Thursday, 16 November 2023

 Michael GALEA (South-Eastern Metropolitan) incorporated the following (611):

My adjournment matter is for Minister Shing in her capacity as the Minister for Equality. The action I am seeking is for the Minister to provide an update on the unprecedented support being provided to the trans and gender diverse communities in Victoria.

This week is Transgender Awareness Week – a week where awareness is raised to explain the inequity experienced by trans and gender diverse people. It is a week where stories are told about people subjected to discrimination and limited life opportunities as a result of their diversity. It is also a week where trans and gender diverse people and their families come together as a community for peer support.

There are many events being held during this week around Victoria and throughout the country that will highlight the struggles experienced by trans people and their families and inform the community about how to achieve gender equity through compassion and understanding.

The Pride Centre is hosting a short film gala with panel discussion with films including “The Dream Life of Georgie Stone”. Forums that share lived experience through films or guest speakers are so important for others transitioning or living as trans or gender diverse and their families.

Georgie is an example of the struggle but also of how the trans life experience can and should be. Georgie has always been backed by her family throughout her transition yet this family support is often what is missing for most and as a result, trans and gender diverse are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, discrimination, and, poverty as a result of employment discrimination.

You can’t be what you can’t see. So if the community does not get to see, hear and learn of the experiences of trans people – our transgender people will suffer, but so will the wider community.

The more we hear their stories, struggles and successes – the stronger our society will be.