transfolk of wa Archives - OUTinPerth https://www.outinperth.com/tag/transfolk-of-wa/ Something different Tue, 16 Apr 2024 05:51:20 +0000 en-AU hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 Activist Andrea Thompson calls for TransFolk of WA to be more transparent https://www.outinperth.com/activist-andrea-thompson-calls-for-transfolk-of-wa-to-be-more-transparent/ https://www.outinperth.com/activist-andrea-thompson-calls-for-transfolk-of-wa-to-be-more-transparent/#comments Mon, 01 Apr 2024 13:20:19 +0000 https://www.outinperth.com/?p=98551 Transgender rights activist Andrea Thompson has published an open letter calling on TransFolk of WA to be more transparent about their dealings with the Cook Labor government. Thompson, the publisher of local music website Around the Sound, said she had concerns with the lack of transparency surrounding recent meetings with the government, and connections between Transfolk of […]

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Transgender rights activist Andrea Thompson has published an open letter calling on TransFolk of WA to be more transparent about their dealings with the Cook Labor government.

Thompson, the publisher of local music website Around the Sound, said she had concerns with the lack of transparency surrounding recent meetings with the government, and connections between Transfolk of WA and the Labor party.

In October 2023 Transfolk of WA, alongside several other prominent LGBTIQA+ groups, met with Premier Roger Cook. Pride WA, Rainbow Futures, Equality Australia and Youth Pride Network also attended the meeting.

A media release said the meeting covered a wide range of topics including establishing a whole-of-government approach to LGBTQIA+ issues, urgent upcoming reforms, and greater support for WA advocacy groups.

Precise details of the discussion have not been provided, which has attracted criticism from several respected rights activists. Former senator Brian Greig said it was concerning the discussion had been behind closed doors.

Subsequently reports emerged suggesting that the state government was taking a ‘go slow’ approach on a range of issues including the removal of the WA Gender Reassignment Board, Equal Opportunity law reforms, banning conversion therapy practices and surrogacy law reform.

It has been suggested that the government will hold off taking action until after the 2025 state election. The Premier has denied the issues are ‘on the backburner’, but neither has he given a commitment to address them before the election.

While details of the October meeting have remained under wraps, all of the organisations who attended were signatories to an open letter released in January that called for the government to take action on the long-promised issues. The government’s lack of action has seen them being accused in being more interest in photo opportunities than making legislative changes.

Another photo opportunity came round in late February when Minister Hannah Beazley announced $900,000 in funding for the first ever Western Australian LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Strategy. The funding will be provided to local not-for-profit organisations Living Proud WATransFolk of WA and GLBTI Rights in Ageing Inc (GRAI) to support the development and implementation of the strategy.

In her criticism of Transfolk of WA, Andrea Thompson calls for them to be more transparent about their discussions with the government and be more upfront about any ties to the Labor party.

“As a gender diverse woman who is concerned about my freedom to exist without government interference, as well as for the freedom of current and future generations of gender diverse people, it is my expectation that TransFolk of WA should conduct its negotiations with government transparently, instead of refusing to divulge information.” Thompson said.

Thompson says the organisation should have knocked back the generous funding from the government, until the overdue law reforms were acted on.

“TransFolk of WA’s meek acceptance of the State government’s money and the likely further delay in Gender law reform indicates that the organisation has been outmanoeuvred by a government that has found the price of this advocacy organisation’s silence.

“TransFolk of WA should have refused the funding until the government made good on its commitment to gender law reform. It also should have refused to participate in the peak body until such time as the government made good on its promises.” Thompson said.

A spokesperson for Transfolk of WA told OUTinPerth that they had received a copy of Thompon’s letter and acknowledged her concerns.

“TransFolk of WA is a support service. We provide services to the trans and gender diverse community in WA. We also engage productively with governments and other organisations to advance the interests of the community.

“We are pleased to have received funding to support the organisation and ongoing engagement. TransFolk of WA has raised with government at every opportunity the need for urgent law reform, and we will continue to do so.

