Everyone has the right to safe, healthy and thriving relationships with themselves and others
From 1 - 29 September we're celebrating UQ's second SEXtember, an initiative aiming to encourage sex-positive conversations about sex, sexuality, healthy relationships, sexual health and reproductive health.
Join UQ Respect for a month-long program of educational events and opportunities, like Feel Good Comedy, Queer Sex Ed and more. There's something for everyone, including campus-specific Community Days jam-packed with fun activities and stallholders from across our community.
Alongside our exciting in-person events, we have partnered with UNSW, USyd, UNC and UoA to deliver online events for you to engage with privately across a variety of topics, including navigating rejection and break-ups, contraceptive choices, body image and more!
SEXtember Community Days
Join us for the SEXtember Community Days! These campus-specific events are jam packed with fun activities and stallholders from across our community all dedicated to supporting and educating you about your sexual health and relationships.
2025 Program
2025 Program
Every Monday (1, 8, 15, 22 September) | 7.30 – 8.15am | UQ Sport Synthetic Fields
Looking for a chance to relax and regroup before your week begins? Join UQ Sport for a free relaxing Outdoor Yoga session to unwind and clear your mind. Outdoor Yoga runs every Monday morning throughout the semester as part of free Pick Up and Play sessions, and is open to all UQ students and staff. Get in touch with your mind and stay grounded in your body this SEXtember. (Please note: Yoga mats are not provided at Free Outdoor Yoga sessions. Please bring your own mat and a towel)
Looking for a chance to relax and regroup before your week begins? Join UQ Sport for a free relaxing Outdoor Yoga session to unwind and clear your mind. Outdoor Yoga runs every Monday morning throughout the semester as part of free Pick Up and Play sessions, and is open to all UQ students and staff. Get in touch with your mind and stay grounded in your body this SEXtember. (Please note: Yoga mats are not provided at Free Outdoor Yoga sessions. Please bring your own mat and a towel)
Every Thursday in September ( 4, 11, 18 & 25 September) | 9am - 3pm | UQU Advocacy & Support, 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.
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.
Entries open now | Submissions close 11. 59pm AEST 19 September
At UQ, we celebrate the diverse identities and experiences that make up our community. Art of Belonging invites all UQ students to creatively express what belonging means to them and how we can foster a more inclusive, welcoming environment for all. Show us what belonging means to you as a student at UQ and have the chance to win gift voucher prizes and display your artwork in Student Central. We are now inviting both print and digital artwork submissions in the following categories:
- UQ Icons (Consider what makes UQ unique: Architecture, wildlife, events, etc)
- People and places
- Relationships that matter (presented with UQ Respect)
At UQ, we celebrate the diverse identities and experiences that make up our community. Art of Belonging invites all UQ students to creatively express what belonging means to them and how we can foster a more inclusive, welcoming environment for all. Show us what belonging means to you as a student at UQ and have the chance to win gift voucher prizes and display your artwork in Student Central. We are now inviting both print and digital artwork submissions in the following categories:
- UQ Icons (Consider what makes UQ unique: Architecture, wildlife, events, etc)
- People and places
- Relationships that matter (presented with UQ Respect)
Tuesday 2 September | 5.30 - 6.30pm | Online
Consent isn't always a simple yes or no, but it's even more complicated when alcohol or substances are in the mix. This interactive, no-judgement session dives into the gray areas of real-life situations that uni students face, from messy party nights to complicated situationships. Through icebreakers, real-life scenarios, and anonymous Q&A, you'll leave the webinar with strategies you can use on yourself, a friend, or our community. This is a free webinar inclusive of all genders, orientations, and cultural backgrounds. While it is made to be empowering and sex-positive, the session is respectful and trauma-informed.
