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PolareIssue Ninety-OneMAGAZINE OF THE NSW GENDER CENTREEdition 91April-June 2012Phoebe HartPolare page 1April-June 2012

Issue Ninety-OneThe Gender Centre & Aurora Foundation present:transtopia2012 gender-questioning?gender-queer?‘TRANSTOPIA’ IS A MONTHLY GROUP TO BE HELD OVER TENMONTHS IN 2012 FOR TRANSGENDER YOUTH BETWEEN THEAGES OF FOURTEEN AND NINETEEN...IT AIMS TO PROVIDE A SAFE, FUN SPACEFOR YOUNG PEOPLE TO CONNECT WITHOTHERS, ENJOY SAFE ACTIVITIES AND TALKABOUT THE ISSUES AFFECTING THETRANS YOUTH OF AUSTRALIA.ForInformationCall Anthonyat the GenderCentre:(02) 9569 2366Polare page 2April-June 2012

Issue Ninety-Onethe Gender Centre Service MagazineThe Gender Centre is committed to developing and providing services andactivities which enhance the ability of people with gender issues to makeinformed choices.The Gender Centre is also committed to educating the public and serviceproviders about the needs of people with gender issues.We offer a wide range of services to people with gender issues, their partners,families and organisations, and service providers.We specifically aim to provide a high quality service which acknowledgeshuman rights and ensures respect and confidentiality.the Gender CentreThe place to go for confidential, free services for people with gender issues.7 Bent StreetPO Box 266PetershamNSW 2049Tel:(02) 9569 2366Outside Met. Sydney 1800 069 115(9-5, M-F)Fax: (02) 9569 1176Email:reception@gendercentre.org.auWebsite:www.gendercentre.org.auThe Gender Centre is staffed9am-4.30pm Monday to FridayOur ServicesSupport and educationSocial and support groupsDrug and alcohol counsellingQuarterly magazine PolareHIV/AIDS informationCondoms and lubeNeedle exchangeAccommodation Referrals to specialistcounselling, medical, HIV/AIDS,education, training, employment, legalwelfare, housing and other communityservices Outreach - street, home,hospital and jailCounselling and supportgroups for partners and familyResidential ServiceFor all enquiries relating to theresidential service, please contact us.Cover: Phoebe Hart, whose award-winning documentary “Orchids”, on the topic of AIS intersex, wasrecently screened on the ABC. This is Phoebe’s own story, as she and one of her sisters are AIS (AndrogenInsensitivy Syndrome) and another sister carries the AIS gene.. “Orchids” is available as a dvd and is a wellmadeand fascinating documentary. It can be purchased directly from Phoebe via the Internet.Polare page 3April-June 2012

Gay and LesbianCounsellingTelephoneCounselling:General line daily 5.30pm to9.30pmSydney Metro 8594 9596Other areas of NSW 1800 184 527 Lesbian lineMonday 5.30pm to 9.30pmSydney Metro 8594 9595Other areas of NSW 1800 144 527GLCS also offers faceto-facesupport groupsincluding: Talking it out - Men’sDiscussion Group Women’s Coming Out Group SMART Recovery Program And other groups to beannounced soon.For further information pleasecontact GLCS Administrationon:(02) 8594 9500Or via the website:Website: www.glcsnsw.org.auOr by mail:PO Box 823, Newtown, NSW, 2042The Cover of Polare 90The cover image of Carmen Rupe on Polare90 should have been credited to Fiona Clarkof Tikorangi, New Zealand, who took thephoto in 1975. We apologise for the omissionand thank Fiona for informing us ofthe background story to the image.Clark informs us the photo was taken at thefirst Miss New Zealand Drag Ball in 1975and was then included in a majorphotographic survey called The Active Eyethat toured New Zealand in 1975, causingan “escalating moral outcry” because itincluded two of Clark’s images oftranspeople. Because of public outcry theexhibition was not allowed to open in theAuckland Art Gallery and Clark’s two imageswere removed from the exhibition at manyof the venues where it opened. Eventuallythey went missing.Clark replaced them in her later exhibition,Go Girl, shown in Sydney in 2006, whichtraced the controversy, the refusals to exhibit,and the media and public prejudicesinvolved. Go Girl also included a largergroup of images from the early 1970s,focusing on the gay, lesbian and transgendercommunities in New Zealand at that time,contrasting them with modern New Zealandto demonstrate the significant change inattitudes over thirty years.Fiona Clark is one of New Zealand’s mostaccomplished photographers and Go Girlalso demonstrated that photography haddevloped into a serious and recognised artform.The photo of Carmen on the cover of Polare91 was one of her faourites and was usedas her 1976 Christmas card. She was stillusing it as a correspondence card in 2010,as she enclosed it with some newspapercuttings about the French 1950s transgender,Coccinelle, which she sent me as a followupto a conversation we had about theFrench nightclub performer and pioneer tg.Katherine Cummings