“TransFolk of WA will always prioritise the safety of our staff, volunteers, and community.” the spokesperson said.

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Trans Day of Visibility: Join TransFolk of WA for community sundowner https://www.outinperth.com/transgender-day-of-visibility-join-transfolk-of-wa-for-community-sundowner/ Fri, 31 Mar 2023 01:37:36 +0000 https://www.outinperth.com/?p=94879 Today is Transgender Day of Visibility, an international celebration of transgender and gender diverse lives, identities, achievements and triumphs. This year, TransFolk of WA is marking Trans Day of Visibility with a low-key sundowner at South Beach in Walyalup, Fremantle. “It has been a rather intense start to the year for our trans and gender-diverse […]

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Today is Transgender Day of Visibility, an international celebration of transgender and gender diverse lives, identities, achievements and triumphs.

This year, TransFolk of WA is marking Trans Day of Visibility with a low-key sundowner at South Beach in Walyalup, Fremantle.

“It has been a rather intense start to the year for our trans and gender-diverse community, and our families and friends,” a spokesperson for TransFolk of WA told OUTinPerth.

“We wanted to spend this Trans Day of Visibility bringing the community together for an evening of joy, to make friends and share in each others company.

“Celebrating trans joy after the month that’s been is an important part of celebrating who we are as trans and gender-diverse community. We look forward to seeing everyone there, including family and friends.”

The sundowner is also a fundraising opportunity for TransFolk of WA, with an option for attendees to donate and help support TransFolk of WA’s essential support services.

TransFolk of WA is a peer-led service providing regular online spaces and important resources for trans and gender diverse Western Australians, as well as recommending safe services and events bringing trans folks and allies together to celebrate and honour the community.

The team encourages all to bring a picnic blanket, camp chairs, food, games, your guitar, crafts, or a towel for swimming.

“This event is about existing. About celebrating everyday, ordinary trans joy,” the event description reads.

“About not having to fight for once and being allowed to relax, allowed to simply spend time with friends or make some new ones. To sit in nature and just be.”

Join TransFolk of WA from 5pm at South Beach, Fremantle. For more information, head over to Facebook.

Image: Stock image


Do you need some support?

If you are struggling with anxiety or depression, support and counselling are available from:

QLife: 1800 184 527 / qlife.org.au (Webchat 3pm – midnight)
QLife are a counselling and referral service for LGBTQIA+ people.

DISCHARGEDinfo@discharged.org.au / discharged.org.au
Discharged is a trans-led support service with peer support groups for trans and gender diverse folks.

Lifeline: 13 11 14 / lifeline.org.au

Beyondblue: 1300 22 4636 / www.beyondblue.org.au


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McGowan Government move to scrap Gender Reassignment Board https://www.outinperth.com/gender-reassignment-board/ Wed, 21 Dec 2022 02:47:23 +0000 https://www.outinperth.com/?p=93619 Attorney-General John Quigley has just announced the McGowan Government will progress legislation to repeal the Gender Reassignment Act 2000 and abolish the Gender Reassignment Board. Under the reforms, to update sex or gender information on a birth certificate, applicants will no longer be required to demonstrate that they have undertaken surgical or medical intervention. Rather, […]

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Attorney-General John Quigley has just announced the McGowan Government will progress legislation to repeal the Gender Reassignment Act 2000 and abolish the Gender Reassignment Board.

Under the reforms, to update sex or gender information on a birth certificate, applicants will no longer be required to demonstrate that they have undertaken surgical or medical intervention.

Rather, they will be able to provide a certificate from their medical practitioner or psychologist confirming they have received clinical treatment in relation to their sex or gender identity. Applications will be processed by the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.

WA Labor committed to abolish the board back in 2017 at a state conference, aiming to bring Western Australia in line with other jurisdictions in Australia.

In recent months, local LGBTQIA+ organisations including TransFolk of WA, Rainbow Futures WA and PFLAG+ Perth were urging the McGowan Government to expediate action, following the resignation of the Board’s President.

