The 14th of July is International Non-Binary People’s Day. On this day we celebrate the rich diversity in gender and those who do not fit within the traditional gender binary.
Non-binary is an umbrella term for gender identities that sit within, outside of, across or between the spectrum of the male and female binary. A non-binary person might identify as gender-fluid, trans masculine, trans feminine, agender, bigender etc. Non-binary is sometimes shortened to NB or enby. Formal recognition of non-binary as a valid gender identity is growing rapidly. In fact, this year Australia’s Census includes a non-binary option for the first time.
Meridian supports the health and wellbeing of non-binary people, their families and allies. We work with individuals through counselling, peer support and provide training and resources across many settings including workplaces, schools, the community service sector and other organisations.
We offer and refer to a range of non-binary-affirming resources, programs and services delivered by people who genuinely understand the health issues affecting non-binary people.
Language Beyond The Binary Resource
Sexual Health Clinics
Working in partnership with Canberra Sexual Health Centre, the STRIP program allows non-binary and other gender diverse people to take control of their sexual health. STRIP is a community-based STI testing clinic where non-binary and other gender diverse people can speak directly with health professionals who understand our community about their sexual health.
Counselling
Meridian Wellbeing Services host the ACT’s leading, professional, peer-led counselling service for people living with HIV, people impacted by HIV, LGBTIQA+ people, their families-of-choice, carers and their allies. Our qualified team provides confidential counselling for people who are seeking support to improve their mental health and wellbeing.
Meridian Wellbeing Services is committed to providing a safe, inclusive and non-judgemental therapeutic environment that values the unique lived experiences of anyone seeking counselling with our team. We welcome members of the community over the age of 15, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, cultural background, religious belief or economic circumstances.
Services are low cost and charged on a sliding scale based on annual income. Counselling services are free for Health Care Card holders and people living with HIV.
To make an enquiry please contact Meridian Wellbeing Services on 6257 2855 or 0412 882 855, via email at [email protected] or complete our Online Enquiry Form or Client Referral Form by clicking the links below.
More information
https://meridianact.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Westlund-Exchange-Information-Sheet.pdf
Encampment
Meridian runs an annual peer-led mentorship program for young LGBTIQ+ people. Encampment provides personal and professional development training to trans, gender diverse and non-binary youth leaders (mentors aged 18-25), who mentor younger LGBTIQ+ people (participants aged 13-17)—more information on Encampment.
A Gender Agenda
A Gender Agenda (AGA) provide direct and peer support and advocacy for members of the trans, gender diverse and intersex communities and their families. AGA is a unique community organisation actively engaged in increasing public awareness and understanding of intersex, trans and gender diversity issues. In addition to training and education, they provide advocacy and support services, information and resources and are actively engaged in human rights and law reform. AGA is a vibrant community of sex and gender diverse individuals and their families.
AGA operates the Friday Centre, a peer navigation service that supports trans and gender diverse communities with information and referrals to support their social, legal, and medical transition. The Friday Centre operates from The Exchange at Meridian’s Havelock House office on Fridays from 1 pm – 6 pm. You can drop in anytime during opening hours and meet the staff who will understand the unique experience of the trans and gender diverse communities. You can also email [email protected]
Supporting Non-Binary People
One of the easiest ways you can support inclusion of non-binary and gender diverse people is to normalise asking about pronouns or sharing your pronouns verbally, in your Zoom display name, etc. Read more about language beyond the binary in our Language Beyond The Binary Resource.
Beyond the Binary (Twitter Post)
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Further reading/viewing:
- I just came out as non-binary, heres what that means (article)
- This is what gender non-binary people look like(external link) (article)
- Not a boy, not a girl(external link) (Four Corners episode)
- The difference between being non-binary vs androgyny(external link) (YouTube video)
- I just came out as non-binary, here’s what that means(external link) (written interview)
- Understanding non-binary people: how to be respectful and supportive(external link) (article)
- Trans and Gender Diverse Language Guide (article)