The Victorian state government has said that it is standing with transgender and gender diverse Victorians, their families and carers, with funding to expand access to vital mental health and support services.
The Labor Government will deliver a $900,000 package to eight organisations to help respond to the additional demand the government said these services are seeing following the events of past weeks.
Funding will go to essential services that support Victoria’s LGBTIQ+ communities year-round, including:
Mind, Transcend, Transgender Victoria, Switchboard, Zoe Bell Gender Collective, Thorne Harbour Health/Equinox, Rainbow Families and Queerspace.
The government said the “toxic public debate around the hurtful, divisive ‘Let Women Speak’ march – an anti-trans rally – last weekend has had a significant impact on members of the transgender community, and on their loved ones”.
This package will boost counselling and family therapy, referrals and peer support to ensure LGBTIQ+ Victorians, their families and carers can get the support they need.
Equality Minister Harriet Shing said trans people “routinely endure abuse, violence, and discrimination in the name of free speech, and the past week has caused further trauma for an already vulnerable group.”
“Trans people deserve better, and this funding will help organisations to provide crucial support, safety, and care,” she said.