To ensure the Board can deal with any pending applications – and any new applications received prior to the introduction of the reforms – the State Government has appointed Grantham Kitto as President of the Board. Kitto has been a lawyer for more than 30 years, and has been a member of the Board since February 2009.

The Board will prioritise existing applications – with Mr Kitto committing to complete eight cases ready for assessment – within the first week of his appointment.

“The McGowan Government is committed to LGBTIQA+ law reform and to improving the process of sex and gender recognition,” Attorney-General Quigley said.

“These reforms will bring Western Australia in line with the processes available for birth certificates throughout most of Australia – and are consistent with the process available for Australian passports.

“I thank Mr Kitto for agreeing to lead the Board while the State Government develops legislation to replace its functions with a modern and streamlined administrative process.

“I would also like to acknowledge and thank the current members of the board for their ongoing contribution.”

These reforms will take place alongside the State Government’s commitment to introduce a new Equal Opportunity Act for Western Australia, which will provide anti-discrimination protections to those who are trans, gender-diverse or non-binary without the need for recognition from the Gender Reassignment Board.

Leigh Andrew Hill


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TransFolk of WA receive $300,000 funding to support young people https://www.outinperth.com/transfolk-of-wa-receive-300000-funding-to-support-young-people/ Mon, 15 Aug 2022 05:44:12 +0000 https://www.outinperth.com/?p=92119 TransFolk of WA have received $300,000 in funding to deliver support services for transgender, non-binary and gender diverse young people. Announcing the funding the government highlighted that transgender, non-binary and gender diverse  young people are at greater risk of mental health issues, including self-harm and suicide, than their cis-gendered youth. Youth Minister Dave Kelly made […]

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transfolk of WA

TransFolk of WA have received $300,000 in funding to deliver support services for transgender, non-binary and gender diverse young people.

Announcing the funding the government highlighted that transgender, non-binary and gender diverse  young people are at greater risk of mental health issues, including self-harm and suicide, than their cis-gendered youth.

Youth Minister Dave Kelly made the announcement of the funding on Friday which was also International Youth Day.

The three-year funding will enable TransFolk of WA to expand its Youth Service Project for young people aged 13 to 25 years and their loved ones.

The Youth Service Project provides ongoing support and assistance for transgender, non-binary and gender diverse young people through weekly meetings, fortnightly workshops, online platforms and community connection.

TransFolk of WA’s work so far has identified a specific need for peer support and social opportunities for young people within their target audience.

The new funding will enable TransFolk of WA to continue and expand the project, as well as employ a youth project officer and a team leader.

“Transgender, non-binary and gender diverse young people need support to ensure their mental and physical health and wellbeing.

“This funding will enable TransFolk of WA to expand its work in informing, empowering and advocating for trans and gender diverse people to survive and thrive.” Minister Kelly said.

“Transgender, non-binary and gender diverse young people are an incredibly vulnerable cohort.

Kelly said the expansion of TransFolk of WA’s Youth Service Project will grow participation and engagement, promote inclusion, and build community connections and reduce the isolation felt by many transgender young people.

In a post to social media Transfolk of WA said they were thrilled about the funding announcement.
“We are thrilled to announce that our brand new Youth Service is funded by the Minister for Youth Dave Kelly for the next three years! We’re so grateful; this is a colossal step forward for TransFolk of WA, and we’re excited to use this opportunity to support and many young transfolk in wa as we possibly can.
“We’d also really like to thank Dr Katrina Stratton MLA for her ongoing support and advocacy for our community. We’re delighted to know that there are people in power who care about us and what we do. We look forward to making the most of this!” the group said.

OIP Staff

Update: 4:58 17-08-2022 comment from Transfolk of WA added.  


