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Counter transphobic nonsense with irreverent queer joy! Follow the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence.

The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence are a leading-edge Order of queer and trans nuns. They believe all people have a right to express their unique joy and beauty.

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The San Francisco Motherhouse of Sisters of Perpetual Indulgece. Promulgating Universal Joy since 1978

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The Trans Justice Project is the first, trans-led, national campaigning organisation. They organise campaigns, strategies, resources, action groups and training to build a powerful, trans-led movement standing up for freedom, justice, and equality for all trans and gender diverse people. They are working together with our communities, loved ones, and allies to bring about a future where all trans people are safe, celebrated, and free.

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This report is the largest ever investigation into anti-trans hate in Australia, compiling data from over 3099 survey responses, including 1309 responses from people in the trans community.

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Support the Trans Justice Pledge This election, we are mobilising across the continent to call on individuals and candidates to sign the Trans Justice Pledge - a public commitment to fight for the freedom

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The Inner City Legal Centre’s Trans & Gender Diverse Legal Service is a dedicated service to provide trans or gender diverse clients free legal advice and support for a range of legal issues.

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Free Legal Support for Trans & Gender Diverse People | Inner City Legal Centre

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Inner City Legal Centre’s Trans & Gender Diverse Legal Service provides free legal advice, representation, and advocacy in NSW. We assist with discrimination, employment, name and gender changes, criminal matters, and more.

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Trans inclusive.

Small fee however chat with members rep if money is access barrier and they will include you.

This is a non-auditioned choir which welcomes members regardless of their musical experience!

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Sydney Gay & Lesbian Choir – Sydney’s unauditioned inclusive choir for the gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans, intersex community and our straight allies

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Pride in Protest is an activist collective based in so-called Sydney that campaigns for social justice in the queer community and beyond.

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Pride in Protest. 5,498 likes · 31 talking about this. Grassroots political organisation focusing on queer liberation.

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QLife provides anonymous and free LGBTIQ+ peer support and referral for people in Australia wanting to talk about sexuality, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships.

Phone: 1800 184 527

Webchat: https://qlife.org.au/

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3PM to MIDNIGHT, EVERY DAY

QLife Updates
09 January 2024 Post Contact Survey

QLife is excited to be able to offer service users who call us the opportunity to participate in a phone based, post contact feedback survey. Service users will be able to hold on the line at the end of the call and answer 3 quick questions, using the buttons on their phone. Participation is optional, but we do appreciate and l isten to your feedback.
04 January 2024

Expression of Interest: QLife Consumer Advisory Group
To listen to an audio version of the EOI please click the following link (will open an audio file in a new window) Consumer Advisory Group EOI Audio 14 December 2023 Information Statement Updated

QLife is now accepting applications to join our new Consumer Advisory Group! Please click HERE to read the "Expression of Interest (EOI) and learn more about what this opportunity involves and how to submit your interest.

To find out more about what it means for services to partner with consumers and how your voice matters, you can download the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care's "Partnering with Consumers: A guide for consumers"  HERE.

We've updated our QLife information statement to be more specific about how we use data to understand and map the demand for QLife. You can check it out HERE- scroll down to section 6 for the updated info.

While we aim to respond to calls as quickly as possible, sometimes the service is in very high demand and we may not be able to get to everyone. We understand that it can be disappointing not to be connected to a peer, and encourage you to try us again a little later if this happens. If you or someone you know is interested in  volunteering as a QLife peer supporter, click here.

If you have any feedback, please speak with your peer, or complete the  user feedback survey here. We appreciate that with all changes there may be things that don't go quite right. We will work quickly to resolve any issues that are identified.

What is QLife

QLife provides anonymous and free LGBTIQ+ peer support and referral for people in Australia wanting to talk about sexuality, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships.

The QLife family includes hundreds of highly experienced LGBTIQ+ staff and volunteers Australia-wide. If you're looking to connect with someone to explore what's going on in your life, we're here to take your call or webchat.

are safe here

Trusted people to turn

Your privacy is our priority. You can trust our dedicated peer workers. QLife is an anonymous service you can rely on.

TO HELP LGBTIQ+ PEOPLE THRIVE

We've got some great resources for community members and health professionals, including QGuides, QLives and our LGBTIQ+ referral database

we're here

Acknowledgement of Country

QLife acknowledges the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia, their diversity, histories and knowledge and their continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respects to all Australian Indigenous peoples and their cultures, and to Elders of past, present and future generations.

