Equal Identities Summary Report

Overview

The Equal Identities report explores challenges facing trans and gender diverse people across all domains of Australian society. It draws on the expertise, insight, lived and living experience shared in 97 submissions, as well as Australian and international research. It identifies what must change to ensure trans and gender diverse people can fully realise their human rights.

This summary report identifies the key barriers many trans and gender diverse people face across Australian society, and outlines practical changes that could improve safety, dignity and inclusion.

The findings and recommendations are organised around 3 interconnected themes:

• being safe
• being seen and heard (dignity)
• being able to participate.

Methodology

The Commission reviewed a wide range of Australian and international research and considered 97 submissions, including but not limited to subject matter experts from:

• academics and research institutions
• advocacy and activist organisations and groups
• community-controlled health organisations
• healthcare professionals and organisations
• legal professionals and organisations
• policy makers and workers
• service providers

Being safe

Violence, harassment and intimidation
Many submissions described the violence, harassment and discrimination trans and gender diverse people face because of their gender identity. This included physical violence, verbal abuse, online harassment, bullying and exclusion in everyday life.

Online safety
Contributors described the impact of hostile public debate and abusive material, as well as disinformation and misinformation about trans and gender diverse people being shared online. Many people said this makes them feel unsafe, isolated or afraid to participate in public life.

Forcibly displaced people
Refugees and asylum seekers who are trans and gender diverse often face additional barriers, including unsafe migration pathways and limited access to inclusive services and support.

Justice, policing and imprisonment
Submissions described negative experiences with police, in courts and in prisons, including being misgendered, poorly treated or exposed to violence. Some also highlighted gaps in legal support.

Housing
Many trans and gender diverse people experience housing insecurity and homelessness. Some people reported being denied housing, excluded from crisis accommodation or placed in unsafe environments because of their gender identity.

Being seen and heard (dignity)

Data and research
The report found that Australia lacks consistent and reliable data about trans and gender diverse communities, making it harder to design policies and services that meet people’s needs.

Health and wellbeing
Many submissions highlighted the impact that stigma and discrimination have on health and wellbeing. Research points to poor physical and mental health outcomes in comparison to the general population, and some of the highest rates of suicide, suicidality and poor mental health in the country.

Gender affirming healthcare
The report recognises gender-affirming healthcare as evidence-informed care that promotes positive wellbeing outcomes. However, many people still struggle to access this care because of cost, geography, workforce shortages and misinformation.

Legal recognition of gender
Many people described difficulties updating identity documents to reflect their affirmed gender or navigating systems that do not recognise their gender.

Being able to participate

Religion
Some trans and gender diverse people are people of faith, but many face marginalisation in some religious institutions and contexts. Submissions highlighted that while some religious institutions welcome trans and gender diverse people, others exclude them or have leaders who use hate speech towards their communities.

Education
Contributors described the devastating impacts of bullying and exclusion on trans and gender diverse children and young people at school, linking it with increased rates of homeschooling or discontinuing education altogether. There were concerns about laws that allow religious schools and universities to discriminate against trans and gender diverse students, teachers and other employees.

Employment
Submissions pointed to high rates of discrimination in the workplace, sometimes starting at recruitment. Research and contributors identified barriers to secure employment and highlighted the impact of unemployment on the health and financial security of trans and gender diverse people.

Sport
Trans and gender diverse people face both informal and formal exclusion from all levels of sport, including local community sport. This is despite the existence of guidelines and policies to support evidence-based and fair approaches to trans and gender diverse people’s inclusion in sport. Contributors also described experiences of harassment in gyms, leisure centres and public spaces.

What needs to change

Equal Identities outlines practical, achievable reforms that would improve safety, dignity and participation for trans and gender diverse people across Australia.

The report found that inclusive policies, staff training and prevention-focused approaches help create safer and more respectful environments for everyone.

It also highlighted the importance of including trans and gender diverse people in developing policy, programs and other decisions that affect their lives,