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WA government's lack of action on conversion therapy in the spotlight https://www.outinperth.com/wa-governments-lack-of-action-on-conversion-therapy-in-the-spotlight/ Tue, 05 Jul 2022 06:54:36 +0000 https://www.outinperth.com/?p=91680 The Western Australian government has been asked to take legislative action against conversion therapy. The government is currently holding a parliamentary inquiry into the operation of Esther House, a substance abuse facility that has been accused of using suppression and change practices as part of their treatment program. Previous clients of the facility have shared […]

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The Western Australian government has been asked to take legislative action against conversion therapy.

The government is currently holding a parliamentary inquiry into the operation of Esther House, a substance abuse facility that has been accused of using suppression and change practices as part of their treatment program.

Previous clients of the facility have shared stories of mental, physical and sexual abuse, alongside reports of conversion practices being used in the past.

The WA government has published some of the public submissions to the inquiry with many of them asking for laws to be brought in to curb the practice, noting that it often occurs in religious based organisations.

In their submission TransFolk of WA call for the government to Implement comprehensive conversion practices legislation in line with the SOGICE Survivor Statement, with particular focus on a civil response scheme. The group also calls for the government to fund educational campaigns to allow for the promotion of LGBTIQA+ inclusive practices. 

Equal Voices, which supports LGBTIQA+ people of faith, also call for the introduction of legislation also arguing that it must cover practices within religious organisations.

“As LGBTIQ+ Christians, we reject attempts to suppress or deny a person’s identity. We strongly support legislative change to outlaw conversion practices in any context.” the group said.

In a joint submission from the Youth Pride Network (YPN) and Ending Conversion Practices WA (ECPWA), Charlotte Glance also implores the government to use the SOGICE Survivors Statement as the guide for addressing the issue.

While Living Proud WA voiced their support for the submission from YPN and ECPWA, saying the Survivors Statement had their full support.

The allegations made towards the Esther Foundation are therefore extremely concerning and we fully support efforts to prevent this from happening again in the future.” said Barry Cosker, the organisation’s chair.

“We we consider conversion practices under any guise as harmful and unethical” Cosker wrote in the submission.

The call for specific legislation was also echoed by WA based LGBTIQA+ community organisation Rainbow Futures.

While the ACT, Queensland and Victorian governments have introduced dedicated legislation to ban the practices, the McGowan government has instead opted for a tightening up of the registration requirements for counselors.

Tasmania’s Liberal government is also currently considering introducing specific legislation to outlaw conversion practices.

The WA inquiry is being conducted by Labor MPs Chris Tallentire, Lisa Baker, Lisa Munday, Caitlin Collins, Kevin Michael and Stuart Aubrey.

Graeme Watson


Do you need some support?

If you are struggling with anxiety or depression, support and counselling are available from:

QLife: 1800 184 527 / qlife.org.au (Webchat 3pm – midnight)
QLife are a counselling and referral service for LGBTQIA+ people.

DISCHARGEDinfo@discharged.org.au / discharged.org.au
Discharged is a trans-led support service with peer support groups for trans and gender diverse folks.

Lifeline: 13 11 14 / lifeline.org.au

Beyondblue: 1300 22 4636 / www.beyondblue.org.au


You can support our work by subscribing to our Patreon
or contributing to our GoFundMe campaign.

 

 

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No action on trans and intersex rights from WA Government https://www.outinperth.com/no-action-on-trans-and-intersex-rights-from-wa-government/ Wed, 18 May 2022 07:52:54 +0000 https://www.outinperth.com/?p=91013 Western Australia’s Attorney General John Quigley has confirmed the McGowan Government has not ‘fully considered’ a report on trans and intersex rights which was tabled in 2018. Project 108: Final Report: Review of Western Australian legislation in relation to the registration or change of a person sex and/or gender status relating to sex characteristics was the […]

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Western Australia’s Attorney General John Quigley has confirmed the McGowan Government has not ‘fully considered’ a report on trans and intersex rights which was tabled in 2018.

Project 108: Final Report: Review of Western Australian legislation in relation to the registration or change of a person sex and/or gender status relating to sex characteristics was the result of an investigation by the Law Reform of Western Australia.

