Australian bank, Westpac, has awarded transgender employees withpaid leave for “gender affirming care”. The bank says that this is in order to give employees rest, as well as help them deal with any negative self-perceptions they may have towards their newly transitioned identity.
This is a huge step forward for transgender employees in Australia, and is a sign that society is evolving and accepting of everyone. Westpac is a prime example of how a bank can be an ally in this respect, and the trend is likely to continue.
gel-in-the-air: LGBTQ people in Australia
The LGBTQ community in Australia has been fighting for their rights for many years. Although there have been some significant strides made towards acceptance and equality, there is still a long way to go. Gel-in-the-air is a term used to describe the feeling of tension and unease that many LGBTQ individuals experience in public spaces.
Here are some statistics related to the LGBTQ community:
- Same-sex marriage was legalized in Australia in 2017, but discrimination against LGBTQ individuals is still present.
- In 2018, a study found that 61% of LGBTI Australians had experienced verbal abuse, while 18% had experienced physical abuse due to their sexuality or gender identity.
- Transgender Australians still face discrimination in areas such as healthcare and employment.
Despite these challenges, the LGBTQ community in Australia continues to fight for their rights and live their lives openly and authentically.
1. What are transgender people in Australia and what they are?
Transgender people are individuals who identify as a gender that differs from the sex assigned to them at birth. In Australia, there is no specific definition of the term, but it is generally understood to include people who identify as male, female, non-binary, and other gender identities that may not fall into the traditional binary categorization. It is important to note that being transgender does not necessarily mean that a person has undergone any medical or surgical changes to their body, nor does it necessarily relate to one’s sexual orientation.
While transgender individuals have always existed in Australia, it was not until 2013 that gender identity was added as a protected attribute to the country’s anti-discrimination laws. Despite this legal recognition, many transgender people still face discrimination, violence, and harassment in various aspects of their lives, such as employment, housing, education, and healthcare. Nonetheless, there are also many organizations and support networks, both online and offline, that cater to the needs and concerns of the transgender community in Australia. It is important to respect and support transgender individuals and to recognize their right to live and express their gender identity without fear of stigma, prejudice, or violence.
2. How much time do transgender people have to vent about it?
Transgender individuals have every right to express themselves, their struggles and their victories. The amount of time they are allotted to vent about their experiences, however, should not be up for debate. The experiences and emotions of transgender people are just as valid as those of anyone else, and should be given the time and space to be heard and understood.
Transgender people should feel empowered to express their thoughts and feelings whenever they feel necessary, without being judged or silenced. Providing them with a safe and welcoming environment is crucial to ensuring that their voices are heard. It’s important to listen to their stories, learn about their experiences and work towards creating a more inclusive society. Here are some ways you can show support:
- Listen: Be an active listener and pay attention to what they are saying.
- Empathize: Try to understand and relate with their feelings and experiences.
- Support: Be an ally and stand up for what’s right.
- Learn: Educate yourself and others about transgender issues.
3. How does the Australian bank Xourage care for transgender employees?
As a diverse and inclusive company, Australian bank Xourage highly values and supports its transgender employees. The company has implemented a number of policies and programs to ensure that its transgender employees feel safe, respected, and valued in the workplace.
- Transgender Workplace Guidelines: Xourage has developed a comprehensive set of guidelines to ensure that it provides a safe and supportive environment for transgender employees. These guidelines cover everything from restroom use to dress codes to the use of preferred names and pronouns.
- Transgender Healthcare Benefits: Xourage offers comprehensive healthcare benefits that cover gender-affirming treatments and surgeries, making it easier for transgender employees to access the care they need to feel comfortable in their bodies.
- Employee Resource Groups: Xourage has established Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) for its LGBTQ+ employees, including a Transgender Employee Resource Group. These groups provide community and support for transgender employees, as well as a platform for advocacy and education within the company.
Overall, Xourage is committed to creating a workplace culture that is welcoming and supportive of all its employees, including those who are transgender. Through its policies, programs, and support systems, Xourage is helping to create a more diverse and inclusive workplace that benefits everyone.
4. What are the consequences of being transgender in Australia?
Being transgender in Australia can come with a number of consequences, including discrimination, prejudice, and hate crimes. Transgender individuals often face challenges in accessing healthcare, education, employment, and housing. They also experience high rates of violence and abuse.
Additionally, being transgender can have significant psychological and emotional impacts, including depression, anxiety, and isolation. Many transgender people also experience feelings of dysphoria, or a deep sense of discomfort with their physical and social gender roles. Despite these challenges, many individuals are able to find strength and support within the transgender community, and are able to thrive despite the difficulties they face.
- Discrimination: Transgender individuals often face discrimination in all aspects of life, including education, employment, and healthcare.
- Violence: Transgender individuals face high rates of violence and hate crimes, including physical assault and murder.
- Isolation: Many transgender individuals experience social isolation and a lack of support from friends and family.
Despite these challenges, the transgender community in Australia is strong and resilient. Many advocacy groups and support networks exist to provide resources and assistance to those in need. With continued education and awareness, we can improve the lives of transgender individuals in Australia and create a more accepting and inclusive society for all.
It’s no secret that many employees in the Unites States face discrimination when it comes to access to paid leave. But in an effort to show that libraries and other public institutions are also starting to take awareness of the issue and make change, the Australian bank, ANZ, is giving transgender employees six weeks of paid leave for “gender affirming care”.
The bank’s statement explains that the leave will be ” truncated in the event that the employee is able to return to work as soon as possible after taking the leave.” ANZ also says that it will provide a ” Transition Assistance PLUS” fund in order to help employees with “funding and accommodation costs, including travel and childcare.”
We hope that this decision by the Australian bank will lead to more libraries and other public institutions taking similar steps in order to recognize the needs of employees who have gender recognition challenges.