As Transgender Awareness Week approaches, communities around Australia are taking time to celebrate trans and gender diverse people, raise awareness, and reflect on the importance of inclusion.

From 13 to 19 November, Transgender Awareness Week highlights the experiences, achievements and contributions of trans and gender diverse communities. It leads into Transgender Day of Awareness on 20 November, a day to honour and remember trans people whose lives have been lost to violence and discrimination.

For Te-Rangiariki (EJ), these important dates are both a time for connection and reflection.

“As someone who is trans, these dates help show that we exist,” says EJ.

It provides an opportunity for us to connect with each other, but also for us to be seen. Trans Day of Remembrance is a solemn day because it is when we grieve for those within our community that we have lost, especially through acts of violence.

EJ identifies as Māori, Takatāpui (Queer), Irawhiti (Trans) and uses they, he and ia pronouns. Ia is a gender-neutral pronoun in te reo Māori. Professionally, EJ works to help improve health services so they’re more inclusive and welcoming for LGBTQIA+ communities.

They have also played an important role in helping shape the annual Trans and Gender Diverse Community event at Cook + Phillip Park Pool, taking place on Sunday 29 November.

Creating spaces where everyone belongs

For EJ, truly inclusive community spaces are shaped by the people who use them.

“Inclusive community spaces are ones that look and feel like they have been shaped by community input”, they explain.

That might include accessible facilities, gender-neutral bathrooms and welcoming signage. Just as importantly, it’s about the people within those spaces. “It’s seeing that same diversity reflected in the people who are there, including staff, and them being welcoming and inclusive with their language and behaviour.”

This year’s Trans and Gender Diverse Community event aims to create exactly that kind of environment, offering trans and gender diverse people and their families, friends and allies an opportunity to come together in a safe, welcoming and celebratory space.

More than just a pool night

What started as a community swim event has grown into something much bigger.

One of the most beautiful things for me is seeing families come along every time, seeing little kids grow. It offers a little bit of something for everyone. It’s not just a pool night anymore, it’s evolved into a really great community event.

The event continues to be shaped by the people it’s designed for.

“It’s been planned and delivered with trans and gender diverse people as an event by and for community” EJ says. “When community provides feedback, the event just keeps getting better. So this event really is ours, which makes me proud.”

Why events like this matter

While community connection is important for everyone, EJ explains that trans and gender diverse people do not always have access to spaces where they can feel safe, accepted and fully themselves.

“Connection and being able to be authentically ourselves at community events is important, but often spaces aren’t always safe for trans and gender diverse people.”

This is why this event is so important because we can be ourselves and be wonderful, be diverse and be seen.

For many attendees, the opportunity to meet others with shared experiences is what is important. “Often that is massive for people who don’t get to connect with other trans people”, EJ says.

Supporting trans and gender diverse communities every day

When asked how people can be supportive allies, EJ keeps their advice simple:

“Be informed, be respectful and show up.”

They encourage people to approach allyship with openness and a willingness to learn.

My favourite saying is 'presence, not perfection'. Hold space for learning and growing.

EJ recommends seeking information from reputable organisations and resources developed with trans and gender diverse people, including:

• Transcend Australia

• Trans Justice Project

• City of Sydney: 7 ways to be a better trans ally

“Trans and gender diverse people are just like everyone else. We value the same things and we just want to focus on living, raising families and contributing to the world.”

Thinking about attending the event for the first time?

If you’re thinking about coming along to the Trans and Gender Diverse event on 29 November, EJ hopes you’ll feel encouraged to give it a try.

“There is something for everyone. There is no pressure to join in anything and you will feel welcome as soon as you come inside.

You can bring friends, family, support people, or come alone and make new friends if you want to. I have met so many friends and make new ones every time.”

EJ also highlights the event's commitment to accessibility and encourages anyone with specific needs to contact the team before attending.

A message to remember

If readers take one thing away from the conversation, EJ hopes it is this:

Who we are is valid and we are valued members of the community. Our voices are important and can shape community events and spaces so they’re inclusive and welcoming. Don’t ever be afraid to share your voice to make the world a better place for community.