Acknowledgement of our Elders

We pay our respects to those amongst the lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and intersex communities who have worked to support the improved health and wellbeing of their peers, children, families, friends, and country. We honour the elders in the diverse communities of which we are a part and we celebrate the extraordinary diversity of people's bodies, genders, sexualities, and relationships that they represent.

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QLife - anonymous and free LGBTIQ+ peer support and referral for people in Australia

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Twenty10 aims to improve the lives of young LGBTQIA+ folks across NSW through our range of services. This includes providing housing and case management for young people aged 12-25 transitioning into independence, intake and referrals to get you the help you need, affirmative counselling, and both online and in person social support programs.

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Twenty10 follows an Affirmative Model of Care when working with young people. We work collaboratively with young people in supportive, person-centred and gender-affirming ways to honour their rights, their agency and their wellbeing. We listen to and believe young people when they tell us who they are and support them with access to spaces, opportunities and resources to explore and express themselves authentically.
Learn more about our ways of working below.

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Supporting young LGBTIQA+ people for over 40 years. Twenty10 aims to improve the lives of young LGBTQIA+ folks across NSW through our range of services.

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The Gender Centre organises and facilitates a range of groups for our community including:

Transtopia support groups for gender questioning youth or youth in transition (12-17)

Partners Support Group for partners of trans and gender diverse people

TGD Parents Support Group for parents of trans & gender diverse youth

Over 40s Support group for transgender, gender diverse and gender questioning people

Young Women’s Support Group for people who identify as transgender female or questioning aged between 25 and 39.

Non-binary Support for people who identify anywhere within the gender variant spectrum and are over 18

FTM Connect for those who identify as transgender male or questioning and aged from 17 and above

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A range of groups are organised by the Gender Centre, from gender specific groups dealing with particular issues or facets of transition, to non-gender specific interests and hobbies. Bookings are essential for all groups as numbers are usually limited. Keep an eye on this website to learn of upcoming groups or simply call the Gender Centre on (02) 9569 2366 to enquire or to reserve your seat at a future group.

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A range of groups are organised by the Gender Centre, from gender specific groups dealing with particular issues or facets of transition, to non-gender specific interests and hobbies. Bookings are essential for all groups as numbers are usually limited.

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NSW Specialist Trans and Gender Diverse Health Services 

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NSW Specialist Trans and Gender Diverse Health Services 

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NSW Specialist Trans and Gender Diverse Health Service (TGD Health Service) provides medical, nursing, and allied health specialist care to make sure trans and gender diverse young people from across NSW get the support they need. The TGD Health Service includes Maple Leaf House (up to 25 in Rural and Regional areas), SCHN Trans and Gender Diverse Service (up to 16 in Sydney areas) and True Colours (16 - up to 25 in Sydney areas).

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NSW Specialist Trans and Gender Diverse Health Service

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NSW Health is developing a coordinated, statewide Specialist Trans and Gender Diverse Health Service to provide gender affirming health care for people aged under 25.

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ACON offers and refers to a range of trans-affirming resources, programs, and services including trans peer support, counselling and care coordination.

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We’re here to help trans and gender diverse people take control of their health. The umbrella term ‘trans and gender diverse’ describes a population of people whose gender is different to what was presumed for them at birth. We recognise and celebrate the diversity of the trans experience, so when we use the terms ’trans […]

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An online peer-led Alternatives to Suicide support group for trans people of all genders across Australia.

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In our DISCHARGED suicide peer support groups you are free to talk about, vent, sit with, or make sense of suicidal experiences, distress or the desire to die, without fearing hospitalisation or the police being called.

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A non-clinical, peer run group for LGBTQ+ folk to talk opening about suicidal thoughts, feelings and actions without judgement or carceral response

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Alternatives to Suicide is a peer-based response to supporting people who have made suicidal attempts or who have experienced suicidal thoughts. The approach was developed in 2008 by the Western Massachusetts Recovery Learning Community (USA – now called The Wildflower Alliance). This peer-to-peer practice consists of mutual support groups that provide a space for voicing, sitting with, understanding and moving through suicidal thoughts

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PSS (Psychological Support Service) counselling through LillyPilly  

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PSS (Psychological Support Service) counselling through LillyPilly  

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PSS is for individuals who live, work or study in the Central and Eastern Sydney region with diagnosable mild to moderate mental health concerns, who may benefit from short term treatment but are unable to Access other available services. This service is for people experiencing financial hardship (Individual income < $55,000; family income < $130,000), and would not be better suited for people looking for crisis or specialist domestic violence services, or involved in court or insurance matters.

