Breaking the stigma around gender diversity

A NUMBER of events are being held, designed to break down the stigma surrounding members of the LGBTIQA+ community.

Trans Awareness Week wraps up tomorrow, and Bendigo local Zara Jones said the week is all about raising awareness of the issues faced by transgender people.

“We know most transgender people experience improved psychological wellbeing when they transition, but it’s the stigma that adds to the stress,” she said.

“There is a lot of stigma around how people are expected to present themselves according to gender.

“Gender expectations around body shape, sound and behaviour are all unhealthy, unnecessary and can lead to hurtful misgendering.

“Transpeople have unique characteristics that may appear to be different to cispeople, however, their gender is theirs to own and present to the world.”

Ms Jones is a proud transgender woman and president of the group Trans and Gender Diverse Bendigo and Beyond.

On Sunday, a vigil will be held at La Trobe University for Trans Day of Remembrance, in honour of the lives lost to transphobic violence.

On 4 December, Bendigo Library will host a Pop Up Pride event, a collaborative celebration between Bendigo Pride Festival and Melbourne Pride.

“It’s going to be a wonderful time for the community to come together and celebrate,” Ms Jones said.

“Pop Up Pride is in celebration of 40 years of decriminalising homosexuality in Victoria.”

The event will feature short films by Bendigo Queer Film Festival, a headspace diversity group art exhibition, drag performers, Gay Stuff Markets, and the trans and gender diverse clothing swap.

Leading up to the clothing swap, TGD Bendigo and Beyond is holding a donation drive at the Bendigo Neighbourhood Hub in Strathdale.

“We’ll accept any good condition clothing, shoes, jewellery and accessories, anything that’s in the condition that you would give tyo your friend, you can provide,” Ms Jones said.

“People can come along and find things that affirm their identity and it’s all free, it’s a safe space to explore and find what’s right for you.”