CONTRIBUTUTORSevie belle, phinn borg, zoe brain, anthony carlino, lizceissman, katherine cummings, carolyn gage,phoebe hart, jon hayes, max hopwood, morgan,barbara paterson, laura seabrookREGULAR6 Manager’s Report by Phinn Borg7 Editorial by Katherine Cummings17 The Counsellor’s Column by AnthonyCarlino33 News Items of Interest36 Gender Centre Events, Workshops andActivities February-September 201241-46 Directory AssistanceEditor: Katherine CummingsTHE FINE PRINTPolareresources@gendercentre.org.auPO Box 266, PetershamNSW 2049Phone: (02) 9569 2366Fax: (02) 9569 1176Email: reception@gendercentre.org.auWebsite: www.gendercentre.org.auPolare is published by the GenderCentre, Inc. which is funded by HumanServices - Community Services and theSydney South West Area Health Service.Polare is funded by Sydney South WestArea Health and provides a forum fordiscussion and debate on gender issues.Advertisers are advised that alladvertising is their responsibility under theTrade Practices Act.Unsolicited contributions are welcomealthough no guarantee is made by theeditor that they will be published, nor anydiscussion entered into. The right to editmaterial contributions without notice isreserved to the editor. Any submissionthat appears in Polare may be publishedon the Gender Centre’s Web Site.© 2011 The Gender Centre Inc, All Rights ReservedPolare A magazine for people with gender issues. Opinions expressed do not necesarily reflect those of the Editor,Publisher, the Gender centre, Inc, Human Services -Community Services or the Sydney South West Area Health.Polare is printed inhouse (text pages) and by WenChai Publications (cover)April-June 201291 No.FEATURES9 Calling All Transgender Parents by Liz Ceissman10 My Intersex Adventure by Phoebe Hart14 Dear Fifteen-Year-Old Me by Zoe Brain18 A Second Second Life by Laura Seabrook21 The ATO Bends on Transgender Expenses... But Only IfYou Say You’re Ill by Evie Belle25 Of Leaky Umbrellas and False Inclusives by Carolyn Gage28 Intersexions by Morgan30 OII Submission to National Human Rights Plan36 Letter to the Editor from Jon Hayes re Estradiol Implants37 Harm Reduction and Chronic Disease Self-Management byDr Max Hopwood and Dr Barbara PatersonSERVICES & NOTICES4 Gay and Lesbian Counselling13 89.3 FM 2GLF Community Radio (GLBTI)/ Women inPrison Advocacy Network15 Mental Health Nursing Care Project16 SAGE (Sex and Gender Education)20 NSW Seahorse Society22 Barbecues and other events23 12th Annual Social Research Conference on HIV, Hep Cand Related Diseases24 Needle Exchange/Pay-It-Forward Binder Program/FTM Australia32 RPA Sexual Health Clinic/Central Coast TransgenderSupport Group34 Transgender Anti-Violence Project/ ADBDEADLINE35 Queensland Gender Centre/ Inner City Legal Centrefor submissions to the nextedition of Polare is theeighth of June 2012

Issue Ninety-OneSome weeks ago, the Gender Centre wascontacted by Sujay Kentlyn, the HealthPolicy Officer of the National LGBTIHealth Alliance, which has quarters inNewtown, a hearty stone’s throw from the housein Bent Street , Petersham, where the GenderCentre staff and administrative services arelocated.Sujay visited the Centreand talked with the staff,to inform herself of theareas we cover and howwe do it. Over a casualmorning tea with staff(iced buns supplied bySujay) we talked aboutthe Centre and theAlliance, to our mutual benefit.The National LGBTI Health Alliance is acoalition of organisations and individualsacross Australia who work to improve the healthand wellbeing of lesbian, gay, bisexual,transgender, intersex and other sexuality, sexand gender diverse people.Members of the National LGBTI HealthAlliance work in areas of social justice as wellas physical and mental health, so that one oftheir current concerns is the establishment ofequal marriage rights.They are also concerned about Social Securitymeasures, including pension and allowancepayments for many people living in same-sexrelationships, who had previously been treatedas single individuals by Centrelink.. To quotefrom their website:“It has long been accepted that the same-sex lawreforms would bring some gains and somelosses; new rights and new responsibilities.However it is simply unjust that people whowere not able to access any of the financialbenefits and entitlements available to othercouples (e.g. tax concessions), are nowsuddenly faced with most of the negativeconsequences of reform. This is particularlyconcerning in relation to elderly people, peoplewith disability and those experiencing chronicillness, groups who are most vulnerable anddisadvantaged.”Polare page 6April-June 2012The Manager’s ReportNational LGBTI Health Alliance logoThe Alliance is working with its members andwith other community and health organisationsto lobby the Government to give older samesexcouples receiving pensions extra time andresources to adjust to the new legislation.The Alliance has made a significant contributionto the DoHA (Department ofHealth and Ageing) LGBTIWorking Group. Incidentally,Sujay recently contacted theGender Centre on the topic ofageing transgenders and theirhealth concerns, and asked forany information about healthproblems of ageing trans*people in Australia. Sujay isaware of the TranznationReport, which is of only peripheral interest totrans*, and we will be passing on variousarticles and talks written for Polare or asinformation handouts. We can pass on yourinformation or Sujay can be contacted directlyby phone (8568 1126) or by email atsujay.kentlyn@lgbtihealth.org.au.It may be superfluous to state at this point thatthe NSW Gender Centre has joined the Allianceand looks forward to a long and fruitfulassociation, and more iced-bun morning teas.Jenna TalackovaPhinnYou’re Fired!Transgender woman JennaTalackova, an entrant inDonald Trump’s MissUniverse Canadacompetition, has beenejected from the contestbecause she is not a“natural-born female”. Oneassumes she is natural born,and legally, socially and inevery meaningful way, she isnow female. Trump’sdistasteful discriminationfollows similarly undesirableprecedents in the bigotryriddenworld of beautycontests.KCSTOP PRESS! The Miss Universe organisationhas done a U-turn. Jenna is in! [4.4.12]