Lilly Pilly Counselling is an incorporated group and a funded organisation for the Psychological Support Services Programme.

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Appointment Type: LGBTQIA+ The following team members are qualified to accept referrals for LGBTQIA+ clients. You can view counsellors by their geographical location, or you can view all counsellors who accept this referral type. Please see the individual therapist’s profile for other appointment types, their address, appointment availability, clinic access, contact information, and their biographies. […]

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Queer embodied movement workshop (sadly the place where these run is closing down in May)

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trauma-informed yoga meditation mindfulness "children's yoga" "embodied practices" movement "trauma-informed yoga" "trauma-sensitive yoga" "trauma-informed m...

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We are a non-profit organisation dedicated to fostering the physical, emotional, and social wellbeing of communities through somatics, movement, and mindfulness. Through our programs, educational offerings, and advocacy, we aim to dismantle structural barriers to wellbeing, and to transform the systems that service and provide care to communities in need.

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A self care planning tool created by TransHub. You can read their suggested activities for inspiration, then build your own plan and have it emailed to you.

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The term self-care is used all over the place, from kombucha ads and expensive luxury items, to wellness influencers and health brands. But what does trans self-care mean, and why are we talking about it here?

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Trans and Gender Diverse Swim Nights - City of Sydney

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Trans and Gender Diverse Swim Nights - City of Sydney

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The trans and gender diverse communities including partners, families and friends are invited to join us for a free, family friendly, all ages, alcohol-free ticketed event at Cook + Phillip Park Pool.

The pool and its amenities will be reserved for the trans and gender diverse communities and their supporters for the duration of this event.

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Trans and gender diverse communities event: Together at twilight - News & Events | City of Sydney Leisure

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Trans and Gender Diverse Swim Nights -  Inner West 

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Trans and Gender Diverse Swim Nights -  Inner West 

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n 2022, Inner West Council proudly became the first Council in NSW to establish trans and gender diverse swim events at our aquatic centres.

Held annually at our Ashfield and Annette Kellerman Aquatic Centres, these fun and inclusive events enable trans and gender diverse communities and allies to come and enjoy Inner West Aquatic Centres in a safe and welcoming environment.

Our events include free entertainment and food, fitness activities, community stalls, and information from local LGBTQ+ sporting clubs.

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In 2022, Inner West Council proudly became the first Council in NSW to establish trans and gender diverse swim events at our aquatic centres.

Held annually at our Ashfield and Annette Kellerman Aquatic Centres, these fun and inclusive events enable trans and gender diverse communities and allies to come and enjoy Inner West Aquatic Centres in a safe and welcoming environment.

Our events include free entertainment and food, fitness activities, community stalls, and information from local LGBTQ+ sporting clubs.

Sign up to Council's newsletters to be notified about future trans and gender diverse swim events.

Thanks for your feedback. We will use this data to improve the content of this page.

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In 2022, Inner West Council proudly became the first Council in NSW to establish trans and gender diverse swim events at our aquatic centres. Held annually at our Ashfield and Annette Kellerman Aquatic Centres, these fun and inclusive events enable trans and gender diverse communities and allies to come and enjoy Inner West Aquatic Centres in a safe and welcoming environment.

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Social connections for Trans and Gender Diverse folks in the Blue Mountains (and surrounds) - immediate family members, parents and partners of trans & gender diverse folks are welcome - but please note this group is primarily for TGD people

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Log into Facebook to start sharing and connecting with your friends, family, and people you know.

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Ballroom community connection for trans, gender diverse and queer POC.

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Newtown (Gadigal Country), NSW

Main Hall Newtown
189 Church St
Newtown NSW 2042
Australia

Time: Tuesday night 6:30 – 7:15pm

$15 entry

Facebook Page

Instagram: @nolightsnolycrasydney

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Newtown (Gadigal Country), NSW - No Lights No Lycra

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Time: Tuesday night 6:30 – 7:15pm $15 entry Facebook Page Instagram: @nolightsnolycrasydney Bookings NLNL Ambassadors: Mitch Contact: nlnlsydney@outlook.com >>

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Weekly Line Dance Classes
Marrickville Town Hall

Tickets via link on instagram or here: saddle club | Instagram, TikTok | Linktree

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𝖠 𝖳𝗋𝖺𝗇𝗌 𝖺𝗇𝖽 GNC 𝗉𝖾𝗋𝖿𝗈𝗋𝗆𝖺𝗇𝖼𝖾 𝗇𝗂𝗀𝗁𝗍 at Red Rattler Theatre

Check instagram for regular updates

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A trans-led, youth-centred community arts organisation empowering trans youth and elevating stories through fostering deep community connections and creating opportunities for self-expression.

