In the lead up to Sydney’s iconic Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, I had the opportunity to speak to Keri Le Page, Inclusion & Diversity Partner at IBM ANZ on how more Australian organisations could adopt policies to better support LGBTQ employees and specifically those employees who are transitioning between genders.

IBM is one of the regions’ leaders in D&I and has a long track record of supporting LGBTQ employees for over 30 years, the latest landmark in this space is its unique partnership announced last year, as Founding Principal Partner of the Victorian Pride Centre (VPC) – Australia’s first pride centre and the largest in South East Asia.

IBM is a founding member of the not for profit, ACON and a proud supporter of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Business Association.

The company is now amongst the few trendsetters in Australia to welcome such policy changes and strives to encourage other industry leaders as well to join the league.

Keri was a driving force behind the recent launch of IBM’s new Gender Affirmation Treatment policy, which is included as part of the ‘Work-Life’ leave policy. It will be used by several local employees undergoing Gender Affirmation Treatment Leave.

The process of transitioning often takes time and this policy change will ensure staff can continue the process with the confidence that IBM is supporting them through their journey, over a number of years. Employees who are undergoing Gender Affirmation Treatment will have access to two weeks paid time off on top of their regular 4 weeks annual leave per annum.

On top of the new gender affirmation policy, Keri has been a driving force in the implementation of in-depth training for all HR staff and managers as well as a system where employees who are LGBTQ advocates can show their support and willingness to help employees by placing a specific sticker on the back of their work laptop and a ‘rainbow’ overlay on their internal directory profile picture.

In addition to the new policy, Keri spoke on the following IBM D&I policies:
• The roll-out of the employee resource group
• The IBM inclusion council
• Out Role models
• New graduate onboarding process which includes LGBTQ training and scenarios

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We know that sometimes it can be hard to know who to talk to if you are experiencing a mental health crisis. If you do not have family and friends living nearby or a strong local support network it can be hard to get through difficult times on your own. Whether you are in a crisis or you just feel down and need to talk to someone, it is important to know that help is available at all hours of the day and night.

There are many free mental health hotlines and mental health online support services across Victoria, which provide crisis support, information, resources, counselling, and therapy to people of all ages.

Where to get help:

• Your doctor
• Lifeline, call:  13 11 14
• Switchboard: 1800 184 527
• Kids Helpline, call:  1800 55 1800
• National Domestic Violence Hotline – Call:  1800 200 526
• Beyondblue –  Call: 1300 22 4636
• SuicideLine – Call: 1300 651 251

The post The One With Gender Affirmation appeared first on Trans P.O.V. (Transgender Point of View).

Sabreena Lachlainn shares her dreams of sailing solo around the world with Michelle.

The amazing Dr Ruth McNair from the Northside Clinic updates Anastasia on how Victorian health care is changing to be more supportive of TGD patients. If you have concerns or complaints about the healthcare or mental health care that you – or someone you know – has received, you can contact the Health Complaints Commissioner or the Mental Health Complaints Commissioner.

We admire Kim Petras and Rain Dove  for modelling different ways to deal with transphobic behaviour.

Rowan shares his experience of airport body scans in the US, which can be problematic for trans people. The National Centre for Transgender Equality has some further information.

Anastasia shares her reflections on the experiences of LGBTIQ+ refugees, in the light of the Medevac repeal and some troubling news from Kenya. We highly recommend you sign up to the Canberra Statement on the access to safety and justice for LGBTIQ+ asylum seekers, refugees and other forcibly displaced persons.

We feature the all-trans indie band 4th Curtis.

And we ask that you consider supporting our JOY Nation campaign.

Remember we can be reached at:

We know that sometimes it can be hard to know who to talk to if you are experiencing a mental health crisis. If you do not have family and friends living nearby or a strong local support network it can be hard to get through difficult times on your own. Whether you are in a crisis or you just feel down and need to talk to someone, it is important to know that help is available at all hours of the day and night.

There are many free mental health hotlines and mental health online support services across Victoria, which provide crisis support, information, resources, counseling, and therapy to people of all ages.