Editorial - Katherine CummingsFollowing my policy oftrying to give varioussegments of ourcommunity emphasis inPolare I have includedseveral pieces in thisissue that are concernedwith Intersex. Ourcover subject, PhoebeHart, is AIS andrecently had herautobiographical, award-winning documentary,“Orchids, my intersex adventure”, screenedon the ABC. Hart is a professionalphotographer and movie maker and has usedher skills compellingly to tell her story, whichis also the story of her sisters and parents.She is to be admired and congratulated.“Orchids...” is available as a dvd, purchasablefrom info@hartflicker.com.There are also pieces in this issue by otherIntersex people, including Morgan who wrotea paper for the Conference in Melbourne(“After Homosexuality”) that celebrated thefortieth anniversary of the publication ofDennis Altman’s seminal book Homosexual:Oppression and Liberation and there is anabridged version of the OII submission to theNational Human Rights Plan on p.28.We seldom agree with another person’s viewsalthough we invariably agree with our ownviews, expressed by someone else.Recently I represented the Gender Centre at aGLBTI forum initiated by the MarrickvilleCouncil and held in the Petersham Town Hall.There was a panel of speakers representingdifferent portions of the Alphabet Soup we callour own, and after the formalities of beingwelcomed by a representative from theMarrickville Council, the speakers each gavehis or her opening remarks, with emphasis onthe most urgent problems she or he saw asneeding attention.The first speaker was Simone Curry and I wasinterested to note that one of her most pressingconcerns was the problem of ageing lesbians.Where are they to go and who is to look afterthem? Is it better to have them all in the sameplace so that there is less culture shock on theIssue Ninety-Onerest of society, or is that a ghetto mentality andshould we be, even if the task is daunting andthe road is long, educating the rest of society tounderstand and accept those of us who do notconform in one way or another?I found myself in agreement with Simone thatthe latter is the preferable course, and that theMountain should, in these cases, be persuadedto come to Mahomet. Society is bigger than weare, but by applying reason, by being open andinformative, and by refusing to descend to thelevels of aggression too often seen in those whodo not understand and have no interest inlearning, we will prevail in the fulness of time.Which leads me to another point. I am sure thatmany lesbians have written for Polare in the past(after all, transgenders can be of any sexuality,and many remain, or become, attracted towomen after transition m2f) but in this issue Ihave included a piece by an out lesbian who hasnever been anything else. I was impressed byher writing style and in agreement (see above,about agreeing with one’s own views expressedby someone else) with her views on theunnecessary use of umbrellas where they aresuperfluous and inclusive terms where they aremisleading. Carolyn Gage writes of “LeakyUmbrellas and False Inclusives” (p.23) and Ifind myself in general (if not total) agreementwith what she says.One of the points she makes, and one I have dealtwith in the past, is the use of self-identifyingterms that have negative or even threateningconnotations.She rejects the use of “Queer”, suggesting thatthe negative baggage carried by the word (andshe provides many synonyms from herThesaurus to make her point) is a self-defeatingstratagem. We understand (Carolyn and I) thatpeople like the idea of “reclaiming” words butthis reclamation is as symbolic as walking withlike-minded friends on a darkened street underthe impression that this will “reclaim the night”.I will go further and say that I believe theadoption of aggressive self-descriptors such as“transsexual menace”, “queer avengers”, and“still fierce” are poor stratagems for winningthe hearts and minds of the populace. They areredolent of ‘bikie’ and ‘colour’gangs rather thanPolare page 7April-June 2012

