You have may have noticed that I haven't been around as much since last wednesday, I was a guest at the LGBTI Health Alliance Conference: Health in Difference. Held in Canberra. The Health Alliance are the largest NGO in Australia supporting LGBTI people and it was an opportunity for me to present the needs of trans* for support. I also had the opportunity to meet and discuss health provision for trans*people with the Federal politicians in Australia.
It was an odd conference, not much relevant to my interests but the information I got from Human Rights activists, lawyers and leaders of LGBTI organisations was invaluable and freely given.
It was 'odd' in that many of the issues that face the LGBIA groups are not particularly of interest to T's but the principles of how we deal with government agencies was. That was a major strength and we all came away with a greater understanding of our particular concerns.
Of course there are obvious mutual concerns, suicidal ideation and depression and the strategies we can put in place to help our youth were of great interest.
I networked shamelessly, drinking expensive booze, nice dinners and long nights discussing the issues we all face.
I was extremely heartened about the concerns of the wider community for trans*issues and the support that was offered.
I particularly enjoyed meeting the politicians, many of whom were still ignorant of trans*issues, our lack of health care provision, our expensive medical needs and protection under the law. Same sex marriage was raised at an opportune moment in Australia, particularly when I emphasised that I was already in a same sex marriage and how silly that made discrimination to equal rights in marriage in Australia.
All in all it was hard work, but satisfying. I honestly think we made progress. I learned a lot.
And now?
I'm back as Forum Admin!
Cindy