Where to get help:

• Your doctor
• Lifeline, call:  13 11 14
• Switchboard: 1800 184 527
• Kids Helpline, call:  1800 55 1800
• National Domestic Violence Hotline – Call:  1800 200 526
• Beyondblue –  Call: 1300 22 4636
• SuicideLine – Call: 1300 651 251

This episode was originally broadcast on 5 December 2019.

The post The one about sailing around the world and Australian health care appeared first on Trans P.O.V. (Transgender Point of View).

Anastasia is attending the launch of Kinfolk’s resources to promote dignity and choice for older TGD people. The resources will support family relationships services, aged care services, family members and older TGD people.

In the news:

Laws in India relating to TGD people have changed – for the worse.  Instagram faces challenges with trans-inclusion. Charlie Martin is a transwoman in motorsports. Leigh Dwyer shares her transition story from regional Australia. Hera Jay Brown is the first-ever out transgender woman to receive a Rhodes Scholarship. And there’s positive news about tolerance.

We feature the genderqueer indie pop music of Adult Mom.

And we ask that you consider supporting our JOY Nation campaign.

Remember we can be reached at:

We know that sometimes it can be hard to know who to talk to if you are experiencing a mental health crisis. If you do not have family and friends living nearby or a strong local support network it can be hard to get through difficult times on your own. Whether you are in a crisis or you just feel down and need to talk to someone, it is important to know that help is available at all hours of the day and night.

There are many free mental health hotlines and mental health online support services across Victoria, which provide crisis support, information, resources, counseling, and therapy to people of all ages.

Where to get help:

• Your doctor
• Lifeline, call:  13 11 14
• Switchboard: 1800 184 527
• Kids Helpline, call:  1800 55 1800
• National Domestic Violence Hotline – Call:  1800 200 526
• Beyondblue –  Call: 1300 22 4636
• SuicideLine – Call: 1300 651 251

This episode was originally broadcast on 28 November 2019.

The post The one about Peer Navigators in the health care system appeared first on Trans P.O.V. (Transgender Point of View).

Our representation in the media matters: The UN has determined that the Australian media’s coverage of trans issues is a breach of our community’s human rights; having a playable trangender character in a mainstream gaming release is a major step forward for visibility, and Boys Don’t Cry remains one of the only movies featuring the trans man experience, 20 years on.

We compare our broodiness levels on learning the news that a trans man conceived a child carried by his wife.

We feature the shoegaze sounds of Lower Dens.

And we ask that you consider supporting our JOY Nation campaign.

Remember we can be reached at:

We know that sometimes it can be hard to know who to talk to if you are experiencing a mental health crisis. If you do not have family and friends living nearby or a strong local support network it can be hard to get through difficult times on your own. Whether you are in a crisis or you just feel down and need to talk to someone, it is important to know that help is available at all hours of the day and night.

There are many free mental health hotlines and mental health online support services across Victoria, which provide crisis support, information, resources, counseling, and therapy to people of all ages.

Where to get help:

• Your doctor
• Lifeline, call:  13 11 14
• Switchboard: 1800 184 527
• Kids Helpline, call:  1800 55 1800
• National Domestic Violence Hotline – Call:  1800 200 526
• Beyondblue –  Call: 1300 22 4636
• SuicideLine – Call: 1300 651 251

This episode was originally broadcast on 21 November 2019.

The post The one about health challenges and gaming appeared first on Trans P.O.V. (Transgender Point of View).

Rowan speaks with Rachael Masters, who has found herself providing mental health peer support to fellow members of the TGD and LGBTIQ+ communities in Adelaide. Rachael would love to see more peer support organisations around Australia.

For those in Adelaide, Rachael recommends Kindred Spirits, Carousel Club and Gendasa.

Anastasia shares the exciting news that Sexpo has become more welcoming of the trans and gender diverse community, and women more generally. She had some fun there with glitter!

Don’t forget these events coming up for Trans Day of Remembrance: Trans Day of Remembrance Vigil (Melbourne, Nov 20) and Transgender Day of Remembrance Ceremony & Bridge Viewing (Brisbane, Nov 20).

