ACON

* Content warning: transphobic violence and trans misogyny Today is Trans Day of Remembrance; a movement to honour and remember all trans and gender diverse people whose lives have been taken by transphobic violence. While TDoR allows us to reflect on historical violence - trans and gender diverse people still do not feel safe on our streets today. The 2023 Trans Justice Project report noted that 1 in 10 trans people experienced anti-trans violence and assault. Since 2009, the Trans Murder Monitoring Project, a project recording the number of global homicides against trans people, has reported 5322 murders worldwide; with 281 occurring this past year. Sex workers (34%) remain the most targeted group of all known occupations. This last year, there was a notable rise in murders of activists and movement leaders. Black, brown and First Nations trans women and trans feminine people are consistently the predominant target of transphobic homicides. Days like TDoR are stark reminders of what is happening to trans women of colour and trans feminine people in our society. Any discussion of TDoR would be incomplete without highlighting the continued need for safety. Tonight, we gather to speak the names of those who have passed, so their memory can live on. Tomorrow, we continue to work toward a culture where trans women and all trans and gender diverse people are safe. TransHub want to thank our community for continuing to work towards this safety. We want to thank you for standing by trans-lead movements and projects like TransHub that aim to build knowledge, safety and awareness to trans people and our allies. Please check our bio to find a vigil in your local area as well as resources to continue to educate and build awareness against trans misogyny and transphobia. To trans folk reading this today, and especially our trans sisters, know that you are cherished. #TransDayOfRemembrance #TDOR

It’s Trans Awareness Week! This year, we’d like to share with you the stories of trans & gender diverse icons we find inspiring stories of resistance, resilience, and dreams. On this sixth day of the Trans Week of Awareness, we’d like to introduce Roberta, a relentless activist for transgender and sex worker rights. Roberta’s commitment to community was pivotal for trans rights and services in Australia. She worked as a member and leader of the Australian Transsexual Association, which hosted Australia’s first trans rights rally in Manly, and a support group with Wayside Chapel in Kings Cross. As a sociologist, Roberta advocated through her research, raising issues with the NSW Government, institutions, and across civil society. Notably, her groundbreaking research ‘The Drag Queen Scene’ was picked up by the then State Minister for Youth and Community Services. This led to the establishment of Australia’s-first trans community support service Tiresias House in 1983, later renamed the Gender Centre in 1993. Today, the Gender Centre continues to deliver essential services to trans people of all genders across NSW. Image from Wikipedia. Text adapted from TransHub’s Trans Culture Gallery. Want to know more about trans history? Head to the link to discover our Trans Culture Gallery, and Noah Riseman’s book, ‘Transgender Australia’: ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gm_RCtSk ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gHBMin3x

It’s Trans Awareness Week! This year, we’d like to share with you the stories of trans & gender diverse icons we find inspiring stories of resistance, resilience, and dreams.  On day five of the Trans Week of Awareness, we’d like to introduce Jasper, an iconic trans man who battled for gender affirming care in NSW. After co-founding Wicked Women: the country’s first lesbian magazine with a focus on sadomasochism and erotica, Jasper discovered the American magazine FTM; founded in 1986 by Lou Sullivan. He learned about the existence of trans men and realised that he was a man. Frustrated by gatekeeping within the health system, he and his friend Max Zebra-Thyone were able to assemble a small group of trans men for a series of meetings. Out of this gathering, Boys Will Be Boys formed: Australia’s first known trans men’s group. From February 1992 Boys Will Be Boys published a monthly newsletter, and this was able to reach a wider audience. Text and image adapted from Noah Riseman’s ‘NSW Trans History’. Want to know more about trans history? Head to the link to discover our Trans Culture Gallery, and Noah Riseman’s book, ‘Transgender Australia’: ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gm_RCtSk ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gHBMin3x 

It’s Trans Awareness Week! This year, we’d like to share with you the stories of trans & gender diverse icons we find inspiring stories of resistance, resilience, and dreams. On day four of the Trans Week of Awareness, we’d like to introduce Carmen, an emblematic Māori trans woman. A Māori trans woman from Aotearoa New Zealand, Carmen worked as a showgirl, stripper and sex worker in both Sydney and Wellington. She gained notoriety for her shows featuring a snake, and for running for mayor of Wellington in 1977 on a platform of marriage equality and legalising brothels. She subsequently returned to Sydney and the sex work industry from the 1980s onwards. More so than working with clients, Carmen was spending her time looking out for the girls at the Cross. Carmen Rupe passed away in 2011 at age seventy-five.     Text and image adapted from Noah Riseman’s ‘NSW Trans History’. Want to know more about trans history? Head to the link to discover our Trans Culture Gallery, and Noah Riseman’s book, ‘Transgender Australia’: ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gm_RCtSk ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gHBMin3x