Consent isn't always a simple yes or no, but it's even more complicated when alcohol or substances are in the mix. This interactive, no-judgement session dives into the gray areas of real-life situations that uni students face, from messy party nights to complicated situationships. Through icebreakers, real-life scenarios, and anonymous Q&A, you'll leave the webinar with strategies you can use on yourself, a friend, or our community. This is a free webinar inclusive of all genders, orientations, and cultural backgrounds. While it is made to be empowering and sex-positive, the session is respectful and trauma-informed.
Thursday 4 September | 3pm - 7pm | Workshop B, St Lucia
Freedom From Your Cage is a self-compassion based, interactive and supportive group. Join us on a journey to explore our body image beliefs and get ideas on how to break free from the thoughts and behaviours that can keep us stuck in the 'cage' of body image. Gain more compassionate awareness to build a different emotional relationship with your body. This program is free, and open to all UQ students, of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. Students who have participated previously are welcome to attend again.
Freedom From Your Cage is a self-compassion based, interactive and supportive group. Join us on a journey to explore our body image beliefs and get ideas on how to break free from the thoughts and behaviours that can keep us stuck in the 'cage' of body image. Gain more compassionate awareness to build a different emotional relationship with your body. This program is free, and open to all UQ students, of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. Students who have participated previously are welcome to attend again.
Thursday 4 September | 1 - 2pm | Online
Join Butterfly Foundation and the National Eating Disorder Collaboration this Body Image and Eating Disorder Awareness Week (BIEDAW) for a special webinar dedicated to unpacking the diverse causes of eating disorders and how people can seek support. (Please note this webinar will discuss eating disorders, trauma, family and gender-based violence, sexual assault, bullying and OCD.)
Join Butterfly Foundation and the National Eating Disorder Collaboration this Body Image and Eating Disorder Awareness Week (BIEDAW) for a special webinar dedicated to unpacking the diverse causes of eating disorders and how people can seek support. (Please note this webinar will discuss eating disorders, trauma, family and gender-based violence, sexual assault, bullying and OCD.)
Tuesday 9 September | 10am - 12pm | Workshop B, St Lucia
Come along to learn new skills and meet other neurodivergent students to share your experiences and learn from each other. This meetup is hosted by UQ's Neurodivergent Hub and will be a special SEXtember edition where students can explore topics including respectful relationships, love languages and boundaries.
(Please note: Formal diagnosis is not required to attend.)
Come along to learn new skills and meet other neurodivergent students to share your experiences and learn from each other. This meetup is hosted by UQ's Neurodivergent Hub and will be a special SEXtember edition where students can explore topics including respectful relationships, love languages and boundaries.
(Please note: Formal diagnosis is not required to attend.)
Wednesday 17 September | 12.30 - 1.30pm | Online
Join Dr Atari Metcalf and Dr Kalli Spencer as they explore how consent, bodily autonomy, and access to gender-affirming care intersect in the lives of transgender people. They will discuss the shift from medical gatekeeping to informed choice, and reflect on how affirming trans bodies involves both compassionate care and honouring individual experience. This short conversation will be followed by an opportunity to ask questions.
Join Dr Atari Metcalf and Dr Kalli Spencer as they explore how consent, bodily autonomy, and access to gender-affirming care intersect in the lives of transgender people. They will discuss the shift from medical gatekeeping to informed choice, and reflect on how affirming trans bodies involves both compassionate care and honouring individual experience. This short conversation will be followed by an opportunity to ask questions.
Thursday 18 September | 10 - 11am | Workshop B, St Lucia
Sneaky link ghosting you? Stuck sailing on the situationship? Took the risk to finally say how you feel and been rejected? Gone from forever to never? Welcome to the uncomfortable, yet inevitable world of navigating rejection and breakups.
This workshop will aim to provide you with a step-by-step process of walking, crawling, or dragging your way through the uncomfortable experience of breakups and rejection. Romantic relationships, friendships, situationships – All are welcome.
Sneaky link ghosting you? Stuck sailing on the situationship? Took the risk to finally say how you feel and been rejected? Gone from forever to never? Welcome to the uncomfortable, yet inevitable world of navigating rejection and breakups.
