Michelle Telfer
For her advocacy for the human rights of trans and gender-diverse young people.
About this finalist
- Year: 2025
- Level: Finalist
About the 2025 nomination
Dr Michelle Telfer is a Paediatrician, Adolescent Medicine Physician and the Chief of Medicine at The Royal Children's Hospital (RCH) Melbourne. Michelle has been a leading voice in affirmative trans health care policy and clinical practice through her leadership of Australia's first and largest multidisciplinary gender service for trans youth, her role as lead author of the Australian Standards of Care and Treatment Guidelines for trans children and adolescents, and her influence in government policy and legal reform improving health care access for trans young people.
Michelle has been a tireless advocate for the human rights of trans and gender-diverse young people, working to remove stigma and barriers to care. Through partnerships with community organisations like Transcend Australia and Transgender Victoria, and through her public advocacy, she has helped shift the national conversation towards one of inclusion, compassion and evidence-based care.
About the Human Rights Awards
The Australian Human Rights Awards is an inspirational showcase of the best in all of us. The Awards honour and celebrate diverse human rights heroes and significant achievements in protecting and promoting human rights in Australia.