Media Release

Thursday 30 March 2023

Trans Day of Visibility (TDoV), marked every year on 31 March is an international celebration of trans pride and awareness, recognising trans and gender diverse experiences and achievements.

For many trans and gender diverse people a lack of representation, role models, and community can be isolating and make it difficult to feel proud in their identities.

“We have seen the recent appalling displays of vitriol and fearmongering for what they are at their core, stigma, erasure, and a complete erosion of the concept of human rights and human dignity,” said Positive Life NSW CEO Jane Costello.. “We acknowledge that this is without a doubt a challenging and painful time for trans and gender diverse members of our community.”

“Detractors dismiss the emerging visibility of transgender people in the media and popular culture as a ‘fashion’ or cultural anomaly. No, we aren’t an aberration, we have always been here. And we will always be here,” said Positive Life NSW Board Director, Positive Speakers Bureau speaker and a proud trans woman, Natasha Io.

“It is our difference and individuality that makes us who we are as a community. We see you, and we stand with you. Unequivocally,” said Ms Io.

“We as an organisation know full well that when your lived experience and right to be who you are is scrutinised, politicised, and weaponised, your ability to navigate through this world, achieve optimal health outcomes and a quality of life is challenging, and often feels insurmountable,” said Ms Costello.

“Positive Life NSW sees, recognises and stands with the trans community and our trans, gender diverse and Sistergirl and Brotherboy members. Your identity and your right to a full, healthy, vibrant life is not a question or topic for debate,” she said.

Positive Life NSW affirms our full support, along with other organisations and services who are there to provide wrap-around services that promote resilience and empowerment, and encourage true empathy and allyship from those outside of the trans and gender diverse community.

This is not a case of ‘us versus them’ or thinking that this situation doesn’t affect us or impact our lives. We all deserve the right to exist, live and thrive in full safety and authenticity. Trans rights are human rights.

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For anyone needing additional support, free anonymous peer support is available from:

*QLife via telephone (1800 184 527) and webchat, every day from 3PM to midnight.

*ACON on (02) 9206 2000 or visit www.acon.org.au.

*eSafety helps Australians prevent and deal with harm caused by serious online abuse or illegal and restricted online content. Find out more about reporting online abuse via the Australian eSafety Commission: www.esafety.gov.au/report

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MEDIA CONTACT: 
Jane Costello, CEO – 1800 245 677 or email communications@positivelife.org.au

Positive Life NSW is the voice of all people living with HIV in NSW since 1988. As  the largest peer-led and run representative body of all people living with HIV in Australia based in NSW, we make a significant contribution to and positive impact across the spectrum of health and social issues on behalf of all people living with HIV in collaboration with HIV specialist and mainstream services to improve the health and quality of life of all people living with HIV in NSW. We do this through evidence based health promotion, research, policy advice and peer support.