This workshop will aim to provide you with a step-by-step process of walking, crawling, or dragging your way through the uncomfortable experience of breakups and rejection. Romantic relationships, friendships, situationships – All are welcome.
Thursday 18 September | 1- 2pm | Online
Children and young people will learn about relationships and sexuality from many avenues, but home is where this valuable learning starts. Daily life creates many opportunities for passing on positive messages about bodies, trust, types of touch, privacy, respect and relationships. Grow your confidence in these discussions with children and young people in your care and learn how to respond to those tricky questions in this information session with comprehensive sexuality educator Jackie Khan from True Relationships and Reproductive Health.
Children and young people will learn about relationships and sexuality from many avenues, but home is where this valuable learning starts. Daily life creates many opportunities for passing on positive messages about bodies, trust, types of touch, privacy, respect and relationships. Grow your confidence in these discussions with children and young people in your care and learn how to respond to those tricky questions in this information session with comprehensive sexuality educator Jackie Khan from True Relationships and Reproductive Health.
Monday 22 September | 4.30 - 6.00pm | Lecture room 115 , Prentice Building (42), St Lucia
UQ Wellbeing invites the UQ Community to join the hilarious Singaporean-born Ting Lim, for a laughter filled evening. Ting along with local comedians will be sharing their hilarious experiences of culture, dating, sex and relationships. Brought to you by Good Chat Comedy Club.
Registration is free. Grab your friends for a fun time and comedic relief this SEXtember!
UQ Wellbeing invites the UQ Community to join the hilarious Singaporean-born Ting Lim, for a laughter filled evening. Ting along with local comedians will be sharing their hilarious experiences of culture, dating, sex and relationships. Brought to you by Good Chat Comedy Club.
Registration is free. Grab your friends for a fun time and comedic relief this SEXtember!
Tuesday 23 September | 6 - 7pm | Online
Join sexologist Naomi Hutchings for the queer sex education session you've been waiting for, where 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.
Join sexologist Naomi Hutchings for the queer sex education session you've been waiting for, where 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.
Thursday 25 September | 6 - 7pm | Online
Join us for the queer sex education session you've been waiting for! During this interactive webinar, sexologist, researcher and educator, Kai Schweizer, will be answering all of your burning questions about sex, sexuality, gender identity, sexual health and relationships with a focus on LGBTQ+ relationships, neurodiversity, and sexual health. Come with questions and curiosity for this after-hours session that you can dial in from wherever you’re most comfortable! This session will be a webinar so you can tune in with complete privacy. Submit your questions to Kai in advance through Mentimeter.
Join us for the queer sex education session you've been waiting for! During this interactive webinar, sexologist, researcher and educator, Kai Schweizer, will be answering all of your burning questions about sex, sexuality, gender identity, sexual health and relationships with a focus on LGBTQ+ relationships, neurodiversity, and sexual health. Come with questions and curiosity for this after-hours session that you can dial in from wherever you’re most comfortable! This session will be a webinar so you can tune in with complete privacy. Submit your questions to Kai in advance through Mentimeter.
Thursday 25 September | 5 - 6pm | Online
Join us for an informative and interactive 1-hour webinar hosted by Children by Choice and Sexual Health Victoria (SHV) to explore 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.
Join us for an informative and interactive 1-hour webinar hosted by Children by Choice and Sexual Health Victoria (SHV) to explore 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.
Wednesday 17 September | 6:30pm - 7:30pm | Online
The online world shapes our understanding of relationships, body image, and consent in ways previous generations never experienced. Social media, pornography, and generative AI all play a role in shaping our views, oftentimes in harmful ways. As a young adult, knowing how to navigate through these influences is essential. This webinar unpacks how the digital world affects our wellbeing and understanding of consent. It will equip you with the critically thinking skills to unpack the messages you receive regarding relationships and sexual activity as well as the practical skills to negotiate boundaries and sexual expression online.