Issue Ninety-Onediscussion groups and if I were to meetstrangers with “Transsexual Menace”emblazoned in scarlet on their black t-shirts, Iwould be more likely to cross the road thanattempt to enter into a dialogue based on reason.I have mentioned this to people who haveadopted the “Transsexual Menace” label andbeen told it is all “tongue-in-cheek” and goodhumouredself-parody ... but how is this to beconveyed to the public in time for them not tobe seeking shelter or arming themselves in selfdefence?“Menace” has a specific meaning andwe ignore the meanings of words at our periland to the detriment of our cause.There is another side to the use of terms withnegative connotations, and this side rests firmlywith the forces of evil. The use of terms suchas “tranny” and “gender-bender” are usuallyinsults and sneers intended to denigratetransgenders and hold them up to ridicule. Iknow that some transpeople use the term“tranny” within their own circles and this istheir right, even if I find “tranny” as deplorableand insulting as “homo” or “dyke”, but thisdoes not excuse the use of these terms by“outsiders”.An eleven-year-old transgirl in Britain, with thesupport of her mother, has taken the media totask and raised a petition of more than 2,000signatures, asking that the media refrain fromusing these terms. This is a laudable initiativebut the public comments, following publicationof this plea, have been deplorable. Ignorant,vicious and lacking the capacity to putthemselves in another’s place, they deride thegirl and her mother, accusing them of beingfools, of trying to make money from thesituation etc. In doing so they may beexercising the right of free speech but generallymissing the point that freedom of speech maybe a legal and even a human, right, but the wayin which that freedom is used should not behate-driven and totally lacking in humanity.With every freedom comes responsibility.Which leads me to comment on another formof flawed strategy, put into practice recently byself-styled “Queer Avengers” in New Zealand.Germaine Greer, for whom I hold no brief andwhom I will attack in print as often as possible,Polare page 8April-June 2012was “glitter-bombed” at a book signing. This isabout as ethical as Japan’s attack on the USA atPearl Harbor in 1941, or their equally unethicalattack on the Russians at Port Arthur in 1905.An ambush when there is no formal (note theword “formal”) state of hostilities in existenceis the tactic of a sneak and a bully. I do not admireRupert Murdoch, but hitting him in the face witha custard pie was also pointless andreprehensible.Violence is violence, no matter by whom it ispractised, and if we believe that violence is bad,we should not make exceptions to this rule inorder to condone our own behaviour. Eventhreatening gestures are seen legally as formsof violence. Our best weapons are words, framedin reason and expressed with courtesy. Engagepeople in conversation, challenge them to adebate, or write rejoinders to their arguments.Publish if you can. Editors are often on thelookout for interesting and controversial topicsfor publication. Do not assault your enemiesfrom ambush, without giving them a chance todefend themselves. If you wish to engage withthem on a physical level, challenge them to aformal duel with custard pies or glitter, and abideby the outcome. Better the Field of Cloth ofGold than the Killing Fields at Lake Trasimeneeven if the latter was part of a formally declaredwar. Or that’s what I think.Many of us are responsible in significantmeasure for our ongoing medical selfmanagement...therepetitive, day-to-day selfadministrationof oral medication, injections,avoidance of harmful substances, keeping to adiet and generally being sensible. The articleby Max Hopwood and Barbara Paterson on p.35explores harm reduction within the frameworkof self-management of chronic health conditionssuch as hep C and HIV.And on p.16, to challenge your minds and stretchyour concept of self there is a fascinating articleby Laura Seabrook on the computer programcalled “Second Life”. Many of those readingthis are experiencing, or moving towards, asecond life in real life. Laura offers us a secondsecond life in virtual reality. Enjoy!

Issue Ninety-OneCalling All Transgender Parents by Liz Ceissman, Senior Case ManagerBeing a parent has many challenges.Being transgender and a parent posesits own unique challenges. There is asignificant amount of literature on the Internetthat helps parents as they look after theirchildren and support them to understand theunique and diverse family inwhich they live.Unfortunately much of thisliterature is from overseas andreally does not raise some of thecultural issues of families that arepart of the Australian way of life.I often hear many transgenderparents say they live in fear ofauthorities finding out about theirfamily life and are fearful that their child(ren)will be taken from them by child protectionagencies.Being transgender and a parent is no reason forany agency to determine that any child in thatfamily is at risk of harm or injury. It is anAre You Embarrassed byUgly and Unwanted Facial or Body Hair?You are not alone and there is a permanent solution.Everywhere people are raving about the results of thisamazing method!It is medically and scientifically proven safe topermanently remove your unwanted hair sothat it NEVER grows back. This process(called Multi Probe Electrolysis) has 130 yearsof tried, tested and proven safe and effectiveguaranteed permanent hair loss results. It issuitable for all areas of the body, all skin typesand colours, all hair types and colours.Our GuaranteeOur treatment has transformed the appearanceof thousands of people. We are so confidentin our results we put our 100% money backGuarantee behind our work! If in the unlikelyevent you are not truly satisfied with yourtreatment, then we will insist on giving youback your money - NO QUESTIONS ASKED!important issue for many parents and one whichthey struggle with.To that end the Gender Centre is looking todevelop a small resource/handbook ofinformation that can provide some simpleanswers to the questions thatparents may face. We do, however,need the support of parents fromwithin the transgender community.So phone Sydney’s most sought after Hair RemovalSpecialists for Results NOW. The first 27 people to calland mention this ad will receive our special introductoryoffer - you pay only $99 for $165 of Value - asaving of $66. Consultation Valued at $60 30 Minute Treatment Valued at $75 Melfol Aftercare cream Valued at $30CityDrummoyneDymocks Building. 170 Victoria RoadSuite 5, Level 3In order to develop a resource tohelp parents we need to know whatthe issues are for you, what youwant information about and alsowhat your experience andsuccesses have been in being aparent.I invite transgender parents to contact us to giveus the benefit of their knowledge, insight andneeds so that we can create resources to helpyou and others in the future. When you call, askto speak to Liz or Tara if you want to contributeor even if you just want to ask a question. Drummoyne428 George St, Sydney9221 8594 9719 1391www.permanence.com.auPERMANENCEThe permanent hair removal specialistsPolare page 9April-June 2012

