The Victorian Greens have said trans and gender diverse communities across the state should unequivocally be able to access gender affirming care, ahead of a harmful ‘debate’ due to take place in the Upper House later today.
The Greens say the ‘debate’, being brought on by Moira Deeming MP, will only serve to stoke the flames of transphobia and hate, and be used as a political football by someone who would prefer to deny the very existence of trans and gender diverse people.
The right to access to gender affirming care is supported by all major medical bodies in Australia and the World Health Organisation.
Evidence shows that access to supportive gender affirming care during childhood and adolescence significantly improves health outcomes and reduces harms.
As stated by Victorian Greens LGBTIQA+ spokesperson, Gabrielle de Vietri MP:
“We know that anti-trans rhetoric causes lasting harm to trans and gender diverse people, by stoking the flames of transphobia and hate.
“Victoria’s trans and gender diverse communities are strong and resilient, but we know they face disproportionate levels of harassment, abuse and even violence, because of views like these.
“Our LGBTIQA+ communities should be supported and cared for, not used as a political football by people who would prefer to deny their very existence.
“There’s a lot of work to be done to ensure extreme views held by people like Moira Deeming aren’t normalised. That’s why the Greens will keep pushing for the rights of trans and gender diverse people and for anti-vilification reform as a matter of urgency.”
As stated by Victorian Greens health spokesperson, Dr Sarah Mansfield:
“The role of gender affirming health care is to support trans people so that they may be given the right to live a full life – something we all deserve.
“The Greens are deeply concerned by the amplification of misinformation about health care provided to trans and gender diverse young people, which only perpetuates stigma and discrimination.
“The right to access to gender affirming care is supported by all major medical bodies in Australia and the World Health Organisation.
“Evidence shows that access to supportive gender affirming care during childhood and adolescence significantly improves health outcomes and reduces harms.
“However, many young Victorians face significant barriers in accessing gender affirming care, and the Greens will continue to push to ensure all young people can access the care they need.”
