Join us for SEXtember, UNSW’s annual celebration of sexual health, identity and inclusive education.
Since 2019, SEXtember has brought our community together to draw attention to safe sex, sexuality, and healthy and respectful relationships. Together, we can break down stigma, boost confidence to make informed choices and make space for sex-positive conversations, particularly in UNSW’s student community.
This year, SEXtember is a part of Diversity Festival 2025 and the theme is ‘Safe. Sexy. Smart’. Festivities kick off on Monday 22 September and run through to Friday 26 September, with select online and Kensington campus events commencing early September.
Online events this SEXtember
UNSW has partnered with other universities to bring a range of online events, reaching campuses across Australia, including the University of Adelaide, University of Queensland, University of Newcastle, Macquarie University and UNSW College.
At ‘Trans Bodies, Informed Choices: A Conversation on Consent and Care’, UNSW Medicine & Health’s Dr Kalli Spencer with Specialist General Practitioner Dr Atari Metcalf will hold a dynamic conversation that moves beyond pathologising frameworks that affect the lives of transgender people. This discussion will cover the intersection between consent, autonomy and access to gender-affirming care, moving from medical gatekeeping to informed choice. You can submit questions when registering.
University of Queensland’s lunch-time webinar ‘Real Talk, Real Life: A Parent and Carers Guide to Understanding Consent, Sexuality and Online Influence for Teens’ with Jackie Khan is for parents and carers. Sign up for the webinar on Thursday 18 September, 1–2pm, to get an understanding on how to navigate questions about relationships and sexuality with young people and children in your care.
Register for ‘Consent, Alcohol & Substances: Navigating the Gray Areas’ with Jamie Buchreid, brought to you by University of Adelaide on Tuesday 2 September, 6.30–7.30pm (AEST). Learn more about how substances affect decision-making and ways to look out for your friends.
Events on campus
The Living Poetry Project is returning with an installation at Helen Maguire Lawn from Monday 15 to Friday 17 September. This is a collaborative project with poet and writer Natalia Rachel and composer Sophia Christopher. In this immersive art piece, you’ll read four student experiences with relationships through poetry while listening to the accompanying original score.
Stop by the HUMP Day x Diversity Festival Quad Takeover at Helen Maguire Lawn from 10am–4pm on Wednesday 24 September for a campus celebration. UNSW is bringing SEXtember and Diversity Festival together with students, staff, community organisation and more. No registration is needed.
Register for Slice of Consent, a student-led panel and conversation on consent, masculinity and accountability with Teach Us Consent. This in-person event will be held at UNSW Bookshop (Kensington Campus) from 4.30–6.30pm on Wednesday 24 September, with a lucky draw and free pizza to finish.
Join in on the Empowering Access: The Future of Sexual Healthcare in Australia hybrid event on Friday 26 September, 5.30–8.10pm. SHARE (Sexual Health Advocates for Reproductive Equity) will dive into the multifaceted barriers to sexual healthcare, particularly for marginalised communities. Registrations are essential.
To emphasise the importance of regular sexual health care, staff are also encouraged to book an appointment at the Health Service for confidential and private STI and BBV testing.
Explore SEXtember’s full program online. Let’s talk. Let’s learn. Let’s celebrate.
If you need support
SEXtember includes conversations about consent, relationships, sex and sexuality. These are important conversations that can sometimes cause discomfort or raise questions. If at any point you feel the need to pause, take a break or talk to someone, support is available:
- The UNSW Gendered Violence Portal
- Converge International (EAP) – For counselling, plus other coaching and support
- 1800RESPECT – Free and confidential support, call 1800 737 732.
We encourage you to engage with the SEXtember content in a way that feels safe and right for you.
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