remains a frequently overlooked area of professional development across the sector. Delivered by qualified Developmental Educators who are also registered PBS Practitioners, RUBIX Support's SRE training gives teams the knowledge, language and confidence to understand sexuality education as a human right, respond supportively to related questions and behaviours, and create safe environments for people with disability to express their identity and seek information.
Online
People with disability have the same right to healthy relationships and accurate sexuality education as anyone else, yet this remains a frequently overlooked area of professional development across the sector. Delivered by qualified Developmental Educators who are also registered PBS Practitioners, RUBIX Support's SRE training gives teams the knowledge, language and confidence to understand sexuality education as a human right, respond supportively to related questions and behaviours, and create safe environments for people with disability to express their identity and seek information.
Wednesday 26 August (5:30 -7:30pm)
Dendy Cinemas Coorparoo
Enjoy an evening of storytelling, connection and reflection at Hepatitis Queensland’s Lived Living Experience Night. We will premiere three powerful short films shining a light on the realities, challenges, resilience and strength of people impacted by hepatitis, stories that help reduce stigma and spark important conversations. Following the screenings, storytellers and community voices will take part in a live panel discussion, with space for reflection and conversation.
Dendy Cinemas Coorparoo
Enjoy an evening of storytelling, connection and reflection at Hepatitis Queensland’s Lived Living Experience Night. We will premiere three powerful short films shining a light on the realities, challenges, resilience and strength of people impacted by hepatitis, stories that help reduce stigma and spark important conversations. Following the screenings, storytellers and community voices will take part in a live panel discussion, with space for reflection and conversation.
Tuesday 1 September (2-3pm)
Online
The Australian Human Rights Commission’s Equal Identities report found trans and gender diverse people experience significant barriers to their personal safety, dignity and full participation in Australian society – including in workplaces.
At our next event, in partnership with Pride in Diversity, we will investigate the report findings and discuss how organisations can take action to foster inclusion, safety and belonging for trans and gender diverse people.
Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Dr Anna Cody will overview the report findings. And through a mix of expert commentary and lived experience, the panel discussion will bring the data to life—grounding it in real-world impacts on employees, teams and organisational culture.
Online
The Australian Human Rights Commission’s Equal Identities report found trans and gender diverse people experience significant barriers to their personal safety, dignity and full participation in Australian society – including in workplaces.
At our next event, in partnership with Pride in Diversity, we will investigate the report findings and discuss how organisations can take action to foster inclusion, safety and belonging for trans and gender diverse people.
Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Dr Anna Cody will overview the report findings. And through a mix of expert commentary and lived experience, the panel discussion will bring the data to life—grounding it in real-world impacts on employees, teams and organisational culture.
Various days: September 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 (9.30am-3pm)
UQU Student Advocacy & Support (SAS), Building 21A, Level 4
Rapid.org.au has partnered with UQU SAS to provide free testing for HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhoea. Pain-free. Confidential. No needles. Same day results. Bookings not required: simply walk in during open hours on any of the below dates to get tested for free. Spots are limited however, first in first served.
UQU Student Advocacy & Support (SAS), Building 21A, Level 4
Rapid.org.au has partnered with UQU SAS to provide free testing for HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhoea. Pain-free. Confidential. No needles. Same day results. Bookings not required: simply walk in during open hours on any of the below dates to get tested for free. Spots are limited however, first in first served.
Wednesday 2 September (11am–2pm)
Great Court, St Lucia
Clothing that fits us, affirms our gender or idenity and makes us feel like ourselves can really change to the way we turn up to work, to class and in our broader lives and communities. In recognition of Wear It Purple Day 2026, the UQ Ally Network will be be hosting a suitcase rummage on Wednesday 2 September for our whole community. Payments will be accepted as a donation to the UQ LGBTIQA+ Scholarship in a 'choose how much you pay' system, meaning anyone can participate on the day.
Great Court, St Lucia
Clothing that fits us, affirms our gender or idenity and makes us feel like ourselves can really change to the way we turn up to work, to class and in our broader lives and communities. In recognition of Wear It Purple Day 2026, the UQ Ally Network will be be hosting a suitcase rummage on Wednesday 2 September for our whole community. Payments will be accepted as a donation to the UQ LGBTIQA+ Scholarship in a 'choose how much you pay' system, meaning anyone can participate on the day.