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Word of Mouth - run by @infinite.complexity

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Word of Mouth - run by @infinite.complexity

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An evening of indulgence in vulnerable self expression open mic / sharing space, come as you are and share as you please (or dont, no pressure)

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sir feelsalot (@infinite.complexity) • Instagram photos and videos

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137 likes, 15 comments - infinite.complexity on November 25, 2024: ”🪽✨🌀 new WoM just dropped 🌀✨🪽 this time we got a theme: context I was chatting w @lorcan.power and they reminded me of the importance of learning more of who we’ve been. we collide with each other in these present bodies and at such a fast pace - we forget to make time to ask why your hands are calloused or where that scar on your eye brow came from or who your parents are/were or when you first learnt you disliked the smell of banana. what do you want us to learn of you ? WoM is: ~ a space for tongues to trip the light fantastic, moving to soundscapes composed by honest (e)motions
~ exposure therapy - remembering the complexities inherent in every person, finding connection, chipping away at empire sanctioned isolation, fortifying community ~ a space to radically wax lyrical in front of comrades present and future
~ a *very casual* open mic ; combining the power of word with the power of voice WoM wishes nothing more than to be a space for us to behold and be held, welcoming emotional intimacy / authentic self expression and exploring the intense-sometimes-contradictory emotions we each experience day to day.
WoM acknowledges that this is a time of incredibly heightened emotions and hopes to act as a safe(r) haven for composting, challenging , expansion and release.
WoM believes poetry is boundless and omnipresent, found anywhere - should you peer through the appropriate windows. WoM believes in the power of voice, collective release and collaborative vision accessed through story and sound. WoM celebrates the vast array of fierce Indigenous resistance occurring globally. WoM encourages personal monitoring of energetic boundaries throughout the evening. At WoM you will partake in a buffet of emotions and personal experiences; in doing so, you will contribute to the shared holding of said buffet. Please be careful with yourself and those around you when entering/engaging with that energy/space. Discomfort is not inherently bad. WoM recognises the inevitably of mistakes/shortcomings and welcomes constructive feedback. Ok come eat n be brave w ur heart space ya?”.

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Seasonal - check dates by emailing nepeanqueerhockey@gmail.com

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The Flying Bats is the biggest LGBTQIA+ women’s and non-binary football club in the world.

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We are a not-for-profit LGBTQIA+ community football for women and non-binary people based in Sydney’s Inner West. The Bats is about football for all. Whether you’re brand new to football or you’ve been playing for years, we’d love to welcome you to the club.

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Community-led national directory of trans and gender diverse services

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Directory If you know of any services that are not in this list, please let us know by submitting the form linked below. Submissions

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Resources

Ways to connect with support

Tools for growing and supporting yourself

Trans History

Preparing for good and bad times

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Trans Vitalityis ACON's resilience-building program for all trans and gender diverse adults in NSW. Trans Vitality focuses on trans people supporting trans people, and centres self-determination, autonomy and agency, while uplifting trans voices.

This Resilience Toolkit is one part of Trans Vitality, and it includes information, activities and resources to help build resilience, community connection, an understanding of our history, and a powerful imagining of our futures. Trans Vitality also includes some virtual peer workshops and online community training, an eLearning for mental health and crisis services, this Toolkit and a full evaluation, gratefully funded by NSW Health.

While we know that trans liberation depends on the structural reforms needed to enable trans people to live free and equal in every community we are part of, the path to trans liberation also needs strong, connected and resilient trans people.

So with that in mind, please explore each section of this Toolkit. You can embark on the activities on your own, with a trusted friend, your counsellor or with a group of mates. If you're not sure where to begin, visit our Getting Started page to find where is right for you.

Welcome to Trans Vitality, we made it just for you.

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Trans Vitalityis ACON's resilience-building program for all trans and gender diverse adults in NSW. Trans Vitality focuses on trans people supporting trans people, and centres self-determination, autonomy and agency, while uplifting trans voices. This Resilience Toolkit is one part of Trans Vitality, and it includes information, activities and resources to help build resilience, community connection, an understanding of our history, and a powerful imagining of our futures.

