YACVic Board Statement Against Transphobia

We, the Youth Affairs Council Victoria (YACVic) Board, stand against transphobia and hate-filled rhetoric of any kind, and we stand strong in solidarity with transgender, non-binary and gender diverse people. 

In particular, as the coordinating member of the Healthy Equal Youth (HEY) Partners, an ongoing project supporting LGBTIQA+ young people and services, YACVic has an unwavering commitment to upholding the rights and safety of trans, non-binary and gender diverse people. 

We are concerned about the damaging ideologies that are increasingly being openly promoted to young people and this is especially problematic for marginalised trans people. 

The trans community has long warned of transphobia as a gateway to white supremacist and radical, harmful agendas. Trans people are regularly scapegoated and vilified not only by individuals but in politics, at school and work, in healthcare, and even in their homes, which damages mental health and life prospects. 

We all need to commit to combatting transphobia at every level, even if it is hard. Especially, if it is hard. 

We stand with trans, non-binary and gender diverse people against all intersecting forms of discrimination. We recognise that transphobic events and campaigns increase stress and risk for LGBTIQA+ young people and their friends, families and wider networks, and also for the staff of the organisations who care for them.  

We encourage all services who work with trans, non-binary and gender diverse young people to talk with staff about the importance of reviewing and maintaining robust and trans-inclusive safety procedures in all aspects of their work. 

We also encourage managers to check in with front line staff, and support them to practise self-care, and access employee assistance programs or other supports as needed. 

We urge organisations to publicise their support of trans, non-binary and gender diverse young people, and to talk openly with young people and the broader community about creating safety for LGBTIQA+ young people. 

We thank the Victorian Premier for the strong and categorical public support of the trans community.  

Most of all, we say to transgender, non-binary and gender diverse young people: we support you, we stand with you, and we are committed to your wellbeing and safety.