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 provide training and resources across many settings including workplaces, schools, the community service sector and other organisations.
Gender is a social and cultural concept that refers to the way a person lives in and interacts with the world.
Gender-diverse, transgender (trans) and non-binary are umbrella terms used to describe gender identities that do not align with a person’s sex assigned to them at birth (for example, they were assigned female at birth but are a man).
Cisgender is a term used to describe people whose gender aligns with the sex assigned to them at birth.
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 and often use 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.
Meridian’s services for trans and gender-diverse people
We offer and refer to a range of affirming resources, programs and services delivered by people who genuinely understand the health issues affecting trans and gender diverse people.
|
|
Inclusive PathwaysInclusive Pathways is a wellbeing service providing free psychological and social work support for LGBTQ+ (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). This activity is supported by funding from Capital Health Network (CHN), the ACT PHN through the Australian Government’s PHN Program. |
|
|
CounsellingMeridian's wellbeing services provide safe, inclusive and affordable counselling and mental health and wellbeing services for people of diverse sexualities and gender identities as well as their families and allies. |
|
|
Sexual healthWorking in partnership with Canberra Sexual Health Centre, the STRIP Clinic program allows LGBTQ+ people take control of their sexual health. STRIP is a community-based STI testing clinic where LGBTQ+ people can speak about their sexual health directly with health professionals who understand our community. You can also find out more information about sexual health, including specific information about: |
|
|
MessyMessy is an inclusive, community-driven sexual health resource made specifically for trans and gender diverse folk. Created by Meridian in collaboration with A Gender Agenda and with the support of ACT Health, Messy provides practical, empowering information to help trans and gender-diverse folk live safer, more pleasurable and empowered sexual lives. |
Other support services
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, it provides advocacy and support services, information and resources and is actively engaged in human rights and law reform. AGA is a vibrant community of sex- and gender-diverse individuals and their families.
AGA operates Gender Pathways, a peer navigation service that supports trans and gender diverse people and their families, friends and allies with resources and referrals to support their social, legal and medical transition. Gender Pathways operates from Meridian’s offices on Fridays from 1–6 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 TransHub, an online hub for trans folk, our loved ones, allies and clinicians.