This week raises awareness of trans, gender diverse and non-binary people, and the issues facing them. It is an opportunity to step up as allies to help improve lives and create a more fair and equal world for everyone.
Did you know?
Being trans, gender diverse and non-binary is not an illness, but the way our society often treats trans and gender diverse people leads to severe psychological distress and poor mental health.
Over 70% of trans and non-binary people have experiences of discrimination, marginalisation, bullying, abuse, and harassment. These experiences can lead to significant psychological distress and suicide risk.1
- Almost 1 in 2 trans and non-binary young people have ever attempted suicide (48.1%). This is 20 times higher than adolescents (12-17 years) in the Australian general population1
What can I do?
Embrace equality and work to end the discrimination. Choose a way that suits you. Inform yourself. Use respectful language. Challenge unfair statements. Lobby for change.
- Strauss, P., Cook, A., Winter, S., Watson, V., Wright Toussaint, D., Lin, A. (2017). Trans Pathways: the mental health experiences and care pathways of trans young people. Summary of results. Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Australia.