Transcend Australia is delighted to announce that we have been awarded $300,000 through the Australian Government’s LGBTIQA+ Health Program, administered by LGBTIQ+ Health Australia, to expand support for families and their trans, gender diverse and non-binary children in Queensland.
The two-year project, Families as Protective Partners for Trans Young People’s Health, will strengthen peer support, service navigation and health literacy, helping more Queensland families access timely, affirming, and evidence-based information and connect with the services and communities they need.
Building on the success of our Queensland Connected Communities project, and support we are already providing families in Queensland, the funding will expand our Family Services team to provide both online and in-person peer navigation, support and education. The project will focus on regional Queensland, where many families experience long travel times, limited local services and few opportunities to connect with others who understand their experiences.
Supportive families are one of the strongest protective factors for the health and wellbeing of trans young people. Yet many parents and carers tell us they struggle to find reliable information, navigate complex health systems and meet other families walking a similar path.
Through this project, Transcend Australia will:
- Expand peer navigation and family support services delivered from within Queensland, for families across the state.
- Increase online and in-person opportunities for families to connect.
- Improve health literacy through evidence-based resources and education.
- Strengthen referral pathways with health professionals and community organisations.
- Improve access to support for families living in regional and rural communities.
The funding builds on more than a decade of experience supporting families of trans young people. Our evaluation shows:
- 76.7% of families said receiving support from Transcend Australia increased their support for their trans child.
- 61% said their ability to advocate for their child improved after accessing our services.
- 88.6% said our resources improved their knowledge and confidence.
When families are supported, trans young people are more likely to experience safe, affirming environments, access affirming care, build resilience and thrive.
Susanne Prosser, CEO of Transcend Australia, said:
“When families are supported, trans young people are better able to thrive. This funding means more Queensland families will have access to trusted information, peer connection and practical support at the moments they need it most.
Too many families in regional Queensland tell us they feel isolated and unsure where to turn. We’re changing that by bringing support closer to home and ensuring every family can access an affirming community.”
Transcend Australia thanks the Australian Government and LGBTIQ+ Health Australia for investing in community-led approaches that strengthen protective factors, improve health literacy and expand access to affirming support for trans young people and their families.
