April 16th, 2023Support 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.
“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.