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A fact sheet with some ideas and strategies that may be useful in helping to keep a level head during an election. These are suggested by our trans staff, we hope they serve you well.

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How To Survive the Election as a Trans Person - queerspace

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Openly attacking trans people appears to be a cornerstone of the election strategy of right-leaning parties. So how does the trans community protect itself?

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Reachout - how to cope with transphobia 

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Reachout - how to cope with transphobia 

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An article that explores:

What is transphobia

How to cope with it

How to respond to it

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Knowing how to cope with transphobia is an important skill for members of the trans community, since trans, gender diverse and non-binary (TGDNB) young people report much higher rates of verbal and physical harassment than cisgender people.

Experiencing transphobia can be really scary and emotionally exhausting, so we've put together this guide to help you feel better, and to learn how to support yourself and connect with your community.

In this article, we'll cover:

What is transphobia?

Transphobia is any negative feeling, behaviour or language directed at TGDNB people because of their gender identity.

Repeated transphobia is a form of bullying, and can be really harmful. Transphobia may also lead to discrimination, which is when someone is targeted and treated differently because of their identity or characteristics. Sometimes transphobia is passed off as ' banter ', but this doesn't make it okay, and it can still make you feel uncomfortable, angry or upset.

Transphobia doesn't have to target you directly to have a negative impact on your wellbeing or sense of self. You may see transphobic comments online or witness transphobia in the media, or your friends and family might make negative judgements or comments about trans people.

Internalised transphobia

If you are a TGDNB person or are questioning your gender and you feel negatively about your identity, you may be experiencing internalised transphobia.This isn't your fault. It's often a result of being raised with the false and harmful belief that being cisgender is the only correct way to present, and that sitting outside of the gender binary is wrong or strange.

Internalised transphobia can also stem from poor media representation of trans people. When you hear and see a lot of negativity surrounding your identity, you may grow to fear or resent it and to think negatively about yourself. This can lead to negative self-talk, not feeling good or comfortable in your body and, potentially, to depression or anxiety.

Overcoming internalised transphobia is a journey that will likely include a lot of reflection on your life, upbringing and biases. It's important to have a strong support system to help guide and care for you during this process. There are many places to find support, including:

ReachOut Online Community, where you can connect with gender diverse people who have been through similar experiences

professional mental health services like therapy, QLife and ReachOut PeerChat, where you can chat to a peer support worker who understands what you're going through

queer magazines and websites where you can hear from others about their journey.

How to cope with transphobia

Prioritise your safety

When you are experiencing transphobia, you can feel at risk, especially if it is accompanied by violence or threatening actions. In the moment, it's important to put your safety first and remove yourself from the situation if possible. This could look like leaving an area to seek a safe space and support person, or stepping away from your device and planning to report or delete the comments/post/messages.

Ask for support

You don't have to go through transphobic situations alone. It's okay to ask for support from your friends, family, teacher, support services or even from bystanders if you need to.

Talking with someone you trust, especially someone who can relate to you, gives you the space to vent or cry or be angry. You can talk about how you feel, or just ask them for support in other ways, a warm hug or doing something nice together.

If you don't feel comfortable going to someone you know or you'd just prefer privacy, try accessing online or phone support. There are many different online and phone support options, including:

You can find a whole heap of different support groups specifically for trans people over at Transcend.

Access professional help

Speaking with a professional like a psychologist or a peer worker can help you work through your emotions in a safe space and share how the experience has impacted your mental health and wellbeing. Together, you can create a wellbeing plan and explore new ways to look after yourself.

It might feel nerve-racking to seek professional support as a TGDNB person. You may be worried about having a negative experience or having your identity and experiences invalidated. Look into your rights as a TGDNB patient and learn more about choosing the right mental health professional for you.

The digital services above are good options for chatting with peer workers or online counsellors. You can also search online for practitioners who are supportive of trans health, or check out our resources on accessing professional help to learn more about where to start and what to expect.

Look after your wellbeing

If you're feeling good, it will be easier to cope when you go through something that really hurts. Wellbeing is really all about you doing the fun things you love, in order to feel good. By practising self-care, checking in with yourself and seeking support whenever you need it, you are building your resilience so that you can bounce back faster from tough situations.

