PTC Gender-Diversity Hub

A Message to Our Treasured Trans, Non-Binary & Gender Diverse Community:
We see you. We hear you. We love you. We are proudly you.

At Progressive Therapeutic Counselling (PTC), we understand the world can feel heavy right now for many in our trans, non-binary, and gender diverse communities. It’s not just the news headlines—it’s the everyday reality of fighting for visibility, safety, and respect.

We want you to know that you are not alone, and that there are people, practices, and communities standing firmly with you.

We are a proudly queer and gender diverse mental health practice, and we believe in creating a space where everyone can feel supported, validated, and loved. Below you’ll find information on mutual aid, community care, peer support, the importance of cis allyship, and resources available across Australia.

This is a living website, meaning that it is regularly updated. If you have anything you would like us to add to the website, please email us at:
admin@progressivetherapeutic.com.au

You Have Always Existed—and Always Will

Trans and gender diverse people are not new. Your history is long, rich, and full of love & strength. You deserve to take up space in this world. We recognise how tough it can be right now, but we want to remind you that this community is strong and determined. Together, we can get through these challenges and help each other heal and thrive.

Trans women of colour and lesbians, including pioneers like Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera, and Stormé DeLarverie, led the fight for our collective freedom at the Stonewall riots. We continue that fight in their memory, carrying forward their courage, resilience, and unwavering belief that all of us deserve to live and love openly, safely, and proudly.

The Power of Community Joy & Resilience

It’s not all about struggle—there is also so much love, creativity, and strength within the trans and gender diverse community. Consider a short section on celebrating trans joy:

  • Cultural Events: Events like Trans Day of Visibility and local Pride festivals can be uplifting.

  • Role Models: Highlight inspiring trans activists, artists, writers, and everyday heroes.

  • Success Stories: Share stories from the community about personal growth, career milestones, or supportive families—it’s important to balance tough news with hope and positivity.

Your Right to Feel Anger—and to Protest

It’s natural to feel angry at injustices. Your feelings are valid, and they can be a catalyst for change. You have the right to protest, to speak out, and to demand better treatment from the world around you. If you choose to march, rally, or speak publicly, please stay safe:

  • Go with Friends: Stick together and look out for each other.

  • Know Your Rights: Research local protest laws and carry important contact numbers.

  • Take Care Afterwards: Protesting can be exhausting emotionally and physically. Plan time to rest and debrief with someone you trust.

Intersectionality: Celebrating All Identities

It’s important to acknowledge that identities don’t exist in isolation. Trans, non-binary, and gender diverse people can also be Black, Indigenous, people of colour, people with disabilities, parents, migrants, neurodiverse, and more. Each of these overlapping identities can affect how someone experiences discrimination, support, and community. Recognizing and celebrating the richness of intersectionality can help everyone feel seen and included.

Mutual Aid: Supporting One Another

In times like these, mutual aid can be a powerful way to strengthen our community bonds. Mutual aid means people helping people—sharing resources, skills, and time so no one is left behind.

  • Offer a Hand: If you’re able, offer to drive a friend to an appointment, share meals, or donate spare clothing or supplies.

  • Ask for Help: Reach out to your network if you need something—housing, financial support, groceries, or even just an open ear. We all need help sometimes, and that’s okay.

Community Care: We Need Each Other

Community care is about fostering connection. It goes beyond self-care and emphasizes that true well-being is collective.

  • Check In Regularly: Call, text, or meet for coffee to see how loved ones are coping.

  • Create Safe Spaces: Organize small gatherings or online meetups where folks can share their stories, vent frustrations, or just have fun.

  • Celebrate Wins: Whether it’s a legal victory, a personal goal, or just making it through a tough day—acknowledge and celebrate these moments together.

Peer Support: Healing in Shared Stories

Peer support means finding folks who understand your journey because they’ve lived it too. Talking with other trans, non-binary, and gender diverse individuals can be incredibly healing, reminding you that you’re not alone.

  • Local Support Groups: Look for trans and gender diverse social or advocacy groups in your area. Libraries, community centres, or local Pride organisations often host meetups.

