At AUT, our gay, lesbian, transgender, bisexual and intersex (LGBTQIA+) communities are known as the rainbow community. We offer services and resources for students who identify with diverse sexual orientations, sex and gender identities.
In New Zealand, rainbow people have legal rights to live freely as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, questioning. The Human Rights Act 1993 outlaws discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender. The Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Bill 2013 enables adult couples of any gender to marry, including same-sex and different sex couples.
Find out when the next orientation lunch is by visiting the Rainbow Room at WB119 or follow our Instagram page @rainbow_aut
If you are a transgender student and need to change your name, download the name change process document below.
Download name change process
All AUT campuses have all gender bathrooms.
Download list of all gender bathroom locations
There are a range of people and services you can contact for help and support at AUT.
We have a dedicated Rainbow Support team to support you at AUT. Our role is to:
You can book an appointment with our Rainbow student advisor if you need help with study and personal needs, or want to be connected with other campus services. Email the Rainbow Support team to book.
Student Hub advisor team profiles
Counselling is the process of privately talking through anything that concerns you. A counsellor will listen to you sensitively, without judgement, and will try and see things from your point of view. The Rainbow Support Team can help you find a counsellor to suit your needs.
Counselling and mental health support at AUT
If you’re worried about your safety or the safety of someone else and you need urgent help, call:
Bullying and harassment aren't acceptable at AUT. If you feel harassed, don't keep it to yourself - there are people and services here to support you:
Māori students can get in touch with a dedicated team to use a range of services.
If you’re sexually active, it’s important that you protect your health and that of your partner/s from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV.
For any questions contact:
You can pick up free condoms from:
You can access a number of resources for the rainbow community.
Express magazine has been New Zealand's leading LGBT+ media since 1992. Check out their website for details about their print and online magazine and social media presence.
Rainbow Auckland welcomes students and offers members networking and social events. Students have free membership. Rainbow Auckland also works for the community by raising funds which are then distributed as grants, AUT scholarships, and awards.
Email us to book an appointment with our Rainbow Student advisor.
Rainbow Support team
Email: rainbow@aut.ac.nz
Instagram: @rainbow_aut
Out@AUT is an an active, social student club that meets weekly, providing a friendly and accepting environment to all members. Check their Facebook group for upcoming events and updates.
Download the app and join a global peer support network available 24/7. TalkCampus is a safe space where you can connect with students all over the world, in over 26 different languages, for mental health support and connection.