Learning from Lived Experience on Trans Day of Visibility

As part of Trans Day of Visibility (TDOV) on 31 March, Adelaide PHN staff came together to listen and learn from transgender and gender diverse lived experiences.

TDOV is an annual celebration of trans pride and awareness, recognising transgender, gender diverse and non-binary experiences and achievements.

It is an opportunity to celebrate with gender diverse people by sharing stories and starting conversations.

To mark the occasion, we welcomed Avery (he/him) from headspace Adelaide and Faye (she/her) from SHINE SA, who shared reflections with our staff of their lived experience, including navigating health services, accessing support and broader life experiences as transgender people.

Faye and Avery spoke about what TDOV means to them and the ways in which transgender people can be supported, not just in healthcare, but across the wider services and community settings they interact with.

The session provided an opportunity for our staff to deepen our understanding of transgender and gender diverse communities and hear directly from lived experience voices.

It also allowed us to consider how inclusive and affirming approaches can strengthen the way we design, commission and support health services.

“One of the biggest barriers to effective trans care is that we’re treated like outsiders, when some of the best ways you can take care of us is to make sure we’re included, counted and taken care of with respect and dignity. Work with us and we will work with you. Use our names, gender us correctly and only ask questions that you need the answer to for care. You can make a huge difference to us in the medical system, and it only costs a bit of time learning to do better.” Faye

“My friends have saved my life a hundred times just by loving and accepting me. They save me a little more every day when they call me by my name.” Avery