Monday 7 September (12:30 - 1:30 pm)
Online
Join Uniting Care's Cameron Fraser, men's behaviour change facilitator and sexologist specialising in male sexuality, for a workshop about improving your relationship communication skills, navigating the impacts of the "Man Box," and approaching topics like intimacy and pornography with confidence.
Online
Join Uniting Care's Cameron Fraser, men's behaviour change facilitator and sexologist specialising in male sexuality, for a workshop about improving your relationship communication skills, navigating the impacts of the "Man Box," and approaching topics like intimacy and pornography with confidence.
Wednesday 9 September (11am–2pm)
Gatton Campus
Clothing that fits us, affirms our gender or idenity and makes us feel like ourselves can really change to the way we turn up to work, to class and in our broader lives and communities. In recognition of Wear It Purple Day 2026, the UQ Ally Network will be be hosting a suitcase rummage on Wednesday 9 September for our whole community. Payments will be accepted as a donation to the UQ LGBTIQA+ Scholarship in a 'choose how much you pay' system, meaning anyone can participate on the day.
Gatton Campus
Clothing that fits us, affirms our gender or idenity and makes us feel like ourselves can really change to the way we turn up to work, to class and in our broader lives and communities. In recognition of Wear It Purple Day 2026, the UQ Ally Network will be be hosting a suitcase rummage on Wednesday 9 September for our whole community. Payments will be accepted as a donation to the UQ LGBTIQA+ Scholarship in a 'choose how much you pay' system, meaning anyone can participate on the day.
Wednesday 9 September (Times to be confirmed)
Central Walkway, Gatton
Rapid.org.au has partnered with UQU SAS to provide free testing for HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhoea. Pain-free. Confidential. No needles. Same day results. Bookings not required: simply walk in during open hours on selected dates to get tested for free.
Central Walkway, Gatton
Rapid.org.au has partnered with UQU SAS to provide free testing for HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhoea. Pain-free. Confidential. No needles. Same day results. Bookings not required: simply walk in during open hours on selected dates to get tested for free.
Wednesday 9 September (11:30-1pm)
Online
In the digital world, health information is always at our fingertips. With just a few clicks, we can find an answer to almost any health question. But is it accurate, and can we trust it? This Sexual Health Week, we’re taking a closer look at mis/disinformation and how to support people online to navigate sexual and reproductive health information with confidence. Join Sexual Health Victoria’s Health Promotion Lead, Joanna Anagnostou, for ‘The Internet Wouldn’t Lie to Me’: A Framework for Tackling Sexual and Reproductive Health Mis/Disinformation
Online
In the digital world, health information is always at our fingertips. With just a few clicks, we can find an answer to almost any health question. But is it accurate, and can we trust it? This Sexual Health Week, we’re taking a closer look at mis/disinformation and how to support people online to navigate sexual and reproductive health information with confidence. Join Sexual Health Victoria’s Health Promotion Lead, Joanna Anagnostou, for ‘The Internet Wouldn’t Lie to Me’: A Framework for Tackling Sexual and Reproductive Health Mis/Disinformation
Thursday 10 September (2-3pm)
Online
Designed specifically for the tertiary sector, this session provides a practical introduction to key online safety concepts and resources, as well as highlighting best practice responses to online safety incidents in a tertiary context. The training is accessible, relevant and valuable for staff across all roles, including academic and professional staff, student-facing services, and support teams. No prior knowledge or experience is required.
Online
Designed specifically for the tertiary sector, this session provides a practical introduction to key online safety concepts and resources, as well as highlighting best practice responses to online safety incidents in a tertiary context. The training is accessible, relevant and valuable for staff across all roles, including academic and professional staff, student-facing services, and support teams. No prior knowledge or experience is required.
Tuesday 15 September (12-1pm)
Women's Collective Room, St Lucia
Not sure which contraception is right for you? Got questions you’ve always wanted to ask but never knew who to ask? Come along for an informal, no-judgement session hosted by UQU Women’s Collective and UQ Wellbeing. Find out more about the different contraception options available to you — from how they work and how effective they are, to where you can access them and get support. Come curious, leave informed. No question is too awkward.
Women's Collective Room, St Lucia
Not sure which contraception is right for you? Got questions you’ve always wanted to ask but never knew who to ask? Come along for an informal, no-judgement session hosted by UQU Women’s Collective and UQ Wellbeing. Find out more about the different contraception options available to you — from how they work and how effective they are, to where you can access them and get support. Come curious, leave informed. No question is too awkward.
