An essential step to better understanding people who are different from us, or perhaps just like us, is to start with the basics. However, sometimes it can be difficult to know where to start, so we felt it was important for TransHub to include this information.
TransHub has been written to be easy to understand for everyone, but we still use some language and concepts that may be new for you or the people you want to share this site with. A big thank you to the Aurora Group for funding us to build this 101 and to Briar Rolfe who designed most of the illustrations used throughout this section.
This section offers a contemporary, de-pathologised and positive account of the trans experience. It is here to answer some of the first questions you might have about trans people, our allies, and our lives – there’s no time like the present, so let’s begin.
“Transitioning is a process, meaning it’s personal and it can take some time. Go at it at your own pace – it’s not an all or nothing event.”- OMG I’m Trans – Minus 18
The process of social affirmation means different things to different people. Steps that feel essential for some, will feel less important for others. Socially affirming who we are is really personal, there isn’t only one right way to do it.
This section of TransHub covers the many possible changes we might make to affirm our gender without the help of a doctor, including sharing who we are, and finding our community.
People of all genders, ages and backgrounds need to access healthcare at some point in their lives, whether regular check ups, or seeking to treat a health issue or illness.
Trans people, though, often report difficulties finding inclusive health information or services, and may defer going to the doctor for fear of being mistreated.
TransHub offers inclusive information and resources about specific health issues that trans people need to know about, as well as how we can find services that affirm and support us.
In this section we sometimes use medical language to refer to our bodies and explain specific tests and health needs. Every page that contains this language has a warning at the top, and you can find out more about this here.
If you need support now, or feel like you’re in danger or worried for your safety, go to Crisis Support. If you’re looking for less immediate mental healthcare and support, go to Mental Health.
Cancer is something that can affect every body, regardless of a person’s gender or sexuality. However, by screening regularly, any changes can be detected early.
Screening is the process of doing tests when there are no symptoms, or when we can’t tell if there are any symptoms. Screening doesn’t mean you’ve done anything wrong or are unhealthy, it’s just a regular and important part of looking after your body.
This page was last updated on 07 March 2023. If you believe the information on this page is out of date, please get in touch with us.
COVID is a respiratory illness caused by a strain of Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). It was classified as a pandemic by the World Health Organization as of March 2020.
As this pandemic evolves, and information emerges, ACON will continue to monitor the situation to ensure our communities are aware and can take action to stay safe.
As of March 2023:
Australia is no longer in lockdown. Even so, it’s still important to make your own decisions in terms of risk management and to move with caution as transmission rates are still high with new variants circulating.
Physical distancing continues to be advised, and is one of the primary ways of preventing COVID transmission. You can also:
Masks are strongly advised in areas where you cannot physically distance and are mandatory in a number of places, including indoor areas, public transport, aircrafts and more. You can find more details here.
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) recommends a 2023 COVID booster dose for adults whose last vaccine dose or confirmed infection was 6+ months ago who are:
It is advised you seek testing if you show any symptoms of COVID, even if you are not sure how it could have been transmitted to you. Potential symptoms of COVID include:
Rapid Antigen Tests (RAT)s, are also now available in selected pharmacies if you are unable to test at a clinic.
“We are not what other people say we are. We are who we know ourselves to be, and we are what we love. That’s OK.”- Laverne Cox
Going to the doctor is a necessary part of life for most of us. For trans and gender diverse people, medically affirming our gender involves hormones and/or surgical intervention, so building relationships with doctors and health professionals becomes critically important.
For those who seek them, medical interventions can be a critically important part of how we affirm our gender. Interventions are not only medically necessary, but life saving.
Everyone deserves to feel safe and supported by their doctor, and anyone can learn how to advocate for their own needs. This section of TransHub offers information and resources to support us as we medically affirm who we are.
At some point in our lives, and to varying degrees, all trans and gender diverse people, just like cis people, will need to engage with government systems and legal processes.
This section of TransHub takes a broad look at how we might legally affirm our gender such as updating our legal identity across various government institutions, living trans on different visas, as well as understanding our rights and knowing what to do, and where to go to seek justice, interacting with the criminal justice system and accessing superannuation.
Legal affirmation just means confirming who you are in systems, not creating who you are. You’re already valid in the name you use and the gender you are.
This section of TransHub has been reviewed and endorsed by the Australian Professional Association for Trans Health (AusPATH) is Australia’s peak body for professionals involved in the health, rights and well-being of trans, gender diverse and non-binary people. You can learn more about AusPATH here.
