The conference soon proved to be both informative and interactive from the opening presentations by Paula Corbett and Jamie Gardiner (Member of the Equal Opportunity Commission) with many questions from the audience, these questions were answered - often with some lively discussion, by both the presenters and other members of the audience. This trend continued for the rest of the day. The interest and the discussion generated from the mornings presentations resulted in the programme running at least 45 minutes behind by the lunch break, however as the afternoon progressed we were able to make up some time and were able to finish the day at 5.30pm only 20 minutes behind.

Many of the different organizations and groups that provide support and assistance to the TG/TS and IS community were represented, these included AISSG, Chameleon, MAN, Seahorse Victoria, TGV, TLC and many others. Several members of the Monash Medical Centre’s Gender Dysphoria Clinic also attended for the day and provided valuable contributions to the days discussions and presentations.

During the day we learnt more about the different issues affecting the different groups within the transgender community, the cross dressers, the transsexuals (both male to female and female to male) and the intersexed. These presentations were interesting, informative, sometimes humorous and occasionally extremely sad. This was notable in the presentation on youth issues by Erin Shale when she described some of the problems they faced in areas such as education.

Fiona Kelly and Melinda Edwards brought us up to date on the progress of the Anti Violence Project and on police attitudes and issues. Fiona’s opening comments in listing the names of transgendered individuals and the violence perpetrated against them introduced a somber note, but clearly highlighted her message. A key lesson from this was one of safety awareness, being aware of your normal environment and reacting to deviations from the norm which may indicate potential dangerous situations, avoiding confrontation by removing yourself from the area of the threat. This was further reinforced by Melinda when she spoke about transphobia/homophobia, violence against the TG/TS and IS community and also safety awareness.

The breakaway groups also generated much discussion most notably the group working on ‘family and personal relationships’, ‘TG/TS/IS parenting’, ‘workplace issues and transition (gender affirmation)‘. This was an interactive session with some lively discussion and sharing of experiences (both good and bad) by participants which resulted in some suggestions for how to deal with some of the issues in these areas in a more positive and effective ways. I will try to prepare a detailed summary of this session for publication in a future edition of the Seahorse times. At this point I must extend my thanks to Vikki Sinnott for stepping in to assist in the presentations and discussions on the counselling and support issues at short notice and helping to facilitate a very successful part of the day.

The presentations on the health issues contributed much additional information and understanding on the roles of general practitioners, specialists and others, what treatments are available and the potential effects of treatments. Dr. Herbert Bower also provided some historical detail on the Monash Medical Centre’s Gender Dysphoria Clinic. It was disappointing to find out that this clinic, which does so much for this community receives minimal funding from the Department of Health and has to rely on voluntary work to continue its work. This message was given to The Honourable Richard Wynne MLA, State Member for Richmond and the Parliamentary Secretary for Justice, for referral to the government.

How did the participants rate the day? The comments made as the day progressed were without exception positive, as the conference closed comments such as "exceeded my expectation", "I learnt so much" and "when will there be another one" were common. These comments were reflected in the feedback questionnaires. Of the 47 questionnaires returned on the day all but one (1) would like to see a similar conference in about 18 months and would support it with their attendance.

Perhaps the day is best summed up by quoting the comments made on one of the questionnaires,

".... with limited insight into the TG/TS/IS communities as well as an educator and practitioner in the social welfare field (and somewhat of an outsider) I was impressed, excited (embarrassed by my ignorance at times) and I found the conference to be one of the best I have attended in years.

I found the scope of subjects to be extensive and amazing for a one (1) day conference. I have felt welcomed and very humbled by the warm and accepting attitude of all the people I met - both from my initial inquiry about the conference to the end of the day. From a community that receives scant support from elsewhere I was very touched by this warmth. To all those I met - thank you. Thank you to all involved ".

The success of the day was due to many people; the members of the organising committee, the support of the VAC in providing the venue, the presenters, Christina for the catering and above all - all of those who attended and participated in the proceedings and discussions. Thank you one and all for contributing to the success of the conference.

Anne Marshall
On behalf of the Gender Vic 2001 organising committee.