Tuesday 15 September, (6-7pm)
Online
Join sexologist Naomi Hutchings and a panel of experts for the queer sex education session you've been waiting for! We'll be answering all of your burning questions about queer sex, sexuality, gender identity, sexual health and relationships! Click the link below to submit your question anonymously and join us to hear it answered live! Registrations essential for this exciting online Q&A session.
Online
Join sexologist Naomi Hutchings and a panel of experts for the queer sex education session you've been waiting for! We'll be answering all of your burning questions about queer sex, sexuality, gender identity, sexual health and relationships! Click the link below to submit your question anonymously and join us to hear it answered live! Registrations essential for this exciting online Q&A session.
Wednesday 16 September (1-2:30pm)
Online
The Respect Network aims to educate, equip and empower UQ staff and students to enhance the prevention of, and response to sexual and gender-based violence and all forms of discrimination and harassment across the university. Creating a safe and inclusive campus is everyone's responsibility and together, we can build a university community where respect is the foundation, and everyone has the knowledge and tools to make a positive impact. After completing this training, you will be invited to join the Respect Network.
Online
The Respect Network aims to educate, equip and empower UQ staff and students to enhance the prevention of, and response to sexual and gender-based violence and all forms of discrimination and harassment across the university. Creating a safe and inclusive campus is everyone's responsibility and together, we can build a university community where respect is the foundation, and everyone has the knowledge and tools to make a positive impact. After completing this training, you will be invited to join the Respect Network.
Wednesday 23 September (5-7pm)
RedRoom, St Lucia Campus
Yes, you heard that right - FREE Drag Trivia as part of SEXtember. Come as you are and connect with the UQ community, test your knowledge around queer history, sexual and reproductive health and healthy relationships, grab a bite to eat, and win some cool prizes!
RedRoom, St Lucia Campus
Yes, you heard that right - FREE Drag Trivia as part of SEXtember. Come as you are and connect with the UQ community, test your knowledge around queer history, sexual and reproductive health and healthy relationships, grab a bite to eat, and win some cool prizes!
Thursday 24 September (2-4pm)
Global Change Institute (20), St Lucia
Get crafty, get curious and celebrate the incredible diversity of our bodies! As part of SEXtember, UQU Women’s Collective and UQ Respect have teamed up for a fun and relaxed crafternoon exploring diverse bodies and the wonderful things they do for us including movement, intimacy, reproduction and pleasure. Drop in for the whole session or pop by for a quick creative break, a chat and some sex-positive learning.
Global Change Institute (20), St Lucia
Get crafty, get curious and celebrate the incredible diversity of our bodies! As part of SEXtember, UQU Women’s Collective and UQ Respect have teamed up for a fun and relaxed crafternoon exploring diverse bodies and the wonderful things they do for us including movement, intimacy, reproduction and pleasure. Drop in for the whole session or pop by for a quick creative break, a chat and some sex-positive learning.
Thursday 24 September (5-6pm)
Online
Join Children by Choice and Sexual Health Victoria (SHV) for an informative and interactive 1-hour webinar exploring the wide range of contraception options available. Whether you're new to contraception or looking for updated information, this free session is designed to provide clarity and answer your questions. This session is ideal for anyone seeking reliable, evidence-based information on contraception. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn from trusted sexual health experts, ask questions, and gain the knowledge you need to make informed choices.
Online
Join Children by Choice and Sexual Health Victoria (SHV) for an informative and interactive 1-hour webinar exploring the wide range of contraception options available. Whether you're new to contraception or looking for updated information, this free session is designed to provide clarity and answer your questions. This session is ideal for anyone seeking reliable, evidence-based information on contraception. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn from trusted sexual health experts, ask questions, and gain the knowledge you need to make informed choices.
Thursday, 24 September (4-6pm)
Parnell Building (Lecture Room 222), St Lucia
UQ Wellbeing invites the UQ Community to join the hilarious Harry Jun and local comedians for a laughter filled evening about culture, dating, sex and relationships. Brought to you by Good Chat Comedy Club. Harry Jun is a Sydney based comedian, host and cartoonist. Harry's other Brisbane shows are sold out but he is squeezing in a free show at UQ for SEXtember, so grab your friends for a fun time and comedic relief!