Issue Ninety-OneMy Intersex Adventure by Phoebe HartMy name is Phoebe and I haveCAIS or Complete AndrogenInsensitivity Syndrome.This means I have atypical reproductive organsas a result of my body being insensitive toandrogens (male hormones includingtestosterone). Hence, I look and feel veryfeminine but I have male chromosomes and,prior to surgery at age seventeen, I hadundescended testes. AIS is a form of ‘intersex’(or ‘hermaphroditism’ for the old school amongus) and has a frequency of about one in every25,000 live male births of the population, butthe incidence of intersex globally is a matter ofmuch conjecture.Some scientists have suggested we could be ashigh as one or two in every 200.On Sunday 29 January 2012, my award winingautobiographical film “Orchids: My IntersexAdventure” screened on ABC1. Before then,the film had been touring the world in filmfestivals.Getting the film to thispoint has been quite ajourney. It’s my story,and it looks at my familyand our lives withintersex. Why did I doit? A big part was aboutgaining acceptance forpeople with intersex(myself included!). It’salso about busting widethe shame, stigma andsecrecy (commonlyknown as the three S’s inthe intersex community) I experienced growingup.I was a big baby. I weighed over nine poundsand, apparently, I had a big head. Mum stillteases me and calls me “boofhead”, but as herfirst child it must have been quite an ordeal forher.As a toddler I had a hernia. During the operationto fix the hernia, the surgeon noticed that mygonads were partially descended and althoughhe noticed it, he didn’t twig. He simply movedmy “ovaries” to where they were meant to be.Polare page 10April-June 2012It was not until several years later, when myyoungest sister underwent the same procedurethat they realised something was amiss. At thattime I was karyotype tested and found, alongwith my baby sis, to be XY. The diagnosis:Testicular Feminising Syndrome. I rememberthe day that I was tested - I remember that myGrandma bought me a stuffed toy, a leopard, asa special reward. I loved it and still have it today.Of course, I never knew why I was at thehospital, or why they had made me sleepy. Thatwasn’t until much later.When I was a kid, I showed both typical maleand female behaviours. I loved my toys andfrequently engaged in role-playing fantasies,but I was equally comfortable climbing trees,picking fights with the boys at school and beingloud and abrasive.I think I told my Mum if I had the choice Iwould have wanted to be a boy, but today I’mnot sure whether this is because I perceivedboys had some special advantageover girls. It’s a man’s world, and Ithink I wanted to belong to the elitegroup. I remember I did not want tobe a Mummy nor have my own kidseither. I don’t know if these were myideas or suggestions implanted bydoctors and parents, designed tosoften the eventual blow.Time passed. I abandoned mychildhood pals and joined a gang ofgirls obsessed with their changingbodies and boys, boys, boys. I waseager to share these experiences, butwas cursed as a late bloomer. Iwatched enviously as the others grew breasts,became more shapely, got the attention of theboys - I was in hell. I read in my pre-teenmanuals the about the changes I should expect,and was despairing that they hadn’t happen tome yet. Each time one of my friends came toschool and in a low whisper announced thatthey had their first period I felt crushed. Was Igoing to be the last? That was all I could seemto think about. I asked my Mum why I didn’thave my periods yet.“You won’t have periods. You won’t havebabies.”

I can’t remember exactly how I felt.Mum followed up her announcementwith platitudes about how lucky I wasnot to have the messy nuisance ofperiods and that I could have babiesby adoption if I wanted to later on inlife.Actually it all seemed to make sense.It seemed to fit. I was happy to knowsomething - anything. Now, at least Ihad something that I could tell myfriends - they were beginning towonder. However my Mum warnedme about telling anyone anythingabout it. My parents had kept thissecret to themselves. Mum and Dad hadn’t toldanyone. This was something that shouldn’t bediscussed with others - they wouldn’tunderstand. So I should keep it a secret too. Ourlittle secret.I became a teenager and so began a terribleperiod of my life. My gang of girls wasexperimenting sexually. I wanted to experimenttoo but I was very, very confused.During a disastrous tampon-inserting fiesta withmy girlfriends I discovered my vaginal canalwas very short. I freaked out. I realised that Icouldn’t have sex, that I couldn’t allow myselfto get close to another person. It was anotherthing to differentiate mefrom everyone else. AndI still didn’t understandwhy. Why was I sodifferent? Why was mybody different? Whywasn’t I like the others?At age fourteen I was spiralling. I was deeplydepressed. I lost all interest in school. Often Ispent the entire day in the school toilet block. Ifell out with all of my friends. I cried myself tosleep most nights.I wasn’t talking to Mum at all. At the end ofGrade 9, Mum was packing me off to mygrandparents for the Christmas holidays whenI started a huge fight with my her. I screamedmy lungs out at mum - it must have been what Ineeded. We both broke down crying and huggedeach other. For some reason, I started to feelbetter.My self-esteem plummeted andsoon I was depressed again... It’shard to write about this periodbecause basically it felt like I wasonly just surviving.Issue Ninety-OneMy senior years at high school were great. Ideveloped my own awareness of my sense ofhumour and unique qualities. I was actuallybetter at many things than my peers. I lovedhearing, “wow, you’re so creative” and othersuch compliments. It filled a void. It gave me asense of worth and purpose that I think everyoneneeds and just made everything different. Withmy self-confidence buoyed, I developedmeaningful relationships with friends andfamily.At the end of high school, after all the examsand parties, Mum thought it was time to let meknow everything (notice I say Mum all the time- I think Dad must have been totally out of hisdepth). When Mumdrove me down to thebeach I had no idea whatshe was about to tell me.I could see she was tenseand was about tounburden herself. I wasdeeply curious but alsoafraid. She started off by reminding me that Icouldn’t have children, blah blah, yeah I knowall that. Then she started to tell me why. I wasamazed. It all became clear. It was such a reliefjust to know why. To give it a name. But I wasangry: why did she wait for so long? Didn’t sheknow I was in pain all these years? Mum saidshe wanted to wait until I had done high schoolBiology so that I would really understand. Icould have laughed. In my opinion, it was soclear that anyone could understand. But Iforgave Mum immediately because I could seethat it was painful for her too.Polare page 11April-June 2012

