Trans help at hand
A new national transgender social support group has started this month.
The Melbourne-based Ausgender will offer support for people going through the transitional process via monthly meetings and a new website.
Ausgender spokeswoman Sammantha Elmes said the group was formed to assist people going through the physical and legal processes of transitioning.
“We looked at what was already out there and Ausgender was formed really for transsexual men and women. The broader trans community, we think, is already well serviced with the Seahorse groups in the various states,” Elmes told Sydney Star Observer. “What we want to focus on is the TS [transsexual] element of the trans community because that’s where we think help is most needed.”
Ausgender will also support those pushing for transgender rights in the political sphere and will work with organisations such as the Zoe Belle Gender Centre (ZBGC) for the establishment of a gender centre.
TransGender Victoria spokesperson Sally Goldner said Ausgender was a welcome addition to existing trans support groups.
“There’s a lot of goodwill and cross-promotion and resource-sharing,” she said. “It means there are more resources out there which is a good thing.”
info: Visit www.ausgender.com.au
