We’re here to help trans and gender diverse (TGD) people take control of their health.

The umbrella term ‘trans and gender diverse’ describes a population of people whose gender is different to what was presumed for them at birth.

We recognise and celebrate the diversity of the TGD experience, so when we use the term ‘trans and gender diverse’, ‘trans’ and ‘transgender’ we mean all people who are not cisgender. Cisgender is a term used to describe people whose gender is the same as that was presumed for them at birth (male or female). ‘Cis’ is a Latin term meaning ‘on the same side as’.

Trans people may position ‘being trans’ as a history or experience, rather than an identity, and consider their gender identity as simply being female, male or a non-binary identity. Some trans people connect strongly with their trans experience, whereas others do not. The processes of transition may or may not be part of a trans or gender diverse person’s life.

We offer and refer to a range of trans-affirming resources, programs and services delivered by caring people who genuinely understand the health issues affecting trans people.

To mark Trans Day of Visibility on Tuesday 31 March 2020, ACON launched a new online platform: TransHub! An exciting digital information and resource destination for all trans and gender diverse (TGD) people, loved ones, allies and health providers.

Central to TransHub is person-centred, human rights focussed information about social, medical and legal gender affirmation, and other key health issues. TransHub also offers information specific to COVID-19 for trans people. ACON Gender Affirming Doctor list can now be found at TransHub.

TransHub’s allies section provides information to partners, friends, employers, educators and colleagues, and the clinicians section addresses creating welcoming environments, gender affirming hormones, surgical interventions and providing patient-centred care. The site also includes a comprehensive language guide, and a portals to access the resources available throughout the website.

You can access TransHub HERE.

Resources

ACON’s Gender Affirming Doctor List ACON’s Gender Affirming Doctor List has now moved over to TransHub. You can find the new and updated map, and list here.

Trans and Strong Resource Following a worryingly high amount of recent negative media coverage attacking trans and gender diverse (TGD) people, we developed the ‘Trans and Strong’ resilience resource for TGD community members, friends, family and allies to support them through what may be a very trying time. Trans and Strong PDF Trans and Strong Text-Only PDF

Programs

Pride Training Pride Training provides learning and development programs to assist health and community organisations increase their knowledge of LGBTIQ people, communities and health issues. Our learning and development offerings use a variety of activities, media and training resources to engage with participants. Specialising in co-design with community members we aim to address the unique needs of our communities with lived experiences.

Workplace Inclusion Pride in Diversity is Australia’s first and only not-for-profit workplace program designed specifically to assist Australian employers with the inclusion of LGBTQ employees. As a member-based program, Pride in Diversity works closely with HR, diversity professionals and LGBTQ Network Leaders in all aspects of LGBTQ inclusion within all sectors of the Australian workforce. No matter your starting point, we work with your team to understand the importance of LGBTQ inclusion and to map out a strategy that will enable you to successfully work towards best practice. Australian Workplace Equality Index The Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) is the definitive national benchmark on LGBTQ workplace inclusion and comprises the largest and only national employee survey designed to gauge the overall impact of inclusion initiatives on organisational culture as well as identifying and non-identifying employees. The Index drives best practice in Australia and sets a comparative benchmark for Australian employers across all sectors. The AWEI is a free offering and organisations do not need to be a member of Pride in Diversity to participate. For more information click here to visit the Pride in Diversity website, or email:info@prideindiversity.com.au. Pride In Practice Conference Pride In Practice is the only national conference dedicated to LGBTQ workplace inclusion. Run over three days, it incorporates various streams of LGBTQ workplace awareness and inclusivity. Hear from industry experts on best practice and gain insight into the award winning initiatives of the Top 20 Employers and network with industry peers. For more information click here to visit the Pride in Diversity website, or email:info@prideindiversity.com.au. More info: Tel: (02) 9206 2136

Fax: (02) 9206 2002

Email: pid@prideindiversity.com.au

Web: www.prideindiversity.com.au

Health and Wellbeing Service Inclusion Pride in Health + Wellbeing is a national membership program that provides year-round support in the provision of LGBTQ inclusive services for those working within the health and wellbeing sector. Consider us your partners, your subject-matter experts that you can call on, build a relationship with and rely on for expert advice, training and help.

Breast Cancer: Our United Front In 2019 we launched the second phase of #TalkTouchTest with Our United Front. Our United Front is an inclusive breast cancer awareness and education campaign that focuses on getting screened. Self-checking is still really important, but if you are 50 or over, you should have a mammogram every 2 years. People over 40 are eligible to get free mammogram. Check out Our United Front for referral pathways. Our United Front speaks to cis women, trans women, non-binary people, trans masc people and trans guys, highlighting different screening pathways and options. View the project HERE.