The review’s Terms of Reference sought an inquiry into the need for a new category for classification of sex, the role of the Gender Reassignment Board, the criteria used to determine whether intersex status should be registered and approval requirements in relation to applications by children to register change of sex or intersex status.

Presented to the government five years ago, the report made 17 recommendations for changes to state legislation. These included amendments to the Equal Opportunity Act (WA) to protect against discrimination based on gender identity or intersex status, the removal of sex classifications from birth certificates, the repeal of the Gender Reassignment Act 2000 (WA) – which established the Gender Reassignment Board – and for the Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act 1998 (WA) to be amended to provide a non-binary classification.

On Tuesday, which marked International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia, Greens sole WA MLC Brad Pettitt asked the AG if the government has “now fully considered the report”, and if yes, “are there any other recommendations that the government will not be accepting in addition to recommendations 5 and 6 mentioned at the time of tabling; and 2. has any progress been made toward implementing any of the recommendations; and, if so, which ones?”

Recommendation 5 reads “Sex classification be removed from birth certificates,” while Recommendation 6 called for “The Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act 1998 (WA) and the Births, Deaths and Marriage Registration Regulations 1999 (WA) be amended to expressly prohibit the recording of sex or gender on birth certificates.”

Pettitt’s final question asked if the government had not considered the report, “when does the minister expect the report will be considered?”

The Attorney General’s reply was brief: “1. No. 2. Not applicable. 3. Consideration is ongoing.”

In 2021, ahead of WA’s last state election, LGBTQIA+ advocacy group Just.Equal Australia wrote to all parties with questions on LGBTQIA+ issues and rights. Premier Mark McGowan responded on behalf of WA Labor.

“At the time of the tabling of the report, the WA Government provided an interim response confirming that it would not be supporting Recommendations 5 and 6, which were to remove and expressly prohibit the recording of sex or gender on birth certificates,” McGowan wrote last year.

“The Project 108 Final Report is a significant and forward-looking body of work containing recommendations and implications of importance to the community. As such, it requires careful consideration. To date, the Department of Justice and the State Solicitor’s Office have put considerable effort into considering the recommendations.”

Premier McGowan also cited Covid-19 as a reason the government has “not been in a position to fully respond to the report,” while assuring LGBTQIA+ voters that a “re-elected McGowan Government remains committed to LGBTIQ+ law reform commenced in Government, including consideration of the LRCWA’s Project 108: Final Report: Review of Western Australian legislation in relation to the recognition of a person’s sex, change of sex or intersex status.”

In 2017, prior to the commencement of the LRCWA’s investigation, WA Labor had already voted in favour of a motion to abolish WA’s Gender Reassignment Board and allow trans folks to affirm their gender without the need for hormones or surgery, as well as a motion supporting a third gender category for official documents.

Speaking to OUTinPerth, TransFolk of WA Chair Hunter Gurevich said the organisation was grateful that Brad Pettitt was inquiring after the issue.

“We are disappointed that after all these years of this project being reviewed we still haven’t got an answer,” Gurevich said.

“It shouldn’t take this long. It’s very frustrating.”

On Project 108, Brad Pettitt says The Greens believe freedom of gender and sexual identities are a fundamental human right.

“Currently in WA, there are a myriad of quite unnecessary hurdles that trans, intersex and gender diverse people face in order to be recognised as who they are,” Pettitt told OUTinPerth.

“Greens WA Gender Identity policy aligns with the recommendations set out in Project 108, and my Greens predecessors in state Parliament before me campaigned on the lack of government response to Project 108.”

Pettitt says it is clear that acting on the recommendations in the Project 108 Final Report is not a priority for the current government.

“The report was tabled in Parliament in December 2018, and the Labor government have had three and a half years to consider this report, and they have failed to do so or provide a timeline of when consideration will be complete. The delay isn’t good enough and is disrespectful to the LGBTQIA+ community.”

