Support for transgender and gender diverse Victorians

The state government is supporting transgender and gender diverse Victorians, their families and carers, with funding to expand access to vital mental health and support services.

The government will deliver a $900,000 package to eight organisations to help respond to the additional demand these services are seeing following events late last month.

Funding will go to

• Mind;

• Transcend;

• Transgender Victoria;

• Switchboard;

• Zoe Belle Gender Collective;

• Thorne Harbour Health/Equinox;

• Rainbow Families; and

• Queerspace.

Writing the Rainbow

"The toxic public debate around the hurtful, divisive Let Women Speak march – an anti-trans rally – has had a significant impact on members of the transgender community, and on their loved ones." the media release stated.

"This package will boost counselling and family therapy, referrals and peer support to ensure LGBTIQ+ Victorians, their families and carers can get the support they need – and that they know it’s available.

"Just as LGBTIQ+ Australians should never have been subject to a plebiscite on whether they deserved to marry the person they love, transgender Victorians should not have to endure their worth being debated by a so-called ‘mainstream political party.’

Minister for Equality Harriet Shing said trans people routinely endured abuse, violence, and discrimination in the name of free speech.

"The (debate) has caused further trauma for an already vulnerable group. Trans people deserve better, and this funding will help organisations to provide crucial support, safety, and care."

Meanwhile, Hepburn Shire Council raised the trans flag in Daylesford in recognition of Trans Day of Visibility on March 31.

Mayor Cr Brian Hood said the international Trans Day of Visibility was an important day and recognised and celebrated trans and gender diverse people and their important contribution to the community.

"The diversity of our community is one of the wonderful things about our shire.

"We strongly support inclusion and we are committed to ensuring our community is a place where trans and gender diverse people feel safe and welcome.

"We know that a number of recent events have regrettably impacted our LGBTIQA+ community. Council has a zero tolerance towards violence of any kind, which of course includes violence against the rainbow community.

"In our Prevention of Violence Leadership statement we declare that we condemn not only the abuse itself but also societal attitudes that normalise it, tolerate it or create an atmosphere to perpetuate it. Violent behaviour is inexcusable, preventable and simply unacceptable.

"As councillors, we feel a responsibility to help create a Hepburn Shire that is a safe place for everyone. Today we celebrate our trans and gender diverse people. We see you, we appreciate you. You matter."

Trans Day of Visibility is celebrated on March 31.

Link: www.tdov.org.au/