There are plenty of ways to practise self-care, including:

Celebrating your own wins and sharing in the joy of other people in your community is another special and important part of combatting transphobia and caring for your emotional wellbeing.

Over the past decade, transgender identities and issues have become much more talked about in the media and in politics. Constantly seeing your identity discussed and politicised can be incredibly emotionally draining.

If you're feeling exhausted by all the media attention, you aren't alone. Over 90 per cent of gender diverse young people in Australia have reported that they experience high or very high levels of psychological distress.

It's okay to take a break from engaging with the media or the politics around your identity. Although it may be hard to step away, your wellbeing and safety should come first! Negative language and judgements of TGDNB people in the media can contribute to dysphoria and strained mental health, so you might want to consider disconnecting regularly from the discussion.

Here are some things you can do to help your disconnect:

Do a social media cleanse and unfollow people and publications who are spreading transphobia or harmful posts.

Start your day with something calming like a meditation, rather than jumping straight online or on your phone.

Let your friends know, so that they don't bring it up with you.

Watch some wholesome content or switch from streaming to self-care.

Report and block people who are making transphobic content and comments.

Responding to transphobia

Responding directly to transphobia can feel really good, like you've achieved something positive. It can connect you with your community and can sometimes educate people who weren't aware of how their actions were impacting others. But it can also be really tough, and in some instances it may be dangerous. Following a long reporting process can leave you feeling exhausted, especially if you don't get the result you were hoping for.

This is why responding directly to transphobia is a choice. No matter what anyone says or is pressuring you to do, it's your decision to respond in a way that keeps you safe and puts your wellbeing first.

If you choose to respond directly, you have a lot of options. You can:

respond in the moment by standing up for yourself or others and trying to educate the person/s responsible for the behaviour

tell your parents, friends or another trusted person and allow them to respond on your behalf

report the behaviour to your school, TAFE or uni and follow their reporting processes

speak about the incident online on your social accounts or in queer spaces

report the online incident to eSafety or ReportCyber

report the incident to the police. (Learn more about interacting with the police as a TGDNB person here.)

Let your loved ones or someone you trust know your plan so that they can support you. After you respond, do something nice for yourself that will make you feel good.

When you experience frequent transphobia, it can be easy to forget how incredible it is to live as a TGDNB person. Living as yourself may make others fearful or angry, but that doesn't mean it's not beautiful, exciting or wonderful to be you. A huge part of looking after your wellbeing as a TGDNB person is finding and celebrating the gender diverse and trans joy in your life. Remind yourself that although it may be hard right now, your life as a TGDNB person can be equally joyful, exciting and beautiful!

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Transphobia is a common issue for trans, gender diverse and non-binary people. Learn more about what it is and how you can cope with it in this guide.

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ACON have developed the ‘Trans and Strong’ resilience resource providing advice for TGD community members, friends, family and allies to support them through what may be a very trying time.

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This page covers what your rights are in various aspects of your life, and how to seek justice for discrimination or violence perpetrated against you.

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Trans and gender diverse people are protected against discrimination, harassment and violence in many areas under NSW and federal law. Laws also protect your safety in public, and your privacy when interacting with large organisations or government departments.

Many of these protections extend to you no matter your gender, how you appear to others, whether formal legal documents accurately reflect your gender, and whether you have medically affirmed your gender, or not.

Notwithstanding these protections, some trans people still experience violence and transphobia, from physical violence to the harmful rhetoric in the media, to messages from those around us that can be really difficult to reject.

No matter how your trans or gender diverse experience manifests, your identity, your history or your expression, you have the right to be safe from discrimination, harm, violence and abuse.

This page covers what your rights are in various aspects of your life, and how to seek justice for discrimination or violence perpetrated against you.

This page was developed in collaboration with Equality Australia, ICLC and Anti-Discrimination NSW.

Protections against discrimination

Commonwealth and NSW anti-discrimination laws protect trans people against discrimination in certain areas, such as employment, education, and when accessing goods, services, facilities and accommodation.

Laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of 'gender identity' or 'transgender' status make it unlawful in particular circumstances to:

Refuse or terminate employment, or refuse goods, services or accommodation to someone because they are or are assumed to be trans or gender diverse;

Treat someone less favourably at work, in education or when accessing goods, services, facilities or accommodation than you would otherwise treat a cis person in a similar position;

Disrespect, harass or abuse trans and gender diverse people while at work, when delivering goods and services to them or when interacting with government (such as by misgendering or deadnaming);

Impose unreasonable policies and practices at work, in education and in other public facilities that disadvantage trans and gender diverse people (such as unreasonably limiting their ability to use a bathroom which aligns with their gender).