Parnell Building (Lecture Room 222), St Lucia
UQ Wellbeing invites the UQ Community to join the hilarious Harry Jun and local comedians for a laughter filled evening about culture, dating, sex and relationships. Brought to you by Good Chat Comedy Club. Harry Jun is a Sydney based comedian, host and cartoonist. Harry's other Brisbane shows are sold out but he is squeezing in a free show at UQ for SEXtember, so grab your friends for a fun time and comedic relief!
It’s quick, free, confidential and only four easy steps:
Talk
Talk to your partners, peers, and health providers about sexual health, consent, and contraception.
Test
Testing for Sexually Transmitted Infections is confidential, free, and accessible. Test regularly and between partners.
Treat
All Sexually Transmitted Infections are treatable and/or manageable. Talk to your healthcare provider about options.
Trace
if you test positive to a Sexually Transmitted Infection, let your partners know. There are resources to help you do this anonymously.
Rapid.org.au has partnered with UQ Respect and UQU SAS to provide free testing for HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhoea.
Pain-free. Confidential. No needles. Same day results.
Bookings not required: simply walk in during open hours on selected dates to get tested for free.
- Results in 30 minutes
- Can be anonymous
- Confidential
- Finger-prick testing
- Pain free
- No booking required (but there is limited availability: first in, first served.)
- Available at St Lucia and Gatton campuses (specific dates for either campus)
SEXtember Book Club
The UQ Respect team have put together a list of books to help you learn at your own pace with some fantastic resources about sex, sexuality, pleasure and more!
- Come As You Are by Emily Nagoski
- Come Together: The Science (and Art!) of Creating Lasting Sexual Connections by Emily Nagoski
- The Modern Guide to Sex by Georgia Grace
- Slutdom: Reclaiming shame free sexuality by Hilary Caldwell
- Taboo: Conversations we never had about sex, body image, work and relationships by Hannah Fergason
SEXtember Podcast Recommendations
Make the most of a long commute or listen during the and listen to a fun and informative podcast
- 28ish Days Later
- Come As You Are
- The Hook Up
- The Guilty Feminist
- Life Uncut Podcast
- Doing IT: Sexual Health Podcast
- Sex Ed With DB
- Men, Sex & Pleasure with Cam Fraser
TV recommendations
Sometimes it's nice to relax and enjoy the escapism of your new favourite TV show! The media we consume can shape the way we feel about sex, relationships, sexuality and even ourselves, so it's important to find content we like while also prioritising our mental health.
The UQ Respect team have put together a list of their television program recommendations for your SEXtember viewing, including hilarious comedies, fun romances, and informative documentaries:
Find Support
UQ Wellbeing is a health promotion team within the University of Queensland’s Student Support and Wellbeing Services Division. With guidance from our Student Advisory group, UQ Wellbeing aims to create a supportive and inclusive culture for all students. UQ Wellbeing provides a range of student activations, campaigns, workshops, and resources to support mental health, physical health, nutritional health, cultural connections, and sexual and reproductive health.
No Taboo, there is support for you is a dedicated campaign to give you the tools to seek support in a way that works best for you. This campaign includes five (5) key frequently asked topics / questions that have come through consultation with UQ students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Explore information privately from your preferred device and learn ways to access further support where needed.
The 'For Crying Out Loud' campaign is a primary prevention campaign aiming to shine a light on the sexual violence and harassment experienced by LGBTQIA+ students at university and other tertiary institutions, and calls for social change to end violence experienced by LGBTQIA+ communities. Make your pledge today to support this campaign and get access to resources to help you learn more about the support services for LGBTQIA+ communities, help you identify types of violence in LGBTQIA+ relationships, and more.
Everyone at UQ deserves to feel safe, respected and supported. UQ Safer Communities provides confidential, trauma‑informed, culturally responsive support to students, staff and members of the broader UQ community who have experienced, witnessed, or are concerned about harmful or unsafe behaviour. We're here to help you understand your options, access support and navigate situations affecting your safety or wellbeing.
Complete free training aimed to support workers in non-clinical roles who are NOT providing medical, clinical or therapeutic eating disorder treatment.
This training is designed to help you have a better understanding of eating disorders. have the appropriate language to assist clients and be able to break down eating disorder stigma in the community.
This training is designed to help you have a better understanding of eating disorders. have the appropriate language to assist clients and be able to break down eating disorder stigma in the community.
