Meridian supports the health and wellbeing of trans, gender diverse and non-binary people, their families, partners, loved ones and allies. We work with individuals through counselling, health consultation and peer support and we provide training and resources across many settings including workplaces, schools, the community service sector and other organisations.
Gender diverse, trans or transgender are umbrella terms used to describe gender identities that fall outside of what is typically understood when we talk about gender.
Cisgender is a term used to describe people whose sex assigned at birth aligns with their gender identity. For example, sex assigned at birth, male – gender identity, boy or man – gender expression, he/him pronouns, wears pants, short hair and likes football.
For trans and gender diverse people, their sex assigned at birth does not necessarily align with their gender identity. Gender Affirmation is a journey in which trans individuals align their bodies with their gender identity. This can be by means of gender expression (clothes, hair, make up), changing names and pronouns, hormone therapies, affirming treatments or surgeries. Gender affirmation is different for everyone.
Non-binary people don’t necessarily identify with the “male/female” binary concept of gender identity, often using they/them pronouns or a combination of he, she and they. Their gender expression can be fluid, expansive and ultimately reflective of their individual sense of self and gender.
We offer and refer to a range of TGD-affirming resources, programs and services delivered by people who genuinely understand the health issues affecting trans and gender diverse people.
Inclusive Pathways
Inclusive Pathways is a wellbeing service providing free psychological and social work support for LGBTIQ+ (or questioning) folk who are 16+ years and live/work or study in the ACT. This program requires a Mental Health Treatment Plan from a GP, or a willingness to be supported to get one. This program is funded by the Capital Health Network (CHN).
Counselling
Meridian Wellbeing Services provides safe, inclusive and affordable counselling for people of diverse sexualities and gender identities as well as their families and allies. We also provide referrals to psychologist support through a partnership with a Next Steps high-intensity CBT program for major depression and anxiety.
We specialise in a diverse range of evidence-based therapies for a diverse group of clients, including those exploring:
- The diversity and fluidity of their gender, sex and/or sexuality.
- Resilience and strengths-based approaches to living a positive, diverse and unique life.
- Connections and support from the community.
- Relationship issues, including couple and family counselling.
- Drug and alcohol dependence concerns.
- Those experiencing intimate partner or family violence, homophobic or transphobic violence along with the impact of minority stress, stigma and discrimination.
Sexual Health Clinics
Working in partnership with Canberra Sexual Health Centre, the STRIP program allows trans, gender diverse and non-binary people take control of their sexual health. STRIP is a community-based STI testing clinic where trans, gender diverse and non-binary people can speak directly with health professionals who understand our community about their sexual health.
Encampment
Meridian runs an annual peer-led mentorship program for young LGBTIQ+ people. Encampment provides personal and professional development training to trans, gender diverse and non-binary youth leaders (mentors aged 18-25), who mentor younger LGBTIQ+ people (participants aged 13-17).
Contact us for mentorship opportunities
Meridian Sexual Health information links:
Be the Best you - Trans Women and Trans Fem Clothing Workshop
Meridian, in consultation with A Gender Agenda, has developed a program that provides trans women and trans fem people with a safe space to develop their individual clothing style/s.
Come down to the Pride Hub, where a personal stylist is now offering 45-minute one-on-one sessions to explore particular looks you might like to try, be it for corporate, casual, or any other setting.
Sign up here for updates on the next upcoming workshop.
More information
A Gender Agenda (AGA) provide direct and peer support and advocacy for members of the trans, gender diverse and intersex communities and their families. AGA is a unique community organisation actively engaged in increasing public awareness and understanding of intersex, trans and gender diversity issues. In addition to training and education, they provide advocacy and support services, information and resources and are actively engaged in human rights and law reform. AGA is a vibrant community of sex and gender diverse individuals and their families.
AGA operates the Friday Centre, a peer navigation service that supports trans and gender diverse communities with information and referrals to support their social, legal, and medical transition. The Friday Centre operates from The Exchange at Meridian’s Havelock House office on Fridays from 1 pm – 6 pm. You can drop in anytime during opening hours and meet the staff who will understand the unique experience of the trans and gender diverse communities. You can also email [email protected]
Our friends at ACON have developed an online platform TransHub. TransHub is an exciting digital information and resource destination for all trans and gender diverse (TGD) people, their loved ones, allies and health providers.
