AN award bestowed on a student adviser at Deakin University’s Warrnambool campus is a win for the whole community, the recipient said.
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Roxanne Thomson, who also goes by her male alter-ego Bobby J Thomson, was named Australian Workplace Equality Index’s winner of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex (GLBTI) regional workplace inclusion champion national award in Sydney last Friday.
Ms Thomson said she was honoured to receive the award, but added it wasn’t just about her. “I don’t take ownership of this award,” she said. “It’s a Deakin University Warrnambool Campus award and a Warrnambool community award.
“It’s for everyone here in Warrnambool. I can say I’ve always felt safe and happy here.
“I don’t want to move to a city, I have always been a country person and love Warrnambool.
“I appreciate that people have always embraced me and celebrated my eccentricity here in the city of Warrnambool.”
Ms Thomson was nominated for the award by the Deakin University Equity and Diversity team, which noted her decision to attend work as her male alter-ego Bobby J, her involvement in the annual International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia & Biphobia events and her involvement in the GLBTI community.
“It’s fantastic for Deakin because from an equity and diversity point of view we can see this is an inclusive and diverse university,” she said, adding that she hoped that was an ideal that spread to the wider community.
“I don’t want anyone to go to school, work, a sporting match or anywhere without feeling comfortable to be themselves.”