Services & Referrals

Check OUT: LGBTIQ+ Sexual Health Clinic We are sorry to announce that due to COVID-19, Check OUT: LGBTIQ+ Clinic will be closed until further notice. Please do not be concerned, this closure is only temporary, and we look forward to reopening again soon. We will contact all our clients as soon as we reopen. If your appointment with Check OUT was urgent, or you have any concerns, please contact our clinical partner, Family Planning NSW. Family Planning NSW Talkline (staffed by expert sexual health nurses): 1300 658 886 Monday to Friday, 8:30am-5pm; or email talkline@fpnsw.org.au You can also contact the NSW Sexual Health InfoLink, which is run by NSW Health and is staffed by sexual health nurses. You can call them with any questions or concerns about sexual health and/or cervical screening and they can direct you to services for testing in your area: 1800 451 624 Monday to Friday, 9.00am-5.30pm If you are concerned about COVID-19 or have questions, please visit the NSW Health website or contact Healthdirect on 1800 022 222. Please take care of yourselves and each other and don’t hesitate to contact us at checkout@acon.org.au Thank you all, Check OUT Staff

Cervical Cancer Screening Everybody with a cervix is at risk of cervical cancer. We’re here to provide information and promote the importance of regular cervical screening for LGBTIQ people. Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, yet studies show that LGBTIQ people are less likely than the general population to attend cervical screening. Having regular Cervical Screening Tests is the best way people in our communities can protect themselves against cervical cancer. On 1 December 2017, the Pap test changed to a more accurate Cervical Screening Test. Other changes include the age of screening increasing from 18 years to 25 years, and the time between tests changing from two to five years. Visit The Inner Circle to find out about the changes to the Pap test, what’s involved in a Cervical Screening Test, information on sex, HPV and cervical cancer and tips and advice on how get through your test. Watch community members talk about their experiences of cervical screening for The Inner Circle campaign. If you live in Sydney, you can book in at Check OUT: LGBTIQ+ Sexual Health Clinic for a sexual health check and/or a cervical screening test. Check OUT is a community-led clinic, run by ACON and Family Planning NSW. All our frontline staff are trained members of the LGBTIQ+ community. Read more about Check OUT and book a test today.

Online Focus Groups and Individual Online Video Interviews ACON is running a series of online focus groups (120 minutes) and one-on-one video interviews (60 minutes), where we will explore LGBTQ knowledge, attitudes and behaviours around: bowel cancer and screening, smoking and quitting (tobacco and e-cigarettes), and alcohol. Participants who complete a focus group or interview will receive a $50 gift card. The findings will be used to guide ACON’s LGBTQ community health campaigns. All information provided in this application is confidential to ACON and will not be shared. If successful, you will be contacted by ACON staff to finalise participation. Applications close Friday 12 June 2020 For any questions, please contact Bec Cerio, Cancer Programs Officer at bcerio@acon.org.au. We look forward to hearing from you! REGISTER HERE.

Trans and Gender Diverse Legal Service The Inner City Legal Centre’s Trans & Gender Diverse Legal Service is a dedicated service to provide trans or gender diverse clients free legal advice and support for a range of legal issues. The services provided include advice on: Fines

Employment

Discrimination

Special Medical Procedure applications to the Family Court of Australia

Assistance in regard to drafting wills, power of attorney, enduring guardianship

Divorce, separation and parenting

Name and gender change advice/services

Criminal and AVO advice and representation for especially vulnerable trans or gender diverse clients on a low income. We encourage you to contact the Inner City Legal Centre via their website or on (02) 9332 1966 if you are trans or gender diverse, and seeking legal help.

Free Safe Sex Packs NEED SAFE SEX SUPPLIES? If you’re a member of the LGBTIQ community and you need safe sex supplies, we can post them to you anywhere in NSW (free!). Simply complete the form below and we will get your play pack(s) delivered in no time! Our play packs include: 10 gloves

10 condoms

9 ml Astroglide Natural toy friendly lube

250ml Viraclean bottle (for cleaning toys and surfaces), and

A sex toy maintenance brochure (one per order). If you need supplies for a party or venue please let us know. Any concerns or questions, please feel free to contact: kink@acon.org.au WANT TO BE INVOLVED IN CREATING A NEW SEXUAL HEALTH PROJECT? We are designing a brand new sexual health project to better meet the needs of our community. We welcome all members of the community to get involved in the consultation process. Sign up below to hear updates and receive invitations for community consultations and focus groups. Coming soon! SIGN UP NEWSLETTER

HIV Prevention

We’re here to help end HIV transmission among gay and homosexually active men, including trans men who have sex with men. To find out more please visit our HIV Prevention section.

HIV Support

We’re here to help people with HIV – including trans people – take control of their health by providing up-to-date information as well as a range of programs and services. To find out more please visit our HIV Support section.

Sexual Health

Our sexual health programs for gay and bisexual men are inclusive of trans men who have sex with men. To find out more please visit our Sexual Health section.

Our sexual health programs for lesbian, bisexual and queer women are inclusive of trans women who have sex with women. To find out more please visit our Sexual Health section.

Transgender people who identify as heterosexual are encouraged to contact The Gender Centre or their local sexual health centre for information about sexual health.

Mental Health

We provide a range of counselling and community care services for trans people, including those with HIV or who use drugs. To find out more please visit our Mental Health section.

Alcohol & Drugs

We provide a range of resources and support services to help trans people who use alcohol and other drugs. To find out more please visit our Alcohol & Drugs section.

Safety & Inclusion

We provide a range of resources and support services to help trans people who are experiencing homophobic and transphobic violence and discrimination. To find out more please visit our Safety & Inclusion section.

Domestic & Family Violence

We provide a range of resources and support services to help trans people who are experiencing domestic and family violence. To find out more please visit our Domestic & Family Violence section.

Ageing

We provide a range of resources and support services for older trans people (50+). To find out more please visit our Ageing section.