AMAV VICDOC SUMMER 2023 - Magazine - Page 27
The [Trans, gender diverse,
and non-binary] community
is a high priority...
My primary experience of
my body now is relaxation
and comfort.
There is evidence that mental health outcomes
improve significantly when individuals are able
to acccess gender-affirming hormones. Trans
affirming care is associated with far better health
outcomes for trans people. Trans children who
receive affirming care have far lower rates of
depression and anxiety, approaching levels of their
cis peers, which is also the case when trans adults
receive gender affirming care. One particular
striking statistic is that trans youth who have at
least one accepting adult are 40% less likely to
report a suicide attempt; healthcare professionals
can be avenues of support, healthcare professionals
should be avenues of support.
There is serious discrimination, marginalisation,
and inadequate education regarding trans people,
within not only the general Australian community,
but also healthcare settings, leading to ongoing
trauma and avoidance. There need to be better
efforts, at the individual, organisational, and
policy-making level, to create environments
of support, which will make vital differences
in improving the lives of trans people.
It has been 2 years since I first realised I was trans,
and well over a year since I started receiving gender
affirming care. I would not trade this knowledge or
care for the world. I feel calm and peace, but also
feel… alive. Before, I would look in the mirror
and feel confusion, distance, and discomfort.
Now when I do so I feel… joy.
—
VI CD O C SPRI N G 2022
27