Issue Ninety-OneI also found out that I’m not alone. My baby sishas AIS too!Mum also talked to me about surgery to removemy testes . The operation was scheduled forjust before the start of my first year at university.So I said OK, and the next thing I knew I wason the slab, up for an orchidectomy andvaginoplasty. I got the orchidectomy but theydecided not to do the vaginoplasty at theeleventh hour. They thought I might haveenough length for manual dilation.So there I was, seventeen, a first year universitystudent on hormone replacement therapy,dilating, living by myself in the big city awayfrom my small town family and friends.The follow up visits to the Brisbane Children’sHospital were an ordeal. I felt like an object orsome kind of medical curiosityfor Interns to ogle. For somereason they changed myhormonal dose - apparently tofuse the bones and cap my growthand height. Before I knew it I’deaten one too many cream bunsand had put on 10kg.People started referring to me as“fat”. My self-esteem plummetedand soon I was depressed again.Except this time I really was very,very alone. It’s hard to writeabout this period becausebasically it felt like I was only justsurviving.So how did I survive? I reallydon’t know. I forgot about thedoctors and just took my dailydose of estrogen. I stoppeddamaging my body and started tolive with respect for myself. Ialso found I could have intimaterelationships and my partnersweren’t scared off by my unusualbody at all!I began production of thedocumentary “Orchids” in about2004 and I was never sure whereit would end up. Mostly, theconcerns I had circled around myPolare page 12April-June 2012own anxieties: the abject fear of ‘coming out’and exposing myself and my ‘significantothers’. Perhaps the only thing that got methrough was the idea my film may help otherpeople with intersex conditions avoid the painI experienced. I also believe the experience oftelling my story has been cathartic; the camerahas become a softening filter for my owndifficult experiences growing up as a personwith an intersex condition. It is my hope that“Orchids: My Intersex Adventure”, in somesmall way, has altered our status in history andsociety so that others, in time, will understandand respect us .A DVD of the documentary “Orchids: My IntersexAdventure” can be ordered from www.orchidsthemovie.comor by emailing info@hartflicker.com foran order form.

Issue Ninety-One89.3 FM 2GLFCommunity RadioEVERY MONDAY NIGHT FROM10.00PM UNTIL MIDNIGHTProudly broadcasting to the gay, lesbian,bisexual and transgender communities inSydney’s West and all those friendly to theissuesTHE GOAL OF “Queer Out West” is toprovide a forum for groups andindividuals to let the communityknow about social events, fundraisersand other communityactivities in the western suburbs, aswell as playing some great music andhaving a bit of fun along the way!!So join Joe, Paul, Beverly, Suze, Matt andKathy every Monday night from 10.00pmuntil midnight.Do you want to contact us? There are anumber of ways...Leaving PRISON is TOUGH... I could dowith some genuine SUPPORTWIPAN are helpingWOMEN EX-PRISONERSSettle back into Life on the OUTSIDEThe WIPAN mentoring program is a greatway to get the support you need:√ Meet face-to-face weekly√ Get assistance to licate necessary services√ Talk confidentially about life’s challenges√ Enjoy activities together√ Strengthen confidence and self-esteem√ Create mutual trust and respect√ Have a positive role modelFor social events, fund-raiser and out n’about contactMiss Beverly Buttercup via:email: beverlybuttercup@hotmail.comFax: (02) 9605.3252or write to:PO Box 3357 Liverpool, NSW 2170For general enquiries, community news,contact Joe or Paul via:email: queeroutwest@hotmail.comphone: (02) 9822 8893 (10pm-midnightonly)√ Develop life skillsIf you are interested in having a Mentor,contact TARA at Women in Prison AdvocacyNetwork (WIPAN)Ph: 02 8011 0693Mobile: 0415 454 770Email: mentoring@wipan.net.auWebsite: www.wipan.net.auHaving a MENTOR has changed my life ... myFUTURE is BRIGHTER than ever!Polare page 13April-June 2012

