The Allan Labor Government is fostering strong, safe and sustainable LGBTIQA+ community connections through a new Australian-first transgender and gender diverse hub and support centre in Melbourne.
In celebration of Transgender Awareness Week, Minister for Equality Harriet Shing today opened the new Affirmation Station – an inclusive space run by Transgender Victoria (TGV) where trans and gender diverse Victorians can connect, empower and celebrate their community.
The Labor Government proudly supported the new hub through surge funding provided to TGV in March, as part of a $900,000 package to eight key trans and gender diverse support organisations in response to an increased demand for supports following anti-trans protests and media coverage.
Located in Brunswick East, the hub will strengthen the wellbeing of trans and gender diverse Victorians by promoting community connection, championing the voices and experiences of these communities, and building a shared sense of identity and solidarity.
Open to the public from December, the Affirmation Station will host social gatherings, workshops, and gender-affirming activities, with programs designed to help gender-diverse people freely explore who they are and how they want to express themselves.
This transformative new venue will also be home to a gender-affirming op shop and a Trans Makers Boutique market showcasing products made by trans and gender diverse creatives from across Victoria.
The hub builds on the peer support program delivered by TGV in partnership with the Labor Government, which has engaged more than 1,800 trans and gender diverse Victorians since its launch in 2019 and received $2 million in the Victorian Budget 2022/23.
Quote attributable to Minister for Equality Harriet Shing
“We will never stop working to ensure the safety, inclusion, and respect of trans and gender-diverse Victorians, and I am incredibly proud to support the invaluable work Transgender Victoria does for the wellbeing of our communities.”
Quote attributable to Member for Northern Metropolitan Region Sheena Watt
"We're fostering a sense of safety, inclusion, and respect for trans and gender diverse Victorians through Australia's first trans-led community hub, Affirmation Station. It's with immense pride that we support the vital work Transgender Victoria does for our communities."
Quote attributable to Commissioner for LGBTIQA+ Communities Dr Todd Fernando
“The Affirmation Station is a vibrant symbol of the connection, perseverance and resilience of our trans and gender diverse communities after a challenging year of unnecessary and harmful public debate.”
Quote attributable to Transgender Victoria CEO Son Vivienne
“We know that 77 per cent of transgender and gender diverse individuals report feeling socially isolated. We believe that building community and social connection is the cure. Transgender Victoria has been providing support to trans communities for more than 20 years, and we're delighted to finally have our very own physical home.”
Reviewed 18 November 2023