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Non-Binary, Trans & Gender Diverse People

Meridian supports the health and wellbeing of trans, gender diverse and non-binary people, their families, partners, loved ones and allies. We work with individuals through counselling, health consultation and peer support and we provide training and resources across many settings including workplaces, schools, the community service sector and other organisations.

Gender diverse, trans or transgender are umbrella terms used to describe gender identities that fall outside of what is typically understood when we talk about gender.

Cisgender is a term used to describe people whose sex assigned at birth aligns with their gender identity. For example, sex assigned at birth, male – gender identity, boy or man – gender expression, he/him pronouns, wears pants, short hair and likes football.

For trans and gender diverse people, their sex assigned at birth does not necessarily align with their gender identity. Gender Affirmation is a journey in which trans individuals align their bodies with their gender identity. This can be by means of gender expression (clothes, hair, make up), changing names and pronouns, hormone therapies, affirming treatments or surgeries. Gender affirmation is different for everyone.

Non-binary people don’t necessarily identify with the “male/female” binary concept of gender identity, often using they/them pronouns or a combination of he, she and they. Their gender expression can be fluid, expansive and ultimately reflective of their individual sense of self and gender.

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

 

 




Inclusive Pathways

Inclusive Pathways is a wellbeing service providing free psychological and social work support for LGBTIQ+ (or questioning) folk who are 16+ years and live/work or study in the ACT. This program requires a Mental Health Treatment Plan from a GP, or a willingness to be supported to get one. This program is funded by the Capital Health Network (CHN).

Find Out More

 


 

Counselling

Meridian Wellbeing Services provides safe, inclusive and affordable counselling for people of diverse sexualities and gender identities as well as their families and allies. We also provide referrals to psychologist support through a partnership with a Next Steps high-intensity CBT program for major depression and anxiety.


We specialise in a diverse range of evidence-based therapies for a diverse group of clients, including those exploring:

  • The diversity and fluidity of their gender, sex and/or sexuality.
  • Resilience and strengths-based approaches to living a positive, diverse and unique life.
  • Connections and support from the community.
  • Relationship issues, including couple and family counselling.
  • Drug and alcohol dependence concerns.
  • Those experiencing intimate partner or family violence, homophobic or transphobic violence along with the impact of minority stress, stigma and discrimination.

Find Out More

 


 


Sexual Health Clinics

Working in partnership with Canberra Sexual Health Centre, the STRIP program allows trans, gender diverse and non-binary people take control of their sexual health. STRIP is a community-based STI testing clinic where trans, gender diverse and non-binary people can speak directly with health professionals who understand our community about their sexual health.

Find Out More




 

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).

Contact us for mentorship opportunities

 





Meridian Sexual Health information links:

 



Be the Best you - Trans Women and Trans Fem Clothing Workshop

Meridian, in consultation with A Gender Agenda, has developed a program that provides trans women and trans fem people with a safe space to develop their individual clothing style/s.
Come down to the Pride Hub, where a personal stylist is now offering 45-minute one-on-one sessions to explore particular looks you might like to try, be it for corporate, casual, or any other setting.

Sign up here for updates on the next upcoming workshop. 


More information

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]

TransHub

Our friends at ACON have developed an online platform TransHub. TransHub is an exciting digital information and resource destination for all trans and gender diverse (TGD) people, their loved ones, allies and health providers.

Resources for Non-Binary, Trans and Gender Diverse People

What are Pronouns?

Pronouns are words that are used to refer to someone when not using their name. To learn more about pronouns, and how to be a good ally, read our pronoun fact sheet. 

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Meridian Sexual Health Services Factsheet

Meridian is here to help people impacted by HIV, Sexually diverse people, Trans and gender diverse people and Sex workers. We support our communities at all stages in life take control of their sexual health by providing information, workshops and a range of support services to inform, educate and arm you with the knowledge you need to keep your sex life healthy.

Our message to you is simple – Know your sexual health status. Know your risks and manage your sex life with confidence. Protect yourself and your sexual partners. With the right information, the right advice and the right people to talk to, you can significantly reduce your risk of HIV, an STI, or passing these on to a sexual partner.

Meridian is here to support your sexual health.

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Wellbeing Tips for LGBTQIA+ Folks

8 useful Wellbeing Tips for LGBTQIA+ Folks. 

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Guidance to support gender affirming care for mental health

This guide is designed to support providers of mental health care to be able to deliver their services in a gender-affirming way to support the needs of trans and/or gender diverse people.

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ACON - Its Who We Are: Exploring the Role, Impact and Value of Peers

The history of the successful response to HIV in New South Wales is a testament to the effectiveness and strength of the community’s response and the understanding shown by policy makers, researchers, politicians and other health professionals to work in partnership with affected communities. This partnership has been at the core of the world leading response and has meant that NSW has been able to respond to HIV more effectively than many other places around the world.

At the centre of this partnership has been our communities and the peer workers who have dedicated countless hours and much energy in responding to HIV and in supporting and caring for each other.

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PrEP Factsheet for Trans and Gender Diverse People

HIV PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) factsheet for trans and gender diverse people.

What is PrEP? PrEP stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis. PrEP is a pill that HIV negative people can take to prevent HIV. Taking PrEP before being exposed to HIV means there’s enough drug in your system to stop HIV if it gets into your body. If PrEP is taken as prescribed it has proved very effective at preventing HIV and reduces the risk of HIV transmission by almost 100%.

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The AIDS Candlelight Memorial Speech 2021 – Held on 16 May 2021

The International AIDS Candlelight Memorial is a time for all of us to remember the many lives lost of HIV and AIDS. The first memorial event was held in 1983 and since then there have been thousands of events across the world.

This year the event was held at Ainslie and Gorman Arts Centre and the guest speaker was Clara Tuck Meng Soo. Dr Soo received her medical training at Cambridge University and King’s College London. She worked for several years in the UK before migrating to Australia in 1989. In 2002 she became Practice Principal of IGP and Hobart Place General Practice.

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Language Beyond the Binary Poster

From the time we are born (it’s a boy or it’s a girl) we learn gender concepts and binary language in our everyday life including family, peers, schools, community, media, culture and religion.

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