A joint statement from the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and The Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne

We are proud to lead Australia’s largest clinical and research program providing care for trans children, adolescents and their families, and investigate their long-term health outcomes.

In light of recent displays of hatred in Melbourne, we affirm our belief that no child should experience discrimination or the threat of discrimination.

Through our research and clinical work we know trans and gender diverse children and adolescents are some of the most vulnerable in our community. They need and deserve our support, our respect, our affirmation and our protection.

Any action that leads to their exclusion and increases their vulnerability will likely cause unacceptable harm.

We must speak up. We call out and reject intolerance and vilification.

We celebrate our society’s diversity and stand with our trans patients, research participants, their families, our colleagues and the broader trans community.

More information on how trans and gender-diverse children and adolescents can be supported is available:

• Raising Children Network trans and gender diverse resources
• The Royal Children’s Hospital Gender Service
• Kids Health Info Fact Sheet: Gender dysphoria
• Words can harm young trans people. Here’s what we can do to help

To speak to a Lifeline Crisis Supporter, phone 13 11 14

To speak to the Kids Helpline, phone 1800 55 1800

To speak with an LGBTQIA+ peer counsellor, contact Rainbow Door 1800 729 367