Premium Content:

Nurses call for equality in trans & gender diverse healthcare

On Transgender Day of Visibility, The Australian College of Nursing (ACN) is calling for the immediate address of health gaps experienced by trans and gender diverse Australians.

- Advertisement -

The ACN released a statement today celebrating the achievements, presence and community of trans and gender diverse folks, identifying urgent issues in healthcare.

“Today, I would like to acknowledge the persistent contribution trans and gender diverse people make to our society and especially those who are my colleagues in the nursing profession,” ACN CEO Adjunct Professor Kylie Ward FACN said.

“It is unconscionable that this group continues to experience discrimination in accessing many of our areas of society such as health, education and sports.”

“The flow on effect means trans and gender diverse people are more likely to experience much higher rates of violence, mental health problems and homelessness – just to name a few examples.”

“These statistics are even more troubling for those in already marginalised groups, such as people of colour, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and young Australians. Our society must not tolerate discrimination based on gender or any other form.”

Adjunct Professor Ward also highlighted how the nursing profession has a leading role to play in tackling the systemic issues trans and gender diverse people experience.

“Nurses are the starting point for those looking to enter the health system, not just in hospitals but in all settings of care delivery across the community,” Ward said.

“We see first-hand the devastating health impacts of discrimination against trans and gender diverse people. Nurses are dedicated to advocating for the most vulnerable in our society and we know there is an urgent need for reform to address the disparities they face.”

“As a profession, we are also continually learning and reflecting on how we can evolve to ensure the consumer experience with the health system is as positive as possible.”

In consultation with nurse leaders in the area, ACN developed Guiding Principles on Nursing Leadership in Diversity and Inclusion in 2021 to provide nurses with the tools and knowledge to establish culturally safe and inclusive work environments.”

“ACN is firmly committed to leading a diverse and inclusive organisation that is dedicated to social impact and shaping the health of all Australians, and these principles are central to all areas of our organisation including staff, students, members and stakeholders.”


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 (Webchat 3pm – midnight)
QLife are a counselling and referral service for LGBTQIA+ people.

DISCHARGEDinfo@discharged.org.au / discharged.org.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


You can support our work by subscribing to our Patreon
or contributing to our GoFundMe campaign.

Latest

Brigitte Macron will prove that she’s a cisgender woman for lawsuit

The couple are suing conservative commentator Candice Owens.

Busselton rate payer group welcomes Neo-Nazi candidate to their forum

Other candidate have refused to share a stage with Stephen Wells.

‘Leg Business’ – hilarious, profound, shocking and unforgettable

This new production at The Blue Room is not to be missed if you love bold and boundary pushing theatre.

Barack Obama speaks out against Trump administration’s media intimidation

The former President says the intimidation of media companies has reached a "dangerous" level.

Newsletter

Don't miss

Brigitte Macron will prove that she’s a cisgender woman for lawsuit

The couple are suing conservative commentator Candice Owens.

Busselton rate payer group welcomes Neo-Nazi candidate to their forum

Other candidate have refused to share a stage with Stephen Wells.

‘Leg Business’ – hilarious, profound, shocking and unforgettable

This new production at The Blue Room is not to be missed if you love bold and boundary pushing theatre.

Barack Obama speaks out against Trump administration’s media intimidation

The former President says the intimidation of media companies has reached a "dangerous" level.

Donald Trump says he’d have “no problem” with a proposal to remove Pride flags from Washington’s streets

The comments come as the US administration signals a crackdown of press freedom and freedom of speech.

Brigitte Macron will prove that she’s a cisgender woman for lawsuit

The couple are suing conservative commentator Candice Owens.

Busselton rate payer group welcomes Neo-Nazi candidate to their forum

Other candidate have refused to share a stage with Stephen Wells.

‘Leg Business’ – hilarious, profound, shocking and unforgettable

This new production at The Blue Room is not to be missed if you love bold and boundary pushing theatre.