As part of GenWest's International Women's Day campaign this year, we have issued a statement in support of trans and gender diverse people.
The statement has been prompted by a rise in harmful legislation and rhetoric targeting trans people, especially trans young people. This includes limiting access to gender affirming care in Queensland, and developments overseas that have included restricting participation in sports and denying protections against discrimination.
As an organisation working towards gender equity, we wanted to publicly reiterate our support and commitment to trans rights.
GenWest is a feminist organisation, and has existed for over 35 years. We underwent a name change and rebrand in 2021, evolving from Women's Health West to GenWest. A key motivation behind this change was to better acknowledge the experiences of trans and gender diverse people, who experience high rates of violence and oppression, and work towards becoming a more inclusive service for women and gender diverse people experiencing family violence. We also know that what we consider to be 'women’s health' issues can affect people of all gender identities.
The statement, issued across GenWest's social media channels, is below.
We encourage you to share and like the statement on your socials too, if you use them!
Our thanks and gratitude to the members of GenWest's LGBTIQA+ Advisory Group, who provided feedback on the wording of the statement.
GenWest stands in solidarity with trans and gender diverse people.
This International Women’s Day, we are shining a spotlight on the urgent need for gender equity in healthcare, and bodily autonomy for all.
Our campaign will centre the rights of trans and gender diverse people as an integral part of this work.
Access to healthcare is a fundamental human right. Trans young people, like all young people, should have access to appropriate, safe medical care.
Trans and gender diverse people are entitled to the same rights and protections as everyone else. This includes access to affirming healthcare, the right to live authentically, and protection from discrimination.
Too often, we have seen how decisions made overseas can embolden those closer to home who wish to diminish bodily autonomy and rights.
GenWest is deeply committed to fighting for the healthcare services we have and to advocating for improvements where needed.
GenWest is committed to supporting everyone’s right to make choices about their own bodies. This includes the right to be yourself, to access healthcare and sexual health services, and to live free from violence.
We are committed to advocating for policies and services that improve the lives of women, trans, and gender diverse people, and to doing all we can to secure a future free from discrimination, violence, and hate.
We invite our community to stand with us.
We encourage you to join us in advocating for inclusive policies, amplifying trans voices, and challenging harmful narratives.
Together, we can build a future free from gender-based discrimination and violence.