“It is disappointing that many Labor MPs in parliament were happy to celebrate IDAHOBIT on their social media yesterday but their party can’t prioritise this important and necessary reform.”

“The Greens WA will continue to advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community as it always has done. I will continue to question the government on what action they have taken on Project 108 and my office have already had concerned members of the community and stakeholders get in touch, outraged with the government’s inaction.”

Leigh Andrew Hill


Do you need some support?

If you are struggling with anxiety or depression, support and counselling are available from:

QLife: 1800 184 527 / qlife.org.au (Webchat 3pm – midnight)
QLife are a counselling and referral service for LGBTQIA+ people.

DISCHARGEDinfo@discharged.org.au / discharged.org.au
Discharged is a trans-led support service with peer support groups for trans and gender diverse folks.

Lifeline: 13 11 14 / lifeline.org.au

Beyondblue: 1300 22 4636 / www.beyondblue.org.au


You can support our work by subscribing to our Patreon
or contributing to our GoFundMe campaign.

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Celebrate Trans Day of Visibility with TransFolk of WA's digital panel https://www.outinperth.com/celebrate-trans-day-of-visibility-with-transfolk-of-was-digital-panel/ Wed, 30 Mar 2022 04:13:40 +0000 https://www.outinperth.com/?p=90393 March 31 marks Transgender Day of Visibility, an opportunity to celebrate the lives of our trans and gender diverse family. TransFolk of WA will be honouring the occasion with a brilliant panel of prolific local trans and gender diverse folks, offering a chance to ask questions of lived experience and learn how to better support […]

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March 31 marks Transgender Day of Visibility, an opportunity to celebrate the lives of our trans and gender diverse family.

TransFolk of WA will be honouring the occasion with a brilliant panel of prolific local trans and gender diverse folks, offering a chance to ask questions of lived experience and learn how to better support trans folks in all aspects of life.

The digital panel will include artist & photographer Marziya Mohammedali, comedian Aves Robins, musician Jaime Page and legal rising star Aidan Maximo.

The panel is also a fundraising opportunity for TransFolk of WA, with an option for panel viewers to donate and help support TransFolk of WA’s essential support services.

The peer-led service provides regular online spaces and important resources for trans and gender diverse Western Australians, as well as recommending safe services and events bringing trans folks and allies together to celebrate and honour the community.

TransFolk of WA’s Transgender Day of Visibility Fundraiser Panel will be held on YouTube on Thursday March 31 at 7pm. For more information, head over to Humanitix.


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TransFolk of WA slam Senator Chandler's anti-trans sports bill https://www.outinperth.com/transfolk-of-wa-slam-senator-chandlers-anti-trans-sports-bill/ Wed, 23 Feb 2022 04:23:58 +0000 https://www.outinperth.com/?p=89936 Local support and advocacy organisation TransFolk of WA have responded to revelations Prime Minister Scott Morrison supports a bill that seeks to exclude trans, gender diverse and intersex Australians from sport. Tasmanian Senator Claire Chandler’s Sex Discrimination and Other Legislation Amendment (Save Women’s Sport) Bill 2022 would ensure that people assigned male or female at […]

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Local support and advocacy organisation TransFolk of WA have responded to revelations Prime Minister Scott Morrison supports a bill that seeks to exclude trans, gender diverse and intersex Australians from sport.

Tasmanian Senator Claire Chandler’s Sex Discrimination and Other Legislation Amendment (Save Women’s Sport) Bill 2022 would ensure that people assigned male or female at birth were kept separate on the sporting field, and could exclude intersex people entirely.

The Prime Minister’s support of the private member’s bill has drawn vocal opposition from LGBTQIA+ advocates, labelling the amendments as out of step with society, science and major Australian sporting codes – who are moving to make sport more inclusive for trans, gender diverse and intersex folks.

TransFolk of WA have today voiced their objections to the bill, highlighting major concerns over the wellbeing of trans, gender diverse and intersex communities under a cloud of “federally endorsed transphobia.”

