Gateway Health has thrown its support behind the National Day of Action to Protect Trans Youth on February 8, organised by the Trans Justice Project.
The day of action is in response to the Queensland Government’s ban on hormone therapy for trans young people. It calls on the government to overturn the ban and make gender-affirming care accessible and affordable for everyone who needs it.
Gateway Health has endorsed the project’s National Day of Action as It continues its advocacy for funding to support trans and gender diverse youth in regional and rural areas.
The Gateway Health Gender Service meets a significant gap in the local service system and has assisted more than 400 young people and their families since its inception.
Funding constraints and fiscal pressure mean the service is not sustainable without further support.
Gateway Health CEO Trent Dean echoed calls to protect the rights of trans youth to grow up happy, healthy, and with the freedom to be themselves.
He said the organisation’s endorsement for the day of action was supported by its priorities and values and it would continue to work to protect and provide access evidence-based, life-changing and lifesaving health care.
“Gateway Health plays a critical role in supporting LGBTQIA+ youth in rural and regional Victoria and southern NSW,” Mr Dean said.
“The benefits of creating inclusive programs, services and safe spaces in our catchment extends beyond the individual; ensuring access to safe and affirming health care, fostering a sense of community, reducing stigma, promoting understanding and driving social change.”
The Trans Justice Project is the first, trans-led, national campaigning organisation that aims to build a powerful, trans-led movement standing up for freedom, justice, and equality for all trans and gender diverse people.
Gateway Health is a charitable, not-for-profit community health organisation providing affordable healthcare, support services, community programs, and outreach initiatives across North East Victoria and parts of southern NSW.
