PFLAG Brisbane Always Supportive of Trans People
PFLAG was always inclusive of trans people, but it was challenging to make a difference at this time. First, I tried to set up a network for parents of trans and intersex children, but technology skills were limited, and parents were reluctant to talk on the phone due to a lack of trust. But eventually it all clicked on my third attempt, and we were able to form a successful support group for parents.
I know that many are hesitant to just go to a meeting and tell their story. So, I decided to have a BBQ at my home. It was quite funny because every person that came was a stranger to me and I had thirty couples, all strangers, in my house.
It was sad in a sense because many had never spoken to anyone else who had a trans child. As I stood inside the house watching them outside, some were literally climbing over others to talk to a parent who didn’t live nearby. Some drove a great distance to be part of the gathering. And fortunately, they all left empowered and knowing they were not alone.
After that I had afternoon meetings at home until parents felt comfortable enough to go to PFLAG meetings.
Gina, who was a co-leader of Australian Transgender Support Association Qld (ATSAQ), a support group for trans people, told me that in the early 2000’s, if she had been blind and had a guide dog, she could have been tied up at the fire hydrant and the dog taken inside and given a drink. That is how bad it was.
I wrote several booklets and brochures, but I always had them proofread by the leaders of ATSAQ a Trans support group. Plus, I often had a trans person sit with me as I wrote and tell me how varying issues impacted on them.
My personal opinion is that it’s more difficult to be trans or have a trans child because they cannot hide the changes. Worse still, it isn’t the changes that cause the mental health issues for a trans person – it’s the ignorance and judgement of the uninformed that cause the problems.
Krissie, Gina and I worked well together. If I had a problem understanding something I called them and vice versa.
