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 10 and Thursday 11 September | Various Campuses
R U OK? Day is an annual suicide prevention campaign aiming to inspire and empower people to meaningfully connect with those around them and to provide support when someone is in need. You don't need to be an expert to reach out - just a good friend and a great listener. At UQ we're joining in on the conversation, across our campuses with activations at Gatton and Dutton Park on Tuesday 10 September and St Lucia on Thursday 12 September.
R U OK? Day is an annual suicide prevention campaign aiming to inspire and empower people to meaningfully connect with those around them and to provide support when someone is in need. You don't need to be an expert to reach out - just a good friend and a great listener. At UQ we're joining in on the conversation, across our campuses with activations at Gatton and Dutton Park on Tuesday 10 September and St Lucia on Thursday 12 September.
Transgender and Gender Diverse (TDG) Network Coffee Catch Up
Tuesday 16 September | 10 - 11am | Patina Alumni Court, St Lucia campus
Join the Transgender and Gender Diverse (TGD) Network for their September coffee catch-up at the beautiful Alumni Court at Patina. The TGD Network is a new, trans-led initiative aiming to provide opportunities for networking and community-building for all trans staff and students. Registration is not required, just drop in for a coffee and a friendly chat.
Join the Transgender and Gender Diverse (TGD) Network for their September coffee catch-up at the beautiful Alumni Court at Patina. The TGD Network is a new, trans-led initiative aiming to provide opportunities for networking and community-building for all trans staff and students. Registration is not required, just drop in for a coffee and a friendly chat.
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.
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.
Saturday, 20 September | 9.30 am | Queens Gardens, Brisbane
This year, the UQ Ally Network will be marching in the Brisbane Pride March on 20 September, 2025 alongside other universities across the city! This is your invitation to join us in representing UQ within the University Unity group at the Brisbane Pride March 2025 - no registration necessary and free for all to join us! We’re excited to have you with us!
This year, the UQ Ally Network will be marching in the Brisbane Pride March on 20 September, 2025 alongside other universities across the city! This is your invitation to join us in representing UQ within the University Unity group at the Brisbane Pride March 2025 - no registration necessary and free for all to join us! We’re excited to have you with us!
Monday 22 September | 1pm - 2pm | Online
Join members of the UQ Ally Network for an online discussion + panel where they will be exploring biology, philosophy, politics and culture to break down and challenge concepts of the binary. This one-hour online session will involve dynamic 10-minute presentations from each speaker and a Q&A panel to finish, providing you an opportunity to ask questions and delve deeper into the topics discussed.
Join members of the UQ Ally Network for an online discussion + panel where they will be exploring biology, philosophy, politics and culture to break down and challenge concepts of the binary. This one-hour online session will involve dynamic 10-minute presentations from each speaker and a Q&A panel to finish, providing you an opportunity to ask questions and delve deeper into the topics discussed.
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.
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:
Physical and Mental Health Resources
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.
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.
September 4 is World Sexual Health Day and this year's theme is "Sexual Justice: What Can We Do?"
Sexual justice exists when all people have the power and resources to make free and healthy decisions about their bodies, sexuality, and reproduction, and have equal access to sexual health services, including education and care. Sexual justice means building a world where everyone can experience sexual health, rights, and pleasure, free from discrimination, violence, or exclusion. Find out more about what you can do to help alongside resources like Conversation Decks, Participation Guides and more.
Sexual justice exists when all people have the power and resources to make free and healthy decisions about their bodies, sexuality, and reproduction, and have equal access to sexual health services, including education and care. Sexual justice means building a world where everyone can experience sexual health, rights, and pleasure, free from discrimination, violence, or exclusion. Find out more about what you can do to help alongside resources like Conversation Decks, Participation Guides and more.
Student Health and Wellbeing at UQ
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