“We are forced again to respond to a Bill that seeks to degrade anti-discrimination law in such a way as to specifically limit the lives of trans, gender diverse and intersex people,” TransFolk of WA Chair Hunter Gurevich said.

“It should go without saying that this Bill is inappropriate and discriminatory. It seeks to alter standing Sex Discrimination Act of 1984 to permit exclusion of individuals from sports based on Senator Claire Chandler’s interpretation of the categories of sex.”

“It does not reflect the understanding of contemporary society or scientific consensus, in that it actively excludes trans and gender diverse people, and it erases intersex people altogether. The reality is, the Act already permits discrimination against trans and gender diverse people based on strength and stamina. Senator Chandler’s bill therefore is necessarily designed to discriminate against trans, gender diverse and intersex people purely for being different.”

“A mature and nuanced conversation is to be had regarding the participation of trans, gender diverse and intersex people in sports. It is to be had by trans, gender diverse, intersex and cisgender sports people, by physicians and scientists. It is to be had within each sport about each sport by experts in the sport. It is not to be imperiously curtailed or micromanaged by politicians with an axe to grind or an election to win.”

“We live in an extraordinary country, but we have problems. We have climate change, health services, sustainability of our energy, resources and economy, housing, jobs… the list is long, and many of the items critical. We beg our democratically elected federal leaders to prioritise the critical issues over petty meddling in standing legislation.”

“In short: leave us alone and do your actual job.”

OIP Staff


Do you need some support?

If you are struggling with anxiety or depression, support and counselling are available from:

QLife: 1800 184 527 / qlife.org.au (Webchat 3pm – midnight)
QLife are a counselling and referral service for LGBTQIA+ people.

DISCHARGEDinfo@discharged.org.au / discharged.org.au
Discharged is a trans-led support service with peer support groups for trans and gender diverse folks.

Lifeline: 13 11 14 / lifeline.org.au

Beyondblue: 1300 22 4636 / www.beyondblue.org.au


You can support our work by subscribing to our Patreon
or contributing to our GoFundMe campaign.

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TransFolk of WA issue statement on Religious Discrimination bill https://www.outinperth.com/transfolk-of-wa-issue-statement-on-religious-discrimination-bill/ Thu, 10 Feb 2022 05:03:11 +0000 https://www.outinperth.com/?p=89799 Trans and gender diverse support & advocacy group TransFolk of WA have released a statement outlining their stance on the Religious Discrimination bill and this week’s debate. This week has seen fierce debate focused on the lives and rights of trans and gender diverse young people in faith-based schools. After passing the bill through the […]

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Trans and gender diverse support & advocacy group TransFolk of WA have released a statement outlining their stance on the Religious Discrimination bill and this week’s debate.

This week has seen fierce debate focused on the lives and rights of trans and gender diverse young people in faith-based schools.

After passing the bill through the House of Representatives early this morning, the bill will no longer head straight to the Senate as the upper house deals with other business.

The government is now pushing for an inquiry into the bill, citing potential “unintended consequences.”

See below for the full message from TransFolk of WA.


To say TransFolk of WA is saddened and disgusted by the events of the past 24 hours is no small understatement. Our hearts are heavy, and we know many of yours are too.

The passing of the Religious Discrimination Bill through the Federal Legislative Assembly is deeply upsetting. Many trans and gender diverse people experience bigotry and discrimination right now – this bill will enshrine that bigotry into law. This bill sends is telling trans people that we are not worthy of protection.

When TransFolk of WA began, our focus was community support in a state we felt had left us without adequate protections. Today, we saw once again that federal lawmakers still do not value us. Waking up to the news of the passing of the bill was a harsh slap in the face that both the Labour and Liberal party truly don’t respect the trans community and are willing to erode our rights.

The amendment of the Sex Discrimination Act to provide protection to LGBTQA+ students is a step in the right direction but there is potential for clause 7 of the Religious Discrimination Bill to override these protections. Additionally, these added protections specifically relate to schools – meaning that discrimination against trans people could still become legal in many other settings like workplaces.

