Staying Connected: Transgender Edition
Physical distancing doesn't need to be lonely.
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Disclaimer: This content was written and published during the COVID-19 Alert level 4 in 2020. We’re keeping the article up as we think there’s still useful info and advice in here – but please note, some of these services may have changed since the time of writing.
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We've all been told how important it is for our mental health to stay connected during social distancing. However, it can be difficult to find a safe place on the internet with peers that understand us.
We've done some of the groundwork and found these digital spaces for our trans and gender diverse whānau to connect with others in their community.
Have a look at the resources below and try some out! And hey, it's the internet we're talking about - so if you're not seeing anything that tickles your fancy, why not start your own online community? There's a resource below to help you with that too!
RainbowYOUTH - RYOnline
RYOnline is a free online peer support community for Rainbow young people aged between 13 and 27 years old who live in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Trans Wired
Who: Anyone between 16-27 who identifies as trans, gender-diverse or questioning.
What: This RainbowYOUTH online peer support group is for connection, empowerment, and expanding knowledge about being trans, through sharing experiences, recommendations, and tips.
How: Click here to join the group.
TransHub
Who: All trans and gender-diverse people.
What: TransHub is a new digital platform made by and for trans and gender-diverse people. It was developed in New South Wales, Australia but is accessible for anyone in Aotearoa as well. Just keep in mind the legal affirmation section is for a largely NSW context, and clinical practice in Aotearoa might vary compared to Australia. To get clarification on any questions that come up around that, our friends at Gender Minorities are fully equipped with answers.
When: This platform launched on March 31, 2020.
How: Register to be part of the launch here.
Additional Resources
Safe and Strong: An LGBTQ+ Guide to Facebook and Instagram
What: A resource produced by Facebook and Instagram in partnership with ACON and Trans Pride Australia. The resource, released during the 2020 Sydney Mardi Gras season, features handy tips and practical measures on managing safety and exercising self-care while using Facebook and Instagram.
How: Download it here.