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Trans Youth
Gender identity refers to an individual’s self-conception as being male, female, something in-between, or something different altogether. Cultures around the world have many different ways of defining gender for themselves. Mainstream Australian society typically divides gender into two categories – “male” and “female.” The reality is that gender is actually much more diverse than this.
Gender diversity means that gender comes in many different forms. This includes people that may identify as transgender, but it also includes people who don't act in ways stereotypically associated with their gender identity.
An example would be a boy who likes doing things that society typically associates with girls, such as knitting or dancing. Another example could be a girl who likes doing things that society typically associates with boys, such as playing in team sports, or riding motorcycles. This does not necessarily mean that these individuals are transgender, just that they have diverse gender expressions.
The term transgender, or 'trans,' is a broad term used to describe someone who does not fit into society’s expectations of what it means to be male or female, someone whose gender identity does not conform to the sex that they were assigned at birth.
An important thing to remember is that someone must self-identify as transgender for this term to be used to describe them.
Transgender Basics
Web: Watch a great 20-minute video that explores the basics of transgender issues, created by the Gender Identity Project at the LGBT Community Center in New York City.
Gender Questioning Booklet
The Gender Questioning booklet is for young people who are questioning their gender. It's jointly produced by the Trans Melbourne Gender Project and Gay and Lesbian Health Victoria.
Download: GQ Gender Questioning booklet (PDF)
Looking for support?
If you are trans or gender diverse and you're looking for support or information, all of ACON’s services are open to trans people – including our youth projects. A number of other support services for young trans people are outlined below.
If you think you know someone who may be transgender, don't push them to confide in you or to commit to a gender identity. Be a supportive, kind friend who is available when they need you.
The Gender Centre
This organisation runs groups, workshops and social events for trans people as well as their families and friends.
GenderQ
GenderQ is a new monthly group at Twenty10. GenderQ is a social space as well as a learning space, where participants can talk about and explore gender and what it means for you. The group welcomes young people who are gender questioning, transgender, gender diverse or just exploring.
When: First Saturday of each month, 10am-12pm
Where: 45 Bedford Street, Newtown
Web: www.twenty10.org.au
More info
Contact: ACON's Fun & Esteem Project (for guys) or the Young Women's Project
Tel: (02) 9206 2000
Free Call: 1800 063 060
Hearing Impaired: (02) 9283 2088
E-mail: youth@acon.org.au
Contact: Gay & Lesbian Counselling Service
Although this is called the “gay & lesbian” counseling service, they are also trained to counsel and offer information to trans youth. The line is open from 5:30pm – 10:30pm, 7 days a week.
Tel: 02 8594 9596 or 1800 184 527
Contact: Twenty10
Twenty10 will provide you and your family with support if you're at risk of homelessness or experiencing financial difficulties. They also run groups and a drop-in centre for GLBT youth.
Web: www.twenty10.org.au
Contact: STILL FIERCE: Sydney Sex & Gender Diverse Collective
A collective that meets on fortnightly Tuesdays for trannies, gender diverse, transgenders, intersex, transexuals, trans* peeps, gender queers, gender pirates and other sex and gender diverse people to organise! Allies and friends welcome!
Web: STILL FIERCE Facebook group
Contact: Transgender Youth Australia
Yahoo youth group for transgender and gender diverse young people.
