6th of September The law of gravity favors those with more power on a tilted playground. However, as you realize that society is still engulfed in pandemonium, you may wonder how to straighten the refracted core of the world. In this unending voyage, you are not alone. At Monash Malaysia, a group of bright students is working for the betterment of minorities who are challenged every day.

During this year’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Week, I met Aoi Takeda, the head of the Women’s Office under the Monash University Student Association, to discuss their vision for discovering diversity at Monash Malaysia.

The Women’s Office had a booth in the foyer decorated with infographics that explained the academic definitions of equity and provided real-life examples. By raising fundamental questions about equality, these infographics conveyed a message that emphasizes the importance of making equality a part of our daily lives, implying that there is already a pillar that consists of the living discourses of the marginalized. But the infographics did not distinguish the viewers based on their past experiences; it was simple, short, but informative. The diverse experiences of each individual create a unique perspective on the world we all inhabit—a world constantly shaped by external forces but still marked by countless personal histories that illuminate our lives. Thus, we are different, but we can still empathize with others. Even in gloomy weather, the pride flag at the booth showcased its vibrant colors. Aoi explained, “We are displaying new colors that symbolize diverse sexualities and genders, making people ponder what this represents and why there are so many.”

We are studying and queering

The Womxn’s Office plays a crucial role in Monash Malaysia as a beacon for minorities. It serves as a central hub where students can seek help in situations such as sexual harassment, discrimination, and daily life concerns that require collective support and care. Monash Malaysia students, women, and queer individuals are the focus of the Womxn’s Office. They aim to support the students in Monash University’s Malaysian campus; what they are especially focusing on is the social reflection on the ‘marginalized majority’ by laying the foundation for a more inclusive discourse and challenging societal stereotypes that oppress various groups of people. To achieve this, they produce ample media content for a visually sensitive and highly responsive audience of university students. The Womxn’s office carefully backs up their content with academic journals, news articles, and stakeholder interviews. They carefully calibrate their social media content to ensure high relevance and provide an acute depiction of the issues, all while highlighting the intersectionality of these stories. Aoi emphasized their organization’s enduring goals: “Our goals are simple yet essential: non-discrimination, inclusiveness, and education.” Through internal meetings, they reach a broader audience that extends beyond those who share common ground; the majority.

During the Equity, Diversity, Inclusion Week, raising awareness of societal openness is not an easy task, and this has been one of the Womxn’s Office’s major concerns when planning the event. As a significant part of the Monash University Student Association, their goal is to find common ground to capture the attention of the masses without endorsing conflicts. Their solution involves providing educational content with a neutral tone to inform religiously, culturally, and historically diverse groups within Monash Malaysia during the event. Aoi explained, “We believe that presenting the concepts and academic interpretations of these keywords in a positive light will engage students more effectively. To cater to culturally diverse audiences, our team conducts thorough background checks and refines our academic sources.”

When welcoming students who seek support, the Womxn’s Office’s purpose is clear: provide information for those in need and disseminate information to those who need to hear it. Aoi explained, “Our content leans towards more serious writing, reflecting the nature of our events.”

Reflecting their pursuit, the exhibition at the library entrance showcased the concise infographics on the successes of leaders who inspire students pursuing higher education. By exploring the lives and significant contributions of these leaders, the display not only highlighted what women can aspire to but also demonstrated how to achieve their dreams: by uniting and supporting other women. These leaders were not just leaders; they were also women.

What can we do better?

In 2018, Monash Australia launched its first Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Week with Diversity and Inclusion Framework 2018-2021. This framework explicitly emphasizes addressing the needs of staff and students of diverse genders, sexes, and sexualities. In 2023, Monash Malaysia celebrated its inauguration, marking progress towards inclusivity. However, the challenge lies in encouraging more dialogue, representation, and acceptance.

The Womxn’s Office calls Monash Malaysia for increased exposure to ensure greater engagement. Although their booth is present this year, interacting with students remains challenging, especially compared to last year when all events were held on a single day. Spreading events throughout a week allows for some interaction, but it signifies a strategic shift from the top. While engagement may have been higher last year, it was limited to students who visited the campus on that specific day.

Aoi believes that Monash Malaysia can aim higher. 

“Monash Malaysia recognizes the importance of diversity,” said Aoi, “but when it comes to addressing the elements of gender in our lives, we need more opportunities for students to engage in discussions.” Oftentimes, the discussions about gender equality face stereotypes and opposition compared to discussions on race. Aoi believes that the Womxn’s Office can provide the initial stepping stone to broaden the boundaries of acceptance on campus. This idea is embedded in the planning of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity Week, where the Womxn’s Office seeks to promote gender equality as a baseline and expand its focus to inclusivity and diversity.

The Womxn’s Office has been breaking down barriers on campus by creating diverse content online that promotes openness. Aoi stresses the importance of being visible on online public platforms. “If students see content online and can share it on social media, engagement reaches a different level. It’s easier for students to notice and contemplate the content. It serves as a starting point for conversations they may have once considered too shameful or hesitant to discuss.” said Aoi.

The Womxn’s Office actively collaborates with external actors to gain professional knowledge and opinions, enhancing the image of a supportive community within society. Since last year, the Womxn’s Office has held monthly discussions on various topics such as gender stereotypes, languages, and being queer in Malaysia. 

The future of the Womxn’s Office involves creating a more accessible platform for close interaction with students. Aoi emphasizes that student participation helps the office organize more relatable events tailored to the Monash Malaysia context, fostering a sense of community and greater engagement within the public space. The goal is to encourage students to approach the Womxn’s Office whenever they need help, so they feel comfortable discussing their concerns or ideas. 

