Happy Transgender Day of Visibility to trans and gender-diverse people in the Goulburn North East area and across Australia.
Trans rights are human rights. Let’s make sure we are all contributing to a world in which we celebrate and acknowledge the importance of authentic self-expression, look out for each other in solidarity and remember that gender equality extends to people of all genders.
In order to create true gender equity, we must support trans, non-binary and gender-diverse people to be able to express themselves authentically without fear of discrimination. Advocating for health and gender equity must include an intersectional gender lens to be truly representative.
Health equity and gender identity
Trans people disproportionately experience health inequality, including discrimination, abuse and difficulty finding doctors willing to provide essential healthcare. Trans-specific healthcare also comes with significant cost, placing financial strain on those needing it. All these factors lead to further negative outcomes, which can include mental ill-health.
The Australian public overwhelmingly support trans equality – a 2020 study showed that 78% of people agree that trans people deserve the same rights and protections as other Australians. The more recent IPSOS Pride 2023 Global Survey found that Australians remained consistent in their view that transgender people deserve the same rights and protections as other Australians.
We must ensure, as allies and advocates, that medical evidence and the lived-experience perspectives of transgender people, inform how we approach inclusive health and wellbeing practices. We must challenge harmful rhetoric by centring care and wellbeing in our discussions around health equity for the transgender community.
This Transgender Day of Visibility we encourage decision makers to prioritise making healthcare for trans and gender-diverse people more accessible. People should be able to access the treatment they require without being misunderstood, mistreated or refused assistance.
What are the solutions?
Trans people should be supported in their transition and be able to access health care easily. Healthcare providers must be supported to understand issues specific to trans and gender diverse people, including their diverse medical and mental health needs. Health workers of all levels must have access to training around inclusive care, to ensure trans and gender-diverse people are respected, understood and properly looked after when seeking health care. Health care is a fundamental human right, and barriers to trans and gender-diverse people significantly damages their safety and wellbeing. When we break down rigid gender norms, challenge the gender binary and celebrate gender diversity in all its forms we promote gender equality for everyone.
With the Federal Election coming up in May, we encourage everyone who supports the rights of transgender people to live free from discrimination and violence to get active – for example, you could write a letter to your local representative supporting the protection of trans rights, or look into the policies and positions of potential candidates in your electorate on gender affirming care, diversity and inclusion.
You can read more about Trans Day of Visibility in Victoria at tdov.org.au
You can read Equality Australia’s most recent Impact Report here.