Trans Awareness Week: Spotlight on our project team working in Nelson Marlborough, plus a community-led health survey and resources
In honour of Trans Awareness Week, we're spotlighting a team who are working together to assess the current health pathways and experiences for non-binary, transgender and/or gender-diverse people in the Nelson Marlborough area.
Representing primary and secondary health services, consumers, and community organisations, the project team is a part of Ki Te Pae Ora (towards a healthy future), a project which takes a system-wide approach to transformation in the health sector.
PATHA, the Professional Association for Transgender Health Aotearoa has supported the project team with education, resources, and expert guidance as the team assesses working proposals that emphasise a person-centred, informed consent model in line with national best practice.
Ki Te Pae Ora supports 'Counting Ourselves' - a community-led, anonymous health and wellbeing survey:
If you are trans, non-binary and/or gender diverse, over the age of 14 - and interested in sharing your, feedback and experience with regard to interacting with the health system - you are invited to participate in the Counting Ourselves survey, an anonymous survey designed by and for trans and non-binary people.
This survey aims to improve the lives of transgender people by collecting information regarding:
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how well trans and non-binary people are doing in mental health and physical health compared to the rest of the population
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the stigma, discrimination, and violence experienced as trans and non-binary people, including when that is compounded by racism or ableism
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any barriers to accessing gender-affirming care
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experiences in doctors’ clinics, hospitals, and other healthcare settings
The first survey in 2018 has been used to advocate for better healthcare for trans people and to change other laws, policies and practices to improve the lives of trans and non-binary people in Aotearoa. Completing this 2022 survey will tell Counting Ourselves what has changed since then, including the improvements and ongoing challenges.
Useful Resources:
Takatāpui: a resource hub for takatāpui and their whānau.
InsideOUT: helping rainbow young people in Aotearoa New Zealand have a greater sense of safety and belonging in their schools and communities.
Gender Minorities Aotearoa: supporting transgender people of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds, and provide one-to-one peer support and information nationwide.
Be There: support and guidance for caregivers of rainbow youth.