Sandra Pankurst – the subject of ‘The Trauma Cleaner’ book and a transwoman – is speaking at an Australian True Crime Podcast event on Saturday 23 November.

Hares & Hyenas is hosting the Iridescent Festival for Transgender & Gender Diverse QPoC.

And we ask that you consider supporting our JOY Nation campaign.

Remember we can be reached at:

*** We know that sometimes it can be hard to know who to talk to if you are experiencing a mental health crisis. If you do not have family and friends living nearby or a strong local support network it can be hard to get through difficult times on your own. Whether you are in a crisis or you just feel down and need to talk to someone, it is important to know that help is available at all hours of the day and night.

There are many free mental health hotlines and mental health online support services across Victoria, which provide crisis support, information, resources, counseling, and therapy to people of all ages.

Where to get help:

• Your doctor
• Lifeline, call:  13 11 14
• Switchboard: 1800 184 527
• Kids Helpline, call:  1800 55 1800
• National Domestic Violence Hotline – Call:  1800 200 526
• Beyondblue –  Call: 1300 22 4636
• SuicideLine – Call: 1300 651 251

This episode was originally broadcast on 14 November 2019.

The post The one about peer support … and Sexpo appeared first on Trans P.O.V. (Transgender Point of View).

We’d like you to meet:

Imbi the girl

Two Steps on the Water

Rachel Maria Cox

Alex the Astronaut

InfraGhosts

And we ask that you consider supporting our JOY Nation campaign.

Remember we can be reached at:

*** We know that sometimes it can be hard to know who to talk to if you are experiencing a mental health crisis. If you do not have family and friends living nearby or a strong local support network it can be hard to get through difficult times on your own. Whether you are in a crisis or you just feel down and need to talk to someone, it is important to know that help is available at all hours of the day and night.

There are many free mental health hotlines and mental health online support services across Victoria, which provide crisis support, information, resources, counseling, and therapy to people of all ages.

Where to get help:

• Your doctor
• Lifeline, call:  13 11 14
• Switchboard: 1800 184 527
• Kids Helpline, call:  1800 55 1800
• National Domestic Violence Hotline – Call:  1800 200 526
• Beyondblue –  Call: 1300 22 4636
• SuicideLine – Call: 1300 651 251

This episode was originally broadcast on 14 November 2019.

The post The AusMusic Month one featuring TGD artists appeared first on Trans P.O.V. (Transgender Point of View).

In the news: Queensland’s first accredited LGBTIQ+ Aged Care Residence is opening, Almere in Holland unveils is first trans awareness pedestrian crossing, Jada Pickett hosts trans woman Paula Williams on her Facebook  Red Table Talks chat show, and in the US Danica Roem becomes first trans politician to win re-election in Virginia.

Events coming up for Trans Awareness Week and Trans Day of Remembrance include: A Transgender Awareness Week breakfast (Sydney, Nov 14), Minus18: Beyond the Binary (Melbourne, Nov 14), (How to be a Good Trans Ally (Melbourne, Nov 19), Trans Day of Remembrance Vigil (Melbourne, Nov 20) and Transgender Day of Remembrance Ceremony & Bridge Viewing (Brisbane, Nov 20).

We feature the hip hop beats of CJ Run.

And we ask that you consider supporting our JOY Nation campaign.

Remember we can be reached at:

*** We know that sometimes it can be hard to know who to talk to if you are experiencing a mental health crisis. If you do not have family and friends living nearby or a strong local support network it can be hard to get through difficult times on your own. Whether you are in a crisis or you just feel down and need to talk to someone, it is important to know that help is available at all hours of the day and night.

There are many free mental health hotlines and mental health online support services across Victoria, which provide crisis support, information, resources, counseling, and therapy to people of all ages.

Where to get help:

• Your doctor
• Lifeline, call:  13 11 14
• Switchboard: 1800 184 527
• Kids Helpline, call:  1800 55 1800
• National Domestic Violence Hotline – Call:  1800 200 526
• Beyondblue –  Call: 1300 22 4636
• SuicideLine – Call: 1300 651 251

This episode was originally broadcast on 7 November 2019.

