Forty people gathered in wet weather to protest an anti-transgender message on a billboard in Hobart’s northern suburbs.

For nearly a month the billboard sponsored by anti-transgender group, LGB Tasmania, has broadcast the message “Let Kids Be Kids” in opposition to gender-affirming care for young trans and gender diverse Tasmanians.

The protesters stood before the billboard at the Hobart showgrounds on the Brooker Highway in Glenorchy and eld banners declaring “Let Trans Kids Be Trans Kids”, “Trans Lives Worth Fighting For” and “Unbroken”, with some commuters hitting their car horns in support.

“It was heartwarming to have so many people brave the wet and blustery conditions to join our action to support and stand in solidarity with trans and gender diverse Tasmanians,” Equality Tasmania spokesperson and event organiser Olivia Hogarth said.

“As the 40 of us stood in front of the electronic billboard on the Brooker Hwy in Glenorchy, we were greeted by supportive car horns from people who supported our message ‘Let trans kids be trans kids’.”

Long-time Tasmanian transgender human rights advocate, Martine Delaney, says solidarity is needed as transgender rights continue to be undermined.

“The rights of trans and gender diverse kids to exist is being undermined by misinformation campaigns. It’s vital they see their allies standing up for them, no matter how cruel the weather!”

From Monday, the billboard was to be replaced by trans-affirming messages sponsored by Equality Tasmania. These messages were to include “Let transgender kids be themselves” and “Save lives, Support transgender kids”.

However, overnight the billboard was vandalised with red paint and it is uncertain when Equality Tasmania’s messages will begin. The LGB Tasmania message had one day left to run.

LGB Tasmania have announced plans to promote similar messages in Launceston and Burnie, and further to Sydney and Melbourne.

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.

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

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