Juliana ADDISON (Wendouree) (14:42): My constituency question is for the Minister for Equality. What support is the government providing our trans community?

I believe Ballarat is home to the most vibrant LGBTQIA+ community in Victoria. I am proud to stand with the whole community, but in particular I express my unwavering support for the trans and gender-diverse members of my community who have been deeply impacted by the actions of those who seek to be hurtful and exclude them.

In Ballarat we are welcoming and supportive, with trans and gender-diverse people playing an important role in our community. To our trans and gender-diverse young people: we see you and support you, and we have great organisations to enable you to shine and thrive.

Thank you to Tiny Pride, the Y Ballarat, Trans and Gender Diverse Clothes Swap, Speak, A Place at the Table, Rainbow Ballarat Coffee, LaNCE TV, Frolic Festival, Headspace, Ballarat Community Health, Child and Family Services Ballarat and Youth Affairs Council Victoria. You all do such a great job supporting our trans community. I stand with you every day.

Watch and read more of my speeches to Parliament here – including responses from ministers on how we’re working for Wendouree.