Blog

St Cat’s resident, relationship coach and LGBTQ+ educator Mim Kempson regularly gives talks at the College on gender, sexuality and how to be an ally. Here are her top three ways you can show support on Wear it Purple Day and every day.

1) Use people’s correct pronouns

The best way to learn someone’s pronouns when meeting new people is to introduce yourself with your own pronouns. For example, I say, “Hi, I’m Mim. I use she/her pronouns”. Using inclusive language yourself also signals to people that you’re an ally or are at least somewhat aware of pronoun use. When you do this in front of individuals and groups that are not a part of the gender-diverse and LGBTQIA+ community, you also role model inclusive practice. When someone in the group uses the wrong pronouns to refer to someone, correct them. This is also good role modelling and can reduce the emotional burden of the person always having to be the one to correct others. If you get someone’s pronouns wrong, apologise and move forward in the conversation. Drawing attention and spending too much time on your apology and your guilt is generally unhelpful.

2) Be aware of your privilege, and use it wisely

Privilege is a special advantage a particular group carries that they did not earn. For example, being white, male, heterosexual, cis-gendered (identifying as the gender you were assigned at birth), able-bodied (not living with a disability or chronic illness), neurotypical (rather than neurodiverse, i.e. autism, ADHD) are all forms of privilege. Privilege gives you a voice where others of the minority or marginalised demographic mightn’t have one. I believe that we can use our privilege to influence important conversations. It also relieves those experiencing oppression from the emotional labour of having to explain themselves frequently. For example, I’m a cis-gendered woman, so I carry that privilege. Transgender people do not carry this privilege. So, when I hear other cis people discriminating against trans people I step in and educate or advocate if I feel safe to do so (i.e. letting people know that trans men are men and it’s inappropriate to ask trans people about their transition processes). 

3) Self-educate

The above points wouldn’t be possible without the backing of ongoing self-education. This means taking the initiative to find resources that improve your awareness of LGBTQIA+ topics. LGBTQIA+ people (nor any other minority or marginalised group) do not owe you their story or answers to your personal questions about them. Many great educators, activists and advocators online share information for free! Some of my favourites in the LGBTQIA+ space are Alok Vaid-Menon, Casey Tanner and Stevie Lane.

Liam has been a resident at the College for the last three years and is currently in his third year of a Sports Science Undergraduate degree at the University of Western Australia. Last year, Liam was a Sports RA and this year, he is one of our Co-Presidents.

His favourite place to study is our Wisteria Courtyard because it’s a sunny and positive space surrounded by nature. He also enjoys going to Boubar for a nice coffee and catching up with his mates.

Liam’s favourite memory at St Cat’s is playing College sports with friends and winning all three Inter-College Sports Cups in 2021.

He applied to be Co-President because he loves getting involved in College life and promoting our culture at sporting events. “It’s also a good opportunity for gaining new skill sets, such as organising formal events and public speaking. I know these skills will be extremely valuable later in life and in future jobs,” he said.

Liam’s advice to incoming freshers is to get involved with sports and events as it’s a great way to meet people around College and make friends.

Formal Hall is a three-course candlelight meal where we come together as a St Catherine’s family and a Community of Scholars. The tradition hails from the foundation of the European universities in the 12th century, and no matter who we are or where we come from, we share in this great tradition. The gowns signify our equality, shared endeavour to push the boundaries of knowledge, and our courageous pursuit of the truth.

Why the High Table?

The High Table dates back to traditions established at Oxford University and Cambridge University. Traditionally, VIPs and professors sat at the High Table, and students sat below them in the hall. This reinforced a hierarchy between scholars and students in a culture where everyone had their place and class.

At St Catherine’s, we have a strong focus on equity of access, and we have built upon tradition established at universities like Princeton to move towards a society breaking away from the restrictions of the past. In this tradition, we recognise we are, first and foremost, a community of scholars and are all learning from each other. We eat together as senior and junior colleagues, as equals in our love of learning and desire to make a positive difference in our world. We respectively engage with each other, our knowledge and ideas. Sharing a meal to nourish the body and mind and reinforce the values that bind us is genuinely ancient and familiar to all cultures.

Who sits at the High Table?

Our High Table signifies the heart of our community and our democratic values. The CEO (Master/Warden), Head of College or their senior staff delegate presides as the symbolic head of our community; residents and guests are then selected to represent our whole community. High Table brings together students, staff, faculty and distinguished guests. The idea is not to separate our community but to provide another opportunity to bring us together.

Residents are selected to represent different stages of study, other interests, to celebrate outstanding achievements, or because they are connected to the theme of the dinner, or we think they would benefit from sitting with a particular guest at the table. And if you have a burning desire to join us up there, let the team know!

PS, it isn’t scary. Just a good chat with staff and other guests over pre-dinner drinks and dinner!

Why do we say Grace?

We have so much to be grateful for at St Cat’s, and whilst we are not a religious foundation and proudly welcome students of all faiths and none, we like to give thanks for the things that make our lives richer. We join hands as a symbol of our unity and the diversity of thought and culture that enriches our world.

Why do we do an Acknowledgment of Country?

An Acknowledgement of Country is a formal statement or personal reflection that shows awareness of and respect for the Traditional Custodians of the land you live on and their long and continuing relationship with the land. Unlike a Welcome to Country, it can be delivered by anyone – Indigenous or non-Indigenous.

What else do I need to know?

• The dress code is smart (no sneakers, thongs or shorts).

• The food is amazing. Think three-course meal.

• Each Formal Hall has a different theme, and we invite guest speakers who are relevant to the selected topic.

• Formal Halls are compulsory for residents in their first year of tertiary education, and all other residents are welcome.