In many cases these laws operate regardless of how you identify or appear, whether your birth certificate accurately reflects your gender, and whether you have medically affirmed your gender in any way. NSW laws may also protect friends, relatives, or other associates who are discriminated against on the basis of being trans.

There are, however, several gaps in these laws. For example, some religious organisations and private schools have exemptions under some laws. Also, if your complaint is about discrimination by public agencies, some laws apply only to state but not federal agencies.

People who are discriminated against can make a complaint to Anti-Discrimination NSW or the Australian Human Rights Commission (but not both), if resolving matters directly with your employer or provider doesn't work. Where to lodge a complaint will depend on what has occurred and what outcome you hope for. So it is a good to get advice from the Inner City Legal Centre on the best avenue for making a complaint, before you do.

When submitting a complaint, it's important to be clear about the actions you would like undertaken to remedy the situation. It can be a good idea to suggest tangible outcomes such as training, a statement of apology, compensation and/or reinstatement.

In addition to general anti-discrimination protections that also apply in healthcare service settings (see above), the NSW Health Care Complaints Commission (HCCC) accepts complaints about any negative treatment you have received from a doctor, nurse, dentist, pharmacist, psychologist, chiropractor, or in a health setting such as public or private hospitals, clinics, medical centres, day surgery centres and the Ambulance Service, among others.

If your health professional has given you poor advice, or treated you poorly when providing you with healthcare services, you can make a complaint. The HCCC resolves or assists in the resolution of complaints, but generally does not have powers to order compensation or refunds of fees. It can however investigate serious complaints that raise questions of public health and safety and prosecute serious complaints, in order to protect the public.

In public and on the street

NSW prohibits vilification on the basis of being trans. Vilification means a public act (such as public statements in the media, on social media or in the street) that could incite hatred, serious contempt or ridicule towards trans people. Vilification provisions do not prohibit reasonable and good faith public discussion, instruction or debate (e.g. for academic, artistic, scientific, research or religious purposes). Complaints about vilification can be made to Anti-Discrimination NSW.

Public acts that threaten or incite violence on the basis of gender identity are also criminal offences, and can be investigated by NSW Police.

In addition to specific vilification protections, trans people are protected by ordinary criminal laws, such as laws prohibiting assault, sexual assault, other acts of violence or property damage against you. Contact NSW Police or your local GLLO officer, or find out more on our page about police here.

In addition to seeking protection from NSW Police, victims of violent crime may be able to seek access to counselling and financial support from Victims Services NSW.

If your complaint is about misconduct by NSW Police, you can complain to the NSW Law Enforcement Conduct Commission.

'Recognised transgender people'

NSW has a two-tiered system of protections for trans people, in which you can either be a 'recognised transgender person', or a 'non-recognised transgender' person. A 'recognised transgender person' is someone who has legally affirmed their gender, which, in NSW, requires some form of surgical intervention.

It's unclear how being legally affirmed or not differs in practice, and according to the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act, being trans is self-identified and self-expressed. This means that trans people of every gender are valid, real and protected. Trans women are women, trans men are men, and non-binary people are amazing.

We recognise that this system can be limiting, and we will continue working to strengthen the language used in legislation to make sure it's clear that being trans is protected and that discrimination is unlawful.

No matter how you affirm who you are, it is unlawful to be discriminated against due to your gender.

When you have been discriminated against, harmed or wronged because of your trans experience or status, you are entitled to seek some form of justice. Depending on what has happened, you may have a number of avenues available to you.

Recognising that interacting with law and justice organisations can be intimidating, it is a good idea to seek advice from a supportive organisation like the Inner City Legal Centre before you proceed with a complaint, so you understand the pros and cons of pursuing any particular pathway.

The legal system can also be a difficult place for trans people, especially people who experience other intersections of identity or cultural background, and not being able to find justice does not mean that what you experienced isn't real.

This section generally explains some of the key agencies you can go to make a complaints and what that process may look like, depending on what has occurred. There may be other options open to you depending on what has occurred.

Australian Human Rights Commission

For complaints about discrimination based on gender identity in many areas of public life (such as work, education, the provision of goods, services, public facilities and accommodation), you may be able to make a complaint to the Australian Human Rights Commission.