Issue Ninety-OneDear fifteen year old me,I can do nothing for you, the fifteen year oldgirl that I was, silently sobbing in your bedroom.Back when you are, in 1973, I know yourparents wouldn’t understand. I know from herein 2012 (though you don’t, and perhaps that’sfor the best) that if you let yoursecret out, the standardtreatment in your time iselectroshock therapy,sometimes even lobotomy,cutting out pieces of yourbrain, so best keep quiet.I can do nothing for you. But Ican do something for all thegirls like you that exist in mytime. Knowing me, knowingyou, the girl I was, I think thatwill make you smile amidstyour tears. It’s how I soothe thehurt that you’re feeling, easingthe path of others.And you know what? It will take a long timeI’m afraid, but you’ll live happily ever after too,as they will. We have a better understandingnow. We have something called the Internet,linking all the computers in the world - andevery home has at least one now - to shareinformation.The surgery is far better, the knowledge ofhormones more extensive. We can’t give girlslike you the ability to have babies, not yet, butthat’s coming too. Too late for you - for us - butperhaps not too late for them.It’s no easier for other girls at fifteen than it isfor you, back in 1973, stuck with a male bodythat feels so terribly, fundamentally WRONG.But there is hope for them, as there doesn’tappear to be for you, when you are. Well, afterliving for so many years, hoping even whenthere is no hope, you get to win anyway, to beyourself. You will learn what the word“happiness” means. It will be better than youcan imagine, better than your wildest dreams.Against all the odds, you get to live happily everafter.You have many years of hell in front of you.Far too many. But you get out anyway.Polare page 14April-June 2012Dear Fifteen-Year-Old Me by Zoe BrainZoe BrainToday, in 2012, girls like you don’t have toendure nearly so long. If they can endure, justfor another thousand days, there will be helpavailable for them. No child should have toendure what you are destined to endure, but youget through it. No child should have to endureeven 1000 days of it, nor 1000 seconds for thatmatter. They do have tothough, at the moment. It’schanging, getting better, and Ithink in my - in our - lifetime,we’ll see an end to it. The issuewill be recognised earlier, andsocial acceptance of theobvious treatment will becomeunremarkable. That day is nothere yet, which is why we, youand I, have to help them.You and I just have to show thegirls of 2012 who are your age,that there is hope. That it doesget better, and by the timethey’re 25, their lives will be not much differentfrom other girls their age.That’s not some impossible dream, not just apossibility, it’s an inevitability, if they just hangon. Meanwhile, they must lay the foundationsof their future life, do well at school, be readyto make a fantastic success of life, and not fallinto the traps of drug abuse or throwing away alife that at the moment seems worthless. Wemust show them that they must plan ahead, forthe better times to come for them.They may end up marrying boys, and having afamily together. Or marrying girls for that matter- we’ve come a long way in understandingsexuality since 1973, and same-sexpartnerships, while unusual, aren’t regarded asunthinkable as they are when you are.Dear fifteen-year-old me, feeling so isolated andalone, back in 1973 you don’t know that thereare many like you. Boys and girls, born withthe wrong-sexed bodies. Yes, there are boys too,born with female anatomy, and it’s just as horridfor them as it is for girls born with maleanatomy. Now in 2012, we do know though, andare doing something about it. There’s still plentyof bullying (and worse than bullying) inschools, and not just from other kids. That’s

Issue Ninety-Onegetting better though too. The trouble is, that’slittle consolation for all the fifteen year old boysand girls subject to it today in 2012, so we haveto show them that others have made it, and theycan too. That it gets better, and not in ten ortwenty years, but in just a few. That they shouldbe busy preparing for that day.I hope I’ve made you smile, dear fifteen yearold me. You get to be quite a woman, you know?You use the pain you’re feeling now as anenergy, to help others just like you, transmutingit into compassion.Writing letters like this one.Love, and Hugs,Zoep.s. I know you picked the name “Zoe” fiveyears ago, and that you’ve never told anyoneelse. You won’t for some time, but it fits you. Ifyou recall your Ancient Greek, it means “Life”.This piece is excerpted with permission from the blog(aebrain.blogspot.com) of Zoe Brain, who wrote it inresponse to an initiative from Claire James, whose webaddress is http://sites.google.com/site/dear15yearoldme/home. Claire’s project is designed to provide advice fromthose who have been fifteen and transgendered to thenew generation of fifteen-year-olds in the hope that theyoung ones will be comforted and take heart, knowingthere is every chance for a brighter life ahead.KCKatherine’s Diary; the story of atranssexual; revamped, updated, uncutOriginally published in 1992,this award-winningautobiography has beenupdated to December 2007and includes a lot of addedmaterial from the earlieryears. 428pp., (32pp incolour). A$40.00 +$10.00post. Order from:Katherine Cummings,PO Box 742,Woy Woy, NSW,2256CORRECTION!The story, “Carmen Rupe, Transgender Icon, RestIn Peace”, in Polare 90, referred to Carmen’sfuneral as having taken place at the Te Waru RapuChurch in Redfern . The correct name for thechurch is Te Waru Tapu. We apologise for theerror.Mental health nursingcareWith people of diverse sexuality and/or genderRESEARCH PROJECTWhat do you think?As a mental health nurse, what is yourrole in caring with people of diversesexuality and/or gender (S/G)?S/G diverse people often experience marginalisedsocial status and poor social support.They also experience higher than average rates ofmental health problems such as anxiety and depression,up to and including suicidality.Are S/G diverse people disadvantaged inmental health services – for example, becausethey are minorities, or because care providers do not feelknowledgeable about their issues?AIMThis research is exploring he role of the mental healthnurse in caring with S/G diverse people. Nurses whoparticipate in the research will have the opportunity toreflect on and gain alternative perspectives todevelop their practice of caring with S/G diverse people.Participants will also have the opportunity to share theirideas on how institutional settings and organisationalenvironments might usefully be modified to improvethe care experience.YOU are invited toparticipate, whatever yourown sexuality and/or gender.This project has ethics approval from the University ofCanberra Human Research Ethics CommitteeIf you would like toparticipate, please contactme via the details below!Trish Kench RNBN, Bsc Psych (Hons), PG Dip MentalHealth Nursing, MAHealth Nursing, MAPhD CandidateDisciplines of Nursing & MidwiferyFaculty of HealthUniversity of CanberraT (02) 6258 8992M: 0431 833 634E: trish.kench@canberra.edu.auwww.canberra.edu.auPostal Address:University of Canberra ACT2601 AustraliaLocation:University Drive Bruce ACTAustralian GovernmentHigher Education RegisteredProvider Number(CRICOS):00212KPolare page 15April-June 2012