The online world shapes our understanding of relationships, body image, and consent in ways previous generations never experienced. Social media, pornography, and generative AI all play a role in shaping our views, oftentimes in harmful ways. As a young adult, knowing how to navigate through these influences is essential. This webinar unpacks how the digital world affects our wellbeing and understanding of consent. It will equip you with the critically thinking skills to unpack the messages you receive regarding relationships and sexual activity as well as the practical skills to negotiate boundaries and sexual expression online.
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
"An essential exploration of women's sexuality that will radically transform your sex life into one filled with confidence and joy.
After all the books that have been written about sex, all the blogs and TV shows and radio Q&As, how can it be that we all still have so many questions? The frustrating reality is that we've been lied to - not deliberately, it's no one's fault, but still. We were told the wrong story. Come As You Are reveals the true story behind female sexuality, uncovering the little-known science of what makes us tick and, more importantly, how and why."
Come Together: The Science (and Art!) of Creating Lasting Sexual Connections by Emily Nagoski
"In Come Together, leading sexual wellness educator, Dr Emily Nagoski, takes on one of the most misunderstood subjects of all time - good sex - and shows us that most of what we've been taught about enjoying sex is wrong.
Featuring inclusive stories and examples from a wide range of couples and individuals, you'll find out what great sex really looks like and the best way to overcome obstacles - including relationship conflicts, gendered beliefs about how sex 'should be' and body image worries."
"In Come Together, leading sexual wellness educator, Dr Emily Nagoski, takes on one of the most misunderstood subjects of all time - good sex - and shows us that most of what we've been taught about enjoying sex is wrong.
Featuring inclusive stories and examples from a wide range of couples and individuals, you'll find out what great sex really looks like and the best way to overcome obstacles - including relationship conflicts, gendered beliefs about how sex 'should be' and body image worries."
The Modern Guide to Sex by Georgia Grace
"From acclaimed sex expert Georgia Grace, The Modern Guide to Sex is the ultimate handbook for experiencing full-body pleasure, sexual confidence and fulfilling relationships. It's the new go-to sex guide for everyone.
Featuring full-colour illustrations of anatomy and techniques, as well as practical, therapeutic support on navigating communication, common sexual concerns and exploration, this book is all about making sex pleasurable, inclusive and shame-free. It will change the way you think, feel and experience sex for the better."
"From acclaimed sex expert Georgia Grace, The Modern Guide to Sex is the ultimate handbook for experiencing full-body pleasure, sexual confidence and fulfilling relationships. It's the new go-to sex guide for everyone.
Featuring full-colour illustrations of anatomy and techniques, as well as practical, therapeutic support on navigating communication, common sexual concerns and exploration, this book is all about making sex pleasurable, inclusive and shame-free. It will change the way you think, feel and experience sex for the better."
Slutdom: Reclaiming shame free sexuality by Hilary Caldwell
"Delving into topics such as pleasure, pain, empowerment, and including real women’s stories and saucy tips, sexologist and academic Hilary Caldwell is uniquely placed to understand what women want – and, importantly, what women deserve.
"Delving into topics such as pleasure, pain, empowerment, and including real women’s stories and saucy tips, sexologist and academic Hilary Caldwell is uniquely placed to understand what women want – and, importantly, what women deserve.
Deeply researched and drawn from the author’s own life experience, Slutdom is controversial, celebratory and courageous."
Taboo: Conversations we never had about sex, body image, work and relationships by Hannah Ferguson
"Part memoir, part feminist manifesto, this book meets women where they are and as they are. It exposes and celebrates the messy, honest, and insular parts of ourselves, designed to feel like a late-night conversation with your best friend – one that will make you laugh, cry, and never want to end."
SEXtember Podcast Recommendations
Make the most of a long commute or listen during the and listen to a fun and informative podcast
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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