The post The one about trans awareness training for doctors in the UK’s NHS appeared first on Trans P.O.V. (Transgender Point of View).

Latrobe University has released a study describing how healthcare is failing transgender people. Lincoln comes in to bring this study to life by sharing his story of his awful experiences dealing with Australian health services as a trans man.

We feature the beautiful and uplifting music of Dillbilly.

And we ask that you consider supporting our JOY Nation campaign.

Don’t forget the TGD Community Night at the Reservoir Leisure Centre on 9 November. A truly inclusive space for TGD people sounds so refreshing!

Remember we can be reached at:

*** We know that sometimes it can be hard to know who to talk to if you are experiencing a mental health crisis. If you do not have family and friends living nearby or a strong local support network it can be hard to get through difficult times on your own. Whether you are in a crisis or you just feel down and need to talk to someone, it is important to know that help is available at all hours of the day and night.

There are many free mental health hotlines and mental health online support services across Victoria, which provide crisis support, information, resources, counseling, and therapy to people of all ages.

Where to get help:

• Your doctor
• Lifeline, call:  13 11 14
• Switchboard: 1800 184 527
• Kids Helpline, call:  1800 55 1800
• National Domestic Violence Hotline – Call:  1800 200 526
• Beyondblue –  Call: 1300 22 4636
• SuicideLine – Call: 1300 651 251

This episode was originally broadcast on 31 October 2019.

The post The one with Minus18 and stories about health services appeared first on Trans P.O.V. (Transgender Point of View).

Anastasia interviews the great minds behind Escape Velocity‘s newest venture, Walk the City. They share the impact on those lucky enough to participate in this immersive experience that explores the lived experience of young trans and gender diverse people. 

And the organisers of the Tilde Film Festival get us excited about the upcoming festival. Check out their website for the full program.

Don’t forget the TGD Community Night at the Reservoir Leisure Centre on 9 November. It’s so wonderful to see so many amazing community building events taking place.

And we ask that you consider supporting our JOY Nation campaign.

Remember we can be reached at:

*** We know that sometimes it can be hard to know who to talk to if you are experiencing a mental health crisis. If you do not have family and friends living nearby or a strong local support network it can be hard to get through difficult times on your own. Whether you are in a crisis or you just feel down and need to talk to someone, it is important to know that help is available at all hours of the day and night.

There are many free mental health hotlines and mental health online support services across Victoria, which provide crisis support, information, resources, counseling, and therapy to people of all ages.

Where to get help:

• Your doctor
• Lifeline, call:  13 11 14
• Switchboard: 1800 184 527
• Kids Helpline, call:  1800 55 1800
• National Domestic Violence Hotline – Call:  1800 200 526
• Beyondblue –  Call: 1300 22 4636
• SuicideLine – Call: 1300 651 251

This episode was originally broadcast on 24 October 2019.

The post The one about great organised events appeared first on Trans P.O.V. (Transgender Point of View).

We play two of Mama Alto’s recordings: Black Coffee and Summer Time. 

And we ask that you consider supporting our JOY Nation campaign.

Remember we can be reached at:

*** We know that sometimes it can be hard to know who to talk to if you are experiencing a mental health crisis. If you do not have family and friends living nearby or a strong local support network it can be hard to get through difficult times on your own. Whether you are in a crisis or you just feel down and need to talk to someone, it is important to know that help is available at all hours of the day and night.

There are many free mental health hotlines and mental health online support services across Victoria, which provide crisis support, information, resources, counseling, and therapy to people of all ages.

Where to get help:

• Your doctor
• Lifeline, call:  13 11 14
• Switchboard: 1800 184 527
• Kids Helpline, call:  1800 55 1800
• National Domestic Violence Hotline – Call:  1800 200 526
• Beyondblue –  Call: 1300 22 4636
• SuicideLine – Call: 1300 651 251

This episode was originally broadcast on 17 October 2019.

The post The one with the wonderful Mama Alto appeared first on Trans P.O.V. (Transgender Point of View).