Support for rainbow students
Learn about one-to-one support, peer-support groups, gender-affirming hormone replacement therapy, and mental health services available for rainbow students.
One-to-one support
Sterling Jones (they/them) is the university’s Kaiārahi Kahukura—Rainbow and Inclusion Adviser. They are here to offer guidance to rainbow students while on their journey at university, including students who are questioning their gender or sexuality or who don’t like using labels.
Sterling is your first point of contact for advice. They can help students with issues like:
- questions about gender and sexuality
- family, culture, faith, and being queer
- connecting with the community
- legal and preferred name changes
- finding rainbow-friendly supports in the community.
Conversations with Sterling are private and confidential. Email them at rainbow@vuw.ac.nz to make an appointment or visit them during one of their drop-in times.
Directions to Sterling's office, SU201
Kaiārahi Kahukura—Rainbow and Inclusion Adviser
Sterling is an Italian-born Kiwi who grew up in Tāmaki Makaurau. They identify as queer and non-binary, and are part of the neurodiverse community. Sterling has a degree in psychology from Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington and has worked in mental health and peer support roles. In their free time, Sterling can be found re-watching Star Trek, playing board games, or reading a good book.
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Sterling Jones (they/them)
Kaiārahi Kahukura—Rainbow and Inclusion Adviser
rainbow@vuw.ac.nz +64 022 2023 9844 SU201, Student Union Building, Kelburn Campus
Rainbow peer support
The rainbow peer group is a social group for LGBTQIA+, takatāpui, MVPFAFF+, and questioning students. It’s run by rainbow student leaders with a new discussion topic or activity each week. It’s a great way to find community, support, and to meet other rainbow students.
Gender-affirming care and counselling
We are proud to offer gender-affirming hormone replacement therapy in-house at Mauri Ora—Student Health and Counselling. Students can also access mental health support from our rainbow counsellors. Click here to find out more on the Mauri Ora website