Transgender Day of Remembrance
On 20 November, the Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) honours transgender and gender-diverse people whose lives have been lost to acts of violence and discrimination. It serves as a solemn reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by trans communities worldwide — and an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to inclusion, respect, and safety.
Originating in 1999, TDOR is now marked globally as a time to remember those we have lost, to reflect on the ongoing challenges faced by trans and gender-diverse communities, and recommit to creating safer, more affirming environments for everyone.
Transgender and gender-diverse Australians continue to face disproportionately high rates of discrimination and mental-health distress. In the most recent National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing 2020-2022 :
- Transgender young individuals (aged 16-34) report a significantly higher incidence of mental health challenges (70% compared to 48% for cis-gendered individuals)
- The proportion of trans people aged 16-34 years with a 12-month mental disorder was almost twice that of cis-gendered people of the same age (58.8% compared with 31.1%).
- Close to one in five transgender individuals (19.6%) had self-harmed in their lifetime, compared with one in twelve cisgendered individuals (8.5%).
These aren’t just statistics—they represent the lived experiences of transgender and gender diverse individuals in Australia.
Our commitment in the Faculty of Business and Economics
In FBE, we acknowledge that fostering an inclusive and respectful community means recognising and valuing gender diversity among our students and staff. Across the week of 20 November, we invite colleagues to pause, learn, and show visible solidarity with our transgender and gender-diverse peers.
One meaningful and effective way to show your support is to complete the Trans-Affirming Workplaces training module, which helps build confidence and understanding in supporting transgender and gender-diverse colleagues and students.
Support and further information
The Safer Community Program offers specialist support to the University’s transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) community. This includes guidance around gender affirmation at the University, connections to appropriate services and agencies, and TGD resources for students and staff.
You can also explore support resources for our trans and gender-diverse community for additional information.
Finally, Counselling and Psychological Services (CAPS) provides LGBTIQA+ affirming counselling and an extensive list of support services.
University policies and action plans
The University has a Gender Affirmation Policy (MPF1364). Please take some time to familiarise yourself with your responsibility to affirm and support the University’s commitment to building a culture that is safe, inclusive and respectful for all transgender and gender diverse (TGD) members of the University community.
The LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Action Plan embeds and advances principles of diversity and inclusion by addressing the unique challenges facing LGBTIQA+ students, staff and visitors to the University.
Some additional external resources
How to Be a Trans Ally (Minus 18)
Together we stand with our transgender and gender diverse colleagues and students. As we remember and reflect, we also look forward — reaffirming that inclusion, respect, and belonging are the foundation of our FBE community.