The ACT Government is proud to stand with trans and gender diverse Canberrans and is reaffirming its commitment to equality, dignity and respect for all members of the LGBTIQA+ communities during Trans Awareness Week 2025 (13-19 November).
This Thursday 20 November also marks the annual Transgender Day of Remembrance, honouring the memory of the trans lives lost to acts of transphobia and discrimination.
Minister for Disability, Carers and Community Services Suzanne Orr said the week is an important opportunity to reflect on the challenges trans and gender diverse people continue to face, and to celebrate their strength, resilience and contributions to the Canberra community.
"Trans and gender diverse people continue to face discrimination, exclusion and poorer health and social outcomes. This includes right here in Canberra and across Australia. The ACT Government stands in solidarity with our trans and gender diverse communities this Trans Awareness Week and reaffirms our commitment to equality, dignity and respect for all," Minister Orr said.
"I'm proud the ACT Government is supporting 'The Unsaid Says A Lot' campaign - designed by trans and gender diverse people to highlight the power of non-verbal communication and the impact it can have. By listening, learning and acting as allies, we can help shift perceptions, reduce discrimination and celebrate the strength and diversity of our LGBTIQA+ communities."
Research shows that more than 3 in 4 trans and gender diverse people have been treated unfairly because of their gender identity in the past year. As one of the key commitments under the Capital of Equality Strategy 2024-2029, this campaign is yet another crucial step toward our vision of Canberra as the most welcoming and inclusive city in Australia.
The campaign encourages all Canberrans to reflect on the messages we send - intentionally or not - and to be active allies in creating a more inclusive and respectful community. It asks all of us to reflect what happens when we stay silent in the face of exclusion, discrimination, or harm? The Unsaid Says A Lot campaign challenges Canberrans to choose not to look away, but to step in and stand up.
To learn more about the campaign and how to support trans and gender diverse people, visit https://www.act.gov.au/campaigns/the-unsaid.
