Creating Safe Spaces: The Way Back to connection and care

Compared to the rest of the population, members of the TGD community have reported higher levels of abuse and discrimination, which are some of the factors leading to higher rates of suicidal distress.

Many trans and gender diverse people also experience significant barriers to accessing inclusive and gender affirming healthcare.

Luna (they/she), a participant of The Way Back suicide aftercare program at our Neami Hurstville service, shared some their previous experiences seeking healthcare and support.

She highlighted the energy it takes to educate staff, advocate for their gender to be respected and have access to the medications they need.

‘When you’re in a vulnerable place, and are seeking out support, not having to advocate for your gender to be recognised can mean being able to utilise the supports for what they’re for – rather than having to provide education about trans-affirming care and gender identity,’ she told us.

‘When in distress with urgent medical needs, correcting people or needing to justify the importance of specific medications can take up a lot of energy.’

Maeve Delaney, Lived Experience Community Care Coordinator, told us that she often reflects on the overrepresentation of trans and gender diverse people in The Way Back program, consistently representing about a third of her participants.

‘It’s a very disappointing representation of the unfair treatment and discrimination that transgender and gender diverse people face daily, leading to such high rates of suicidal ideation,’ she said.

Yesterday, The Way Back NSW team at Neami Hurstville hosted a staff and participant picnic for Transgender Awareness Week to celebrate the TGD community.

The Way Back NSW is a suicide aftercare service, offering compassionate, non-judgemental support for people and their loved ones following experiences of distress and/or suicidal crisis.

The picnic gave participants an opportunity to bond and share experiences and, being a suicide aftercare service, it was important to give pause for reflection to remember those we’ve lost to discrimination and suicide.

‘I think it’s so important to host events like this picnic, if even just to have a social event and spend time with like-minded people,’ said Maeve.

‘Today reminded people that they are not alone, and I hope that we were able to combat the social isolation that typically accompanies discrimination.’

Luna reflected on her experience with The Way Back, saying that not needing to explain her gender has been a welcome relief.

‘Having the chance to engage with queer workers in a service like the one I worked with in The Way Back program means that the work we’ve done has focused on what I’ve needed, rather than trying to feel accepted or be understood,’ they said.

‘It’s more than just being understood, it’s about feeling understood.’

When asked about what she would like to see more of from the broader community, Luna spoke to the value of gender-affirming safe spaces and the desire for genuine connection – regardless of gender identity.

‘When there are trans-specific events or supports, and inclusive spaces, I’ve been able to make friends and build connections with community, who have shared their kindness, love and support.

‘Trans-inclusive events like the picnic with Neami are a great way to better the systems within society.

‘I feel safer within queer and trans-inclusive spaces, because I feel that I can just meet people and know that people are there to meet me, not my gender.

‘We shouldn’t have to come out as trans or queer to access care or community. Ideally, people would just see each other holistically for who we are, one human to another.’