  • Online Communities: Spaces like Facebook groups, Discord servers, and specialised forums can be wonderful places to find friends and allies around Australia and beyond.

We Need Genuine Cis Allies—This Is Everyone’s Fight

Cisgender allies have a crucial role in this movement. Your support helps amplify trans voices and reduces the emotional labor carried by the community alone.

  • Listen and Learn: Keep educating yourself about trans issues, terminology, and experiences.

  • Speak Up: Challenge transphobia when you see it—whether it’s at home, in the workplace, or online.

  • Donate & Volunteer: Offer your time, resources, or professional skills to organizations that support trans and gender diverse communities.

Finding Affirming Healthcare

Healthcare can be a challenge for many in the trans and gender diverse community. Not all practitioners are well-versed in gender-affirming care. Encouraging people to seek out or request:

  • Gender-Affirming General Practitioners (GPs)

    • Look for GPs who are knowledgeable about hormone therapy, referrals to endocrinologists, and mental health professionals with trans expertise.

  • Trans-Friendly Clinics

    • Some larger cities have dedicated clinics or networks (for example, the Equinox Clinic in Melbourne or the Gender Centre in Sydney) that specialize in gender-affirming healthcare.

  • Online Directories

    • Check out local advocacy groups or websites that maintain lists of trans-friendly providers.

Tips for Self-Care

Self-care goes beyond bubble baths and candles (though they can be lovely!). Remind folks of practical ways to nurture mental and emotional well-being:

  1. Set Boundaries

    • Whether it’s news consumption or social media usage, setting limits can help protect your mental health.

  2. Find Moments of Joy

    • Small daily joys—music, a good meal, time in nature—can balance out stress.

  3. Creative Outlets

    • Art, journaling, and other creative hobbies offer a positive way to process complex emotions.

  4. Seek Professional Support

    • Don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional who affirms and understands gender diversity (like our team at PTC!).

Supporting Families & Friends

It can be helpful to have a dedicated section for parents, siblings, and friends who want to learn how best to support their loved ones:

  • Educate Yourselves: Look up resources, attend workshops, or connect with local PFLAG chapters.

  • Respect Names and Pronouns: It might take time to adjust, but consistent effort shows genuine support.

  • Be an Advocate: Sometimes, family and friends have more “social capital” in certain circles. Use that privilege to speak out and correct misinformation.

PTC

At Progressive Therapeutic Counselling, we’re committed to offering a welcoming, affirming space for trans, non-binary, and gender diverse individuals. Our team is proudly queer and gender diverse, and we understand the unique challenges our community faces. If you need someone to talk to, or if you’re looking for professional mental health support with a deep understanding of gender diversity, we’re here.

Contact Us

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re in need of support or would like more information about our services. We’re all in this together—let’s keep supporting each other, lifting each other up, and fighting for the world we know is possible.

Where to Find Help: Australian Queer & Trans-Friendly Resources

If you’re in crisis, feeling unsafe, or need a listening ear, please reach out. Below are some affirming resources and helplines in Australia:

Immediate Support

  • Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24/7)

  • Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 (24/7)

  • Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 (24/7, for young people under 25)

LGBTQIA+ Specific Helplines & Services

  • QLife: 1800 184 527 (3pm – midnight AEST, every day) | www.qlife.org.au

    • Offers telephone and web chat support for LGBTQIA+ people.

  • Switchboard Victoria: 1800 184 527 (same line as QLife) | www.switchboard.org.au

    • Provides peer-driven support services.

  • Rainbow Door: 1800 729 367 (10am – 5pm daily) | www.rainbowdoor.org.au

    • A free service supporting LGBTQIA+ people, their friends, and families.

Trans and Gender Diverse Support & Advocacy

First Nations Support

  • Black Rainbow: www.blackrainbow.org.au

    • Advocacy and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTQIA+ people.

Family and Friends

  • PFLAG Australia: www.pflag.org.au

    • Support for parents, families, and friends of LGBTQIA+ individuals.