2018-11-20
On this year’s Transgender Day of Remembrance, Greens LGBTIQ+ spokesperson Senator Janet Rice acknowledged the importance of the day and paid her respects to the trans and gender diverse people who are no longer with us.
Senator Rice also called on Prime Minister Scott Morrison to apologise to all trans and gender diverse Australians for the hurt and damage his past actions have caused.
“This Trans Day of Remembrance I remember the beautiful trans and gender diverse people we have lost because our society refused to celebrate them,” Senator Rice said.
“It is devastating that in Australia and around the world trans and gender diverse people continue to face daily discrimination, violence and vilification.
“Is this any wonder when transphobic, hateful bigots like Donald Trump and Jair Bolsonaro have been elected into high office around the world?
“Here in Australia we have a Prime Minister who labelled a program to help teachers support trans and gender diverse kids as ‘gender whispering’, saying we should ‘let kids be kids’.
“These kind of statements from our Prime Minister and elected leaders contribute to trans and gender diverse people suffering worse mental health outcomes than their cisgender peers and the high rate of self-harm and suicide of trans and gender diverse people.
“I call on the Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, to use today to reflect on the hurt and damage his past actions have caused and apologise to trans and gender diverse Australians.”
Senator Rice also recommitted the Greens to working with the trans and gender diverse community to fight discrimination and realise their rights.
“To trans and gender diverse Australians I say the Greens will always fight alongside you to make your lives easier and safer, so you can thrive and access the health and support services you require.