An Australian study conducted by the University of Melbourne suggests that growing levels of anti-transgender stigma are linked to poorer mental health outcomes for transgender people.
Published in Frontiers in Mental Health, the survey was conducted in mid-2024 and asked transgender people aged 16 and over living in Australia about the frequency of seven forms of anti-trans stigma they had experienced during the previous month. These included exposure to anti-trans remarks in the news media or online; personal experiences of online bullying, harassment, or threats; exposure to anti-trans rhetoric from Australian politicians and other high-profile individuals; anti-trans rallies; reports of police violence; and international anti-trans legislation and violence.
Among the 807 people who participated in the study, respondents reported being exposed to all seven forms of stigma multiple times each week.
The researchers said the findings demonstrate the need for urgent, collaborative responses from governments, media organisations, and online platforms to reduce stigma-related harm.
Speaking to the ABC, the study’s lead author, Dr River Zwickl, said some respondents described their encounters with anti-trans commentary as “relentless”, “omnipresent”, and “inescapable”.
“We found that anti-trans content in the news and on social media is close to unavoidable,” Dr Zwickl said. “More than 70 per cent of people we surveyed had seen or heard anti-trans remarks online multiple times a week during the previous month.”
Researchers reported that three-quarters of respondents had reduced their news consumption in an effort to limit their exposure to negative coverage. However, they said this also left people feeling less connected to current events.
The study found that respondents who had frequently seen or heard anti-trans remarks were more likely to report anxiety, depression, self-harm thoughts, self-harm behaviours, suicidal ideation, and suicide planning.
The researchers suggested that stronger media standards and greater accountability for breaches of existing guidelines may help reduce harm.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts said the federal government was strengthening its cyberbullying and cyber-abuse programs. The spokesperson also said proposed Digital Duty of Care laws would require online platforms to take proactive steps to reduce harm.
Do you need some support
If you are struggling with anxiety or depression, support and counselling are available from:
QLife: 1800 184 527 / qlife.org.au
QLife are a counselling and referral service for LGBTQIA+ people.
DISCHARGED: info@discharged.asn.au / discharged.asn.au
Discharged is a trans-led support service with peer support groups for trans and gender diverse folks.
Lifeline: 13 11 14 / lifeline.org.au
Beyondblue: 1300 22 4636 / www.beyondblue.org.au
