Local LGBTIQ+ health organisation ACON continues to lead the way in regards to the health of trans and gender diverse people (TGD), launching a historic new health strategy at NSW Parliament House this week.
Titled , the health action plan offers up a detailed overview of the health issues facing trans and gender diverse people, outlining key areas that need to be addressed.
ACON Board Director Atari Metcalf said the Blueprint represents an important step in addressing the unique health needs of trans and gender diverse people in NSW.
“We know that compared to the general population there are significant disparities in the health outcomes of trans and gender diverse people in many areas such as mental health issues, suicidality, self-harm, substance abuse, domestic violence and exclusion," he said.
"And we know trans and gender diverse people face barriers when accessing effective and appropriate healthcare."
He continued: “This Blueprint aims to provide a comprehensive and coordinated action plan for governments, healthcare providers, organisations and services on improving the health and wellbeing of trans and gender diverse people.
“All members of our communities should be benefiting from the gains we are making in other areas of LGBTIQ+ health. With this Blueprint, we now have a clear mandate from the trans and gender diverse community to progress these priority areas."
The key priority areas outlined in the Blueprint include better access to patient-centred, depathologised gender-affirming health care, and inclusion for TGD services in the health system. The plan also calls for reform in documentation processes, which would enable TGD people to get official I.D.s without surgical intervention. It also pushes for a more knowledgeable health sector, as well as more training for employers and better inclusion for TGD people in educational and custodial settings.
ACON’s TGD , co-chaired by Mish Pony and Teddy Cook, guided the development of the Blueprint and is comprised of a range of TGD community members and representatives from key community organisations.
“From the outset, the development of the Blueprint has been informed by peer-led and peer-driven responses, engagement and consultation. It was fundamental to the development of this strategy that members of the TGD community outlined the issues pertinent to them,” Pony said in a statement.
“The community has now set out clear health priorities and it is now incumbent on government, healthcare providers, NGOs, researchers, healthcare professional associations, educational institutions and other stakeholders to heed the call and further improve TGD inclusion within their policies and services.”
Teddy Cook praised the Advisory Group for their passion and dedication in seeing the Blueprint come to fruition.
“We are grateful to the members of the ACON TGD Advisory Group for their leadership and determination in producing a landmark document that will shape how ACON, advocates and the broader health, legal and social systems of NSW respond to the health and wellbeing needs of our TGD people," Cook said.
He added: “And we also thank the many community members who participated in the various consultation activities including the online survey, the community meetings in Sydney and regional NSW and the stakeholder interviews – your input and insights have been invaluable throughout this process."
You can check out A Blueprint For Improving The Health & Wellbeing of the Trans & Gender Diverse Community in NSW, click .
