The ACT Government has reaffirmed its commitment to equality and respect, proudly standing with transgender and gender diverse Canberrans.
“Trans and gender diverse people continue to face discrimination, exclusion and poorer health and social outcomes.”
“This includes right here in Canberra and across Australia.” said Minister for Disability, Carers and Community Services Suzanne Orr.
The statement came as part of the ACT Government standing with trans and gender diverse Canberrans.
Reaffirming its commitment to equality, dignity and respect for all members of the LGBTIQA+ communities during Trans Awareness Week.
Trans Awareness Week runs from 13th to 19th November, and is followed by Transgender Day of Remembrance on 20th November.
Transgender Day of Remembrance honours the memory of the trans lives lost to acts of transphobia and discrimination.
Trans Awareness Week is an important opportunity to reflect on the challenges trans and gender-diverse people continue to face.
As well as to celebrate their strength, resilience, and contributions to the Canberra community.
A Transgender Day of Remembrance event is taking place at AGA House, where the community will gather and share stories, decorate stones in dedication to those lost, and create memory jars.
You can find out more events at AGA House, including board games, lunches and art events here.
AGA House is a welcoming and supportive space for Canberra’s trans, gender diverse, non binary and intersex communities and allies.
Source: Humanitix‘Equality, dignity and respect for all’
“The ACT Government stands in solidarity with our trans and gender diverse communities this Trans Awareness Week and reaffirms our commitment to equality, dignity and respect for all,” Minister Orr said.
“I’m proud the ACT Government is supporting The Unsaid Says A Lot campaign,”
“Designed by trans and gender diverse people to highlight the power of non-verbal communication and the impact it can have.
“By listening, learning and acting as allies, we can help shift perceptions, reduce discrimination and celebrate the strength and diversity of our LGBTIQA+ communities.”
The campaign launched in the ACT earlier this year.
This is a nation-leading campaign that was co-designed, produced and created by TGD communities in Victoria.
Research shows that more than 3 in 4 trans and gender diverse people have been treated unfairly because of their gender identity in the past year.
As one of the key commitments under the Capital of Equality Strategy 2024-2029, this campaign is yet another crucial step toward our vision of Canberra as the most welcoming and inclusive city in Australia.
Facial expressions and body language speak volumes without saying a word, and 93% of all communication is non-verbal.
The Unsaid Says A Lot campaign shares the experience of trans and gender-diverse people in everyday situations.
Creating a better understanding of what it’s like to experience discrimination.
The campaign encourages all Canberrans to reflect on the messages we send – intentionally or not.
To be active allies in creating a more inclusive and respectful community.
It asks all of us to reflect on what happens when we stay silent in the face of exclusion, discrimination, or harm.
Image: SuppliedUnderstanding the impact of exclusion
The Unsaid Says A Lot campaign challenges Canberrans to choose not to look away, but to step in and stand up.
“I wish we didn’t need to campaign for respect,” said the campaign’s video director in 2024, Harvey Zielinski.
“I’m pleased to be involved with this campaign.”
“Especially in light of the vitriol towards the TDG community this past year.
“It’s really important and powerful.”
From getting into an elevator, playing sports, or just hopping on public transport, the campaign videos share different TGD people’s experiences in the world.
“Acceptance and inclusion should be a given, a bare minimum societally,” Zielinski said.
“I hope campaigns like this help work towards this goal.”
“And improve the day-to-day lives of trans and gender diverse people.”
A range of resources as part of The Unsaid Says A Lot campaign help people understand how to actively support TGD communities.
The campaign videos also demonstrate the power of non-verbal communication.
For the latest LGBTIQA+ Sister Girl and Brother Boy news, entertainment, and community stories in Australia, visit qnews.com.au. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