You are not alone

It’s essential to share the problems disrupting your life with a community you can trust. If you ever feel like you don’t belong, don’t hesitate to reach out to support services at Monash campus. While completing your studies on schedule is important, nurturing your mind cannot be postponed. Listen to your body, be kind to yourself, and find a platform that can provide assistance. Growth involves being capable of accepting more aspects of life, including your ‘imperfect’ body.

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion Week Coverage

All throughout Thursday, there were some tables and boards set up outside the library, and we were given free stickers!! I love free shit! All we had to do was answer questions about the information printed onto the board on mental health first aid, and inclusive language.

…And I’m realising now I was tricked into being a better person by learning how to use inclusive language, to show my friends who are a part of minorities that they’re seen, cared for, and loved, and on how to care for people I care for when they’re experiencing a mental health crisis. Damn!

Friday, 10 am, I stepped onto campus to someone blasting Hayloft by Mother Mother—and I could smell the gays from the very entrance (this is a good thing). It was basically almost Sapot Lokal 2.0, but queerer. There were stalls selling keychains, stickers, badges, jewellery, clothes, even crocheted handicrafts and art prints! And there was food, like any respectable Monash bazaar was bound to have. 

I splurged on some gorgeous cookies and a badge with a drink printed on it. It was delicious (the cookies). Cookies and looks set to devour, I headed over to the 4108 lecture hall and found myself a seat right near the front row for the Inclusivity Night bazaar. I was with a friend (‘cause, really, what isn’t better with friends?) and we held hands excitedly, chattering excitedly waiting for the performances to begin. I…may have gotten crumbs all across my clothes, but the cookies were just too good for me to care.

We were introduced to our host, Kimchi Lai (@kimchithemusical). She took the mic, an infectious, gorgeous grin on her face, starting us off with an introduction to the first performer, Rohan Diaz (@dias_en_machina), the next Joji. He performed two self-written songs, with a cold, while singing and playing the guitar–talk about talent. It was a great opening act; the audience settling down, getting comfortable, Rohan’s friends cheering voraciously before, during, between, and after each song.

The crowd simmered with excitement for the second performance—our very first drag act—by the beautiful, talented, baby Miss Hong Hong. It was a lot of first times for many in that room; first live drag show for many students (myself included), and for Miss Hong Hong, Inclusivity Night 2023 was her debut stage! She sauntered onstage to Seven to cheers and screams from the audience; stripping her clothes for a dra(g)matic reveal, tossing her beanie aside to reveal her wig. She ripped through a prop with slurs written all across it to the crowd screaming and whooping.

Traffic meant our third act was delayed—and consequently saved by the Monash Street Dance Society (@monashstreetdancesociety). Nothing much to say here, but I personally eat that shit up. I love watching live dances. I love dancers. It just goes hard.

When Miss Pannadoll (@misspannadoll) strutted onstage, silver hair flowing and makeup popping, and fucking killed it. The excitement from the previous dance overflowed into Pannadoll’s performance and she sprinted with it. I will hold dear forever the knowledge that the floor of this room was humped.

Next up was another singing performance. No lipsyncing, our diva queen Nessy Candor (@nessycandor) blew the crowd away with two songs with an incredible range. After the many high energy drag shows we were treated to, the slower pace gave us a chance to catch my breath; but I just ended up holding back tears. She was beautiful to listen to and watch, and I laughed through tears as she cracked some jokes…

And then a real-life Barbie appeared.

It’s Acne Starr (@justacnevulgaristar)! The crowd ooh-ed a little as props were rolled out–Kimchi teased that it was because she was a professional, but I still wasn’t prepared for just how much of a pro. I cried again. She lip synced to Gloria’s speech from the Barbie movie, followed by a performance to Billie Eilish’s What Was I Made For. I was fucking moved, and I’m sure all the women in the auditorium felt the same. The girl next to me sure did feel the same way; there’s something stunning about a feminist drag act.

Cue another Monash Street Dance Society performance–incredible, as always–as I wiped my tears to cheer. God, these people are mad talented.

Our final act was drag queen Giselle Fendi (@gisellefendi), and what a fucking closing act it was. Holy cow. Clad in metallic silver and a blonde wig, she ate the auditorium the fuck up. As embarrassing to admit, when she started pulling out the pride flag I teared up. Here, in Malaysia, I never thought I’d see it; much less on campus. And then the flag unravelled, in all its glory: Nicki Minaj, emblazoned across the pride flag. The crowd exploded in screaming. My tears evaporated. I bounced in my seat, screaming as I held my friend’s hands. 

After the performances, the drag queens stuck around for picture taking, autograph signing, and print-signing. @juanvillanueva94 drew prints (that you can still get!) of the chaos network, a group of queens, most of whom had performed today; their art, outfit, makeup were all gorgeous, too. The prints were incredible quality, and a total steal. I have two on my wall now. They’re incredible.

I finally left the auditorium after getting my prints signed, feeling a funny kind of warmth; I don’t think I’ve been in a room with so many queer people, ever, and with the usual discrimination and normalised homophobia most of us encounter in real life…it left me reeling, in a very, very good way. Inclusivity night was probably the most seen I’ve felt as a queer person, and I just know most of our baby queers felt this same way. It taught me that not only was it important to be seen; we deserved to be seen, and in that little auditorium, we were safe. I’m beyond elated that it happened, and I can’t wait for further queer-centred events to come.

Written by Gloria and Erika; Photos by Bryant, Mashrurah, Raya and Tshe