Erasing trans people: How to ensure Australia does not go down the same path as the United States

Abstract

The United States is witnessing a wave of laws targeting transgender people, ranging from prohibitions on participation in sport, denial of access to gender affirming health care and regulating bathroom access and what people wear. This anti-trans trend that we are seeing in the United States is sending shock waves through the trans community in Australia. Is Australia going to follow the US ‘hate manual’? Are trans and gender diverse people here at risk of being persecuted, vilified and discriminated against in the same way? This article considers the gaps in Australia’s protection of the human rights of trans and gender diverse people and identifies where our laws need to be strengthened to ensure we follow a path of inclusivity and respect, not hate and division.