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Duc Dau, a postdoctoral research fellow in English and Cultural Studies, knows a lot about the Bible – which is kind of surprising, considering she’s an atheist.

“I don’t think you have to be a believer to appreciate the Bible,” she said. “It’s a text with innumerable interpretative possibilities. It’s fascinating, diverse, can be read as literature and therefore affect you the way literature can.”

One of the most interesting books in the Bible, according to Duc, is the Song of Songs, which is part of the Hebrew Scriptures or Old Testament.

“The Song of Songs is full of imagery to describe relationships between lovers,” said Duc. “The book as a whole is about love as the ultimate emotion, love being the foundation of relationships – love being as strong as death.”

Duc’s particular research interest is interpretations of the Song of Songs from England’s Victorian era.

“The Victorians were very interested in the Song of Songs,” she said. “I would argue that its place in the biblical canon as a book on love was crucial to a time period where notions of marriage were changing and becoming more recognisable to us today. This was when love finally became the preeminent reason for marriage.”

“The Song of Songs’ emphasis on love conquering all is an important reason why same-sex attracted people have been, and continue to be, drawn to this text,” she said.

November is Pride month and Duc is proud that UWA is an active leader in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex (LGBTI) inclusion – one of the top ten employers in Australia, according to the Australian Workplace Equality Index.

Through the Equity and Diversity office, Duc was recently awarded a $20,000 Alumni Fund Grant to explore LGBTI student experiences next year.

“LGBTI students are less likely to graduate than heterosexual students. They’re also more likely to experience prejudice and, subsequently, hide their sexuality or gender history and experience mental health disparities,” she said. “By providing recommendations for improving UWA LGBTI student satisfaction and support, the project aims to enhance their academic achievement, on-campus experience and chances of graduating.”

UWA is a proud sponsor of PrideFest, WA’s premier LGBTI arts and cultural festival. Run by PrideWA and celebrating its 25th anniversary, the festival launched on 6 November and culminates in the Pride Parade on 21 November.

For PrideFest, UWA held a night of public lectures showcasing some of the University’s research in the LGBTI space. Next week, the University is hosting the WA launch of the book From This Day Forward , by Rodney Croome, one of Australia’s leading marriage equality activists. All staff are invited to attend .