It’s Trans Awareness Week! This year, we’d like to share with you the stories of trans & gender diverse icons we find inspiring stories of resistance, resilience, and dreams. On day three of the Trans Week of Awareness, we’d like to introduce Laxmi, an Indian activist who is part of the Hijra community.   Laxmi, born 1979 in Thane, India, is a trans activist, Bollywood actress, and Bharanatyam dancer. She identifies with the Hijra community, which is one of the oldest ethnic communities of trans, third gender and intersex people. She advocated and fought successfully for the recognition of a third gender community in the Indian Supreme Court. She has written three books over the years describing her experience of transitioning. Laxmi has starred in several TV shows. She was a participant in the Indian television show Bigg Boss 5. She also starred in Sach Ka Samna with Rajeev Khandelval, 10 Ka Dum with Salman Khan and Raaz Pichle Janam Ka. Image: Timothy Herbert. Text adapted from TransHub’s Trans Culture Gallery & Noah Riseman’s report on NSW trans history. Want to know more about trans history? Head to the link to discover our Trans Culture Gallery, and Noah Riseman’s book, ‘Transgender Australia’: ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gm_RCtSk ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gHBMin3x

It’s Trans Awareness Week! This year, we’d like to share with you the stories of trans and gender diverse icons we find inspiring; stories of resistance, resilience, and dreams.  On this second day of Trans Awareness Week we’d like to introduce We'wha; a cultural leader, artist, and diplomat from Zuni Pueblo in present-day New Mexico.  Born into the Zuni tribe in 1849, We’wha was a lhamana. Llhamana are two-spirited individuals who held positions of honour in the community, commonly taking on both masculine and feminine traits and roles, often also serving as mediators. We’wha served as a cultural ambassador for Native Americans, especially the Zuni, and was the contact point for settlers. We’wha was also known as a masterful weaver and potter. During the late 19th century, white settlers were forcing an agenda of assimilation on Native American tribal cultures, and We’wha travelled to Washington D.C. to advocate and assist in documenting Zuni culture. Text adapted from TransHub’s Trans Culture Gallery & Noah Riseman’s report on NSW trans history. Want to know more about trans history? Head to the link to discover our Trans Culture Gallery, and Noah Riseman’s book, ‘Transgender Australia’: ➡ https://lnkd.in/gm_RCtSk ➡ https://lnkd.in/gHBMin3x

“The Red Ribbon Appeal is such an important cause,” says Sydney drag star Mulan, who has been going red for ACON on World AIDS Day for the past several years. “While we’ve achieved so much in addressing HIV, there is still more to do and supporting the Red Ribbon Appeal is one way I can help in raising awareness and funds.” Mulan will be supporting ACON’s Red Ribbon Appeal this year at various fundraising events in Sydney including at Oxford Street Night Markets, Pride Square, Stonewall Hotel and Beresford Sundays. “World AIDS Day is an important time for our communities, so I encourage everyone to support ACON’s Red Ribbon Appeal by getting involved,” Mulan says. Get involved this World AIDS Day and raise funds for the Red Ribbon Appeal. Your support will help our work in HIV prevention and support, and ensure no one gets left behind. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/e-wAGEJ3 

It’s Trans Awareness Week! This year, we’d like to share with you the stories of trans and gender diverse icons we find inspiring, stories of resistance, resilience, and dreams. On this first day of the Trans Week of Awareness, we’d like to introduce Norrie; a Scottish-Australian trailblazer. Born in Scotland, Norrie moved to Australia in the 1990s.Norrie is an author, activist and political cartoonist who became the first trans person in the world to have their sex legally recorded as neither male nor female. They first attempted to have this registered in 2010, but NSW Births Deaths and Marriages rescinded the application. After a four-year appeal battle, propelled by Norrie’s ‘effective amateur lawyering’, the High Court of Australia ruled in their favour, and Norrie became the first person to legally register their sex as ‘not specific’. They can now be found riding around Sydney’s Inner West on a bicycle that trails bubbles. Image credits: Jack London Text adapted from TransHub’s Trans Culture Gallery & Noah Riseman’s report on NSW trans history. Want to know more about trans history? Head to the link to discover our Trans Culture Gallery, and Noah Riseman’s book, ‘Transgender Australia’: ➡ https://lnkd.in/gm_RCtSk

World AIDS Day (1 December) is a time when we can all come together and remember those we have lost to an AIDS-related illness, give support and solidarity to people living with HIV, and face HIV stigma head on. While we have made great advances in testing and treatment, some attitudes have not changed, and HIV stigma can have a profound impact on those at high risk of acquiring HIV from accessing vital services and support. By going red on World AIDS Day and supporting ACON’s Red Ribbon Appeal, you are helping our efforts to tackle HIV stigma, prevent new HIV transmissions and support people living with HIV. Fundraise your way or at work! Get your colleagues, team or network together and make a difference! ❤ Bring people together for an important cause ❤ Raise funds for HIV education, advocacy, care and support ❤ Go red and make an impact Go to https://lnkd.in/e-wAGEJ3

Looking for a way to commemorate Trans Day of Remembrance this month? Join community vigils across the country to honour trans and gender diverse lives lost to transphobia and violence. - New South Wales (NSW) | Thursday 20 November, 5:30pm - The vigil will be hosted by the Gender Centre at 10 Lilydale St, Marrickville. - Victoria (VIC) | Thursday 20 November, 5:30pm - The vigil will be hosted by Transgender Victoria at Collingwood Town Hall. - Western Australia (WA) | Thursday 20 November, 6.15pm at the Ozone Reserve, East Perth. - South Australia (SA) | Thursday 20 November, 6:00pm - Vigil hosted by TransMasc SA, TransFemme SA & SARAA at Howling Owl, Adelaide. Know of another vigil happening? Drop it in the comments below! Registration is essential for most events. Check www.transmonth.org.au for more info.