The federal government and opposition actively chose to expose the trans community to further vitriol by passing the Religious Discrimination Bill. This public debate is distressing, it’s depressing, it’s exhausting, and it’s now going to continue.

While the bill is not yet law and subject to review in the Senate (which has now been delayed), the fact that this bill as it is was ever entertained by any representative of the people is a deep shame on our elected officials. This is particularly the case after the numerous robust, evidence-based submissions outlining the dangers and impacts of this bill by many of our community organisations.

Let us be clear: there is no circumstance where an Australian’s identity as trans, non-binary or gender diverse should ever be legislated against, explicitly or implicitly.

We encourage everyone to also stand by anyone else whose rights and protections this bill has the potential to violate including people of colour, women, people with a disability, and people of faith.

If you have not already done so, contact your federal MP and Senators. Remember how your politicians voted this coming election and vote accordingly.

We hope that the widespread disapproval and condemnation of this Bill has been seen by our elected leaders, and that they understand this is not the will of the Australian people. There is no reason for it to return.

To anyone who is suffering due to the decisions made in parliament today, please be kind to yourself; you are your greatest priority and TransFolk of WA will always be there to empower and promote the rights of trans people and our queer siblings.


Do you need some support?

If you are struggling with anxiety or depression, support and counselling are available from:

QLife: 1800 184 527 / qlife.org.au (Webchat 3pm – midnight)
QLife are a counselling and referral service for LGBTQIA+ people.

DISCHARGED: 9364 6909 / waamh.org.au / wearedischarged@gmail.com
Discharged is a trans-led support service with peer support groups for trans and gender diverse folks.

Lifeline: 13 11 14 / lifeline.org.au

Beyondblue: 1300 22 4636 / www.beyondblue.org.au


You can support our work by subscribing to our Patreon
or contributing to our GoFundMe campaign.

The post TransFolk of WA issue statement on Religious Discrimination bill appeared first on OUTinPerth.

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Living Proud seek LGBTQIA+ input ahead of Mental Health Act review https://www.outinperth.com/living-proud-seek-lgbtqia-input-ahead-of-mental-health-act-review/ Fri, 28 Jan 2022 03:19:49 +0000 https://www.outinperth.com/?p=89613 The WA Mental Health Commission are set to undertake a review of our state’s Mental Health Act, and local LGBTQIA+ organisations are seeking input from our communities. Living Proud WA, in partnership with TransFolk of WA, WAAC, GRAI, Youth Pride Network, Rainbow Futures WA and Pride WA, are hosting consultation sessions in the coming weeks. […]

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The WA Mental Health Commission are set to undertake a review of our state’s Mental Health Act, and local LGBTQIA+ organisations are seeking input from our communities.

Living Proud WA, in partnership with TransFolk of WA, WAAC, GRAI, Youth Pride Network, Rainbow Futures WA and Pride WA, are hosting consultation sessions in the coming weeks. These sessions will help shape submissions for the upcoming review.

The review aims to identify elements of the Act that work well, areas that could be improved and make recommendations to the Minister for Mental Health and members of state parliament.

The organisations are seeking input from people who have received treatment under the Act in the last five years, those who have supported someone receiving treatment, those who work in the mental health sector in various capacities and others who have feedback about the effectiveness and operation of the Act.

Group sessions will be held at City West Lotteries House on Thursday 3rd February and Saturday 5th February. Individual feedback can also be arranged in person or online, and all discussions and interviews will be conducted by experienced mental health professionals.

Proof of double vaccination must be provided for entry to City West Lotteries House in accordance with the venue’s policy.

To register for the sessions on Thu Feb 3 (6pm) and Sat Feb 5 (10am), email Deborah Costello at dc.consulting@iinet.net.au or 0408 900 448


You can support our work by subscribing to our Patreon
or contributing to our GoFundMe campaign.

The post Living Proud seek LGBTQIA+ input ahead of Mental Health Act review appeared first on OUTinPerth.

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