The AHRC is an independent agency which oversees the resolution of complaints under federal anti-discrimination laws. It facilitates conciliations aimed at resolving discrimination complaints. It is not a court, although complaints can be lodged in a federal court if a conciliation is terminated.

For more information about what making a complaint looks like, go to the AHRC website. You can lodge a complaint by downloading a complaint form here that can be lodged via mail, email or fax. Find more information about this process on their website.

While there is no strict time frame for lodging a complaint, it is a good idea to lodge a complaint within 6 months of the conduct you are complaining about, as the Commission may terminate complaints that have been delayed.

Complaints about discrimination and vilification can be made to Anti-Discrimination NSW (formerly the Anti-Discrimination Board of NSW).

Anti-Discrimination NSW oversees the resolution of complaints under NSW anti-discrimination and vilification laws. It facilitates conciliations aimed at resolving discrimination complaints and can refer unresolved complaints to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal for legal binding decisions.

Beware that complaints about the same matter cannot be made to both Anti-Discrimination NSW and the Australian Human Rights Commission, so it is important to seek advice on which pathway is better for you before you start.

You can lodge a complaint by downloading a complaint form here that can be lodged via mail, email or fax. Find more information about this process on their website.

Anti-Discrimination NSW cannot give legal advice or rule as to whether discrimination occurred, but they can connect you to options to address the event or issue.

NSW Health Care Complaints Commission

Complaints about health professionals, such as doctors, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, psychologists, chiropractors, or in a health setting such as public or private hospitals, clinics, medical centres, day surgery centres, the Ambulance Service and others, can be made to the NSW Health Care Complaints Commission (HCCC).

The HCCC advises to try and address any problem directly with your health service provider, though acknowledges that that will not always solve the issue, and that you may feel uncomfortable doing so.

You can lodge a complaint using the HCCC's online form, download a complaint form, or send a letter to the Commission via mail, email, or fax. Find more information about this process on their website.

Note: The HCCC complaint form's gender options are Male, Female, Transgender and Prefer not to say. Stronger ways of asking about gender can be found here.

Complaints about Australian Government agency actions and decisions can be made to the Commonwealth Ombudsman. which is a free and impartial service. They investigate complaints about Centrelink, VET Student Loans and VET FEE-HELP, an Australia Post operator, the National Disability Insurance Agency, private health insurers and My Health Record.

The Ombudsman investigates complaints to find if actions and decisions were "wrong, unjust, unlawful, discriminatory or just plain unfair". They also seek to improve the experiences of those affected by administrative deficiencies, by working to strengthen public administration.

They can assist also you to make a complaint to a relevant agency as well. You are able to get in touch with them using the online form. or by calling them on 1300 362 072.

In an emergency, dial triple zero (000) for police.

Dial 131 444 for non-urgent police assistance and general enquiries.

To speak to a GLLO (LGBTIQ Liaison Officers), contact your local police station and ask to speak to with a GLLO.

Law Enforcement Conduct Commission

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Trans and gender diverse people are protected against discrimination, harassment and violence in many areas under NSW and federal law. Laws also protect your safety in public, and your privacy when interacting with large organisations or government departments.

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A page that offers advice on how to access mental health care, finding and affording care, and self care strategies.

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Mental health support is something that people of all genders might need at some point in life. Nearly 1 in 5 people will experience some form of mental health condition in the next year 1, a number which can be even higher for trans and gender diverse people2,3.

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Talking about suicide in trans and gender diverse communities is really important.

This page provides a list of services and immediate supports.

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Talking about suicide in trans and gender diverse communities is really important.

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One Stop Shop - Newtown Neighbourhood Centre 

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One Stop Shop - Newtown Neighbourhood Centre 

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Newtown Neighbourhood Centre (NNC) hosts a weekly Thursday One Stop Shop, bringing together a hub of essential services including Centrelink, NDIS, Haymarket Foundation and Orange Sky Laundry, who can provide face-to-face assistance to all members of the community.

When:    Every Thursday from 2pm to 4pm
Where:   11-13 Darley Street, Newtown

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Newtown Neighbourhood Centre (NNC) hosts a weekly Thursday One Stop Shop, bringing together a hub of essential services including Centrelink, Haymarket Foundation and Orange Sky Laundry, who can provide face-to-face assistance to all members of the commun

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Information about hiding your online activity. These instructions can be used by anyone afraid of family members finding out about searches for LGBTIQA+ information, or their social media profiles.