World Sexual Health Day (WSHD) is the annual global initiative of the World Association for Sexual Health (WAS). Each September 4, health professionals, advocates, educators, researchers, and communities around the world come together around a shared theme. For 2026, that theme is Every Body.
Bodies are personal, relational and political. We live, express and experience through them — asking, choosing, refusing, desiring. That begins with ourselves. It continues in our relationships, in the education and services we can reach, and in the culture, faith, technology and law that decide whose sexuality is protected.
Bodies are personal, relational and political. We live, express and experience through them — asking, choosing, refusing, desiring. That begins with ourselves. It continues in our relationships, in the education and services we can reach, and in the culture, faith, technology and law that decide whose sexuality is protected.
Cervical cancer is preventable-- learn more about cervical screening test and the options available to you.
The Cervical Screening Test (previously the Pap smear) checks for the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common infection that can lead to cervical cancer. Even if you’ve had the HPV vaccine, it’s still important to get regular Cervical Screening Tests. The vaccine doesn’t protect against all types of HPV that can cause cervical cancer. Over 70% of cervical cancers happen in people who have never screened or aren’t up to date with their screening.
The Cervical Screening Test (previously the Pap smear) checks for the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common infection that can lead to cervical cancer. Even if you’ve had the HPV vaccine, it’s still important to get regular Cervical Screening Tests. The vaccine doesn’t protect against all types of HPV that can cause cervical cancer. Over 70% of cervical cancers happen in people who have never screened or aren’t up to date with their screening.
LGBTQIA+ Bursaries and scholarships at UQ
Are you a future UQ student who identifies as LGBTQIA+? You may be eligible to apply for the Alumni Pride Scholarship, a dedicated award that celebrates pride, community, and inclusion.
What does it offer?
- $4,500 awarded to one student, for the duration of one year
- Available for domestic and international students, undergraduate and postgraduate coursework, who identifies as LGBTQIA+, can demonstrate financial need, and commitment to the community
What does it offer?
- $4,500 awarded to one student, for the duration of one year
- Available for domestic and international students, undergraduate and postgraduate coursework, who identifies as LGBTQIA+, can demonstrate financial need, and commitment to the community
The LGBTQIA+ Scholarship scheme was established in 2013 and aims to financially support LGBTQIA+ students at UQ so they can focus on their studies.
What does it offer?
- One-off awards between A$500 and A$2,000 per year
- Open to domestic and international students, undergraduate, postgraduate or research, who identify as LGBTQIA+, can demonstrate financial need, and have shown commitment to the community
What does it offer?
- One-off awards between A$500 and A$2,000 per year
- Open to domestic and international students, undergraduate, postgraduate or research, who identify as LGBTQIA+, can demonstrate financial need, and have shown commitment to the community
The UQU Queer Collective established the Gender Affirmation Bursaries initiative to help UQ students facing financial hardship cover the expenses of gender affirming items, products, services, and care. This is a small one-off payment and requires a welfare appointment with a Student Advocacy and Support team member (this can be via Zoom or in person) to assess your suitability.
LGBTQIA+ students often face greater financial hardship and homelessness compared to their heterosexual, cisgender peers.
Established in 2013, the UQ LGBTQIA+ Scholarship provides crucial financial assistance to UQ students of diverse genders, sexes and sexualities. These bursaries, starting from $500, support students facing financial challenges at any stage of their studies. By helping to alleviate their financial burdens, the Bursary empowers LGBTQIA+ students to focus on their education and achieve their full potential. In 2024, the University had 24 applications for the scholarship, twice more than the year before.
Established in 2013, the UQ LGBTQIA+ Scholarship provides crucial financial assistance to UQ students of diverse genders, sexes and sexualities. These bursaries, starting from $500, support students facing financial challenges at any stage of their studies. By helping to alleviate their financial burdens, the Bursary empowers LGBTQIA+ students to focus on their education and achieve their full potential. In 2024, the University had 24 applications for the scholarship, twice more than the year before.
Follow us on social media to keep up to date with these exciting events!
@UQLife Instagram
@UQLife Facebook
UQ would like to acknowledge UNSW for their pioneering work to establish SEXtember in 2019,
creating a space to normalise sex-positive conversations and increase sexual health awareness at universities in Australia
UQ acknowledges and thanks Allianz Care Australia for sponsoring this event