Issue Ninety-OneDo You Believe You AreIntersexed?If so and you would like to knowmore and meet others like yourselfthen contact:OII Australia [OrganisationIntersexe Internationale] at POBox 1553, Auburn, NSW, 1835 orat:oiiaustralia@bigpond.com or visitour website atwww.oiiaustralia.comThe Women’s Group meets fordiscussion and mutual support, and thesharing of experiences and opinions.The meetings are normally held on thelast Monday of each month at theGender Centre from 3.00pm to 4.00pm. The next meeting will be held on30 January, starting at 3.00pm.Suggestions for guest speakers forfuture meetings will be welcomed.Katherine Cummings, ConvenorAre You Young and Transgendered ?Do You Write Creatively?Interestingly?Do You Want To Have Your Say?We Want You To Have Your Say!The Gender Centre Administration would like tosee more material for Polare coming from the undertwenty-five segment of our community. We areaware that the problems and experiences oftransgenders who transition early are differentfrom those of transgenders who transition late.We would like to have these differences definedso that we can campaign to improve the legal,social and therapeutic conditions of those whotransition early. Such people may haveencountered many disadvantages of earlytransition. They may lack financial security,established reputation and social acceptance. Wewould like to hear your suggested strategies tohelp in such situations.You are encouraged to contribute material for theApril-June issue of Polare. Please send yourcontribution to: The Editor, Polare, PO Box 266,Petersham, NSW, 2049by 8 March 2012A.I.E.A.I. Electrology.A.A.B.Th. CIDESCO. ITEC (France)211 Wyee Rd Wyee 2259. Tel: (02) 43572221.Email: aie101@bigpond.net.auWebsite: www.aielectrology.com.auThe only proven method ofPERMANENTHair Removal.with:The Gentronics MC160APrecision Blend / Galvanic & Multi ProbeEpilators from the USA.Fully Trained and Certified ElectrologistsNSW Health Certified Skin Penetration CertifiedFor further details and prices, contactAinsley Israel or Shirley Hogue JP NSW on:02 43 572221 or 0412-637726.Midmark M9 Autoclave Sterilisation used in this salon.Justice of the Peace on site for your assistanceSalon Bookings Salon taken Bookings from taken 10.00 from AM until 6.00 PM10.00 AM Tuesday until 6.00 to PM Saturday Teusday to inc Saturday Public inc Holidays. Public Holidays.Phone: 0243-572221 Mobile A/H: 0412-637726Subsidised Rates apply for anyone undergoing the Gender ReassignmentSex and Gender Education(SAGE) Needs You!SAGE is a grassroots organisation that educates,campaigns and lobbies for the rights of all sexand gender diverse people in Australia:transsexual, transgender, intersex, androgynous,without sex and gender identity Membership isFREE!SAGE no longer sends out printed newsletters -instead we send out occasional news andupdates via email, and also post news items,articles and documents on the SAGE website.To join SAGE, and receive occasionalnews updates, go tohttp://lists.cat.org.au/mailman/lisinfo/sageand sign up to our low-volume mailing listFor more information visit our websitewww.sageaustralia.orgSAGE - campaigning for your rights!Polare page 16April-June 2012

Happiness And The Search For Meaning by Anthony CarlinoIt has always struck me the number of peoplewho communicate their hope both insideand outside of therapy to be” happy”. Tomany, this ideal sounds reasonable andstraightforward yet when one scratches thesurface it is quickly realised that for some,happiness is sought after not just as anexperience but as a constant state of being.When you think about it, the idea of beingconstantly happy is both unrealistic andunattainable. This does not just apply tohappiness - any emotional experience whetherit be feeling proud, immune to the opinions ofothers about us, sadness, joy etc., etc. are alltemporary experiences. Emotions are physicalexperiences we have and attach labels to, andlike all experiences, they pass and areindividually finite.I read an article some years ago where apsychiatrist was asked to how one can reachhappiness. His response was to assert that at anygiven moment, we are both consciously andunconsciously experiencing any number ofemotions - some stronger than others and morenoticeable, others a lot more subtle. Sohappiness, like all emotions, is not a destinationto be reached but an experience that comes intoour awareness and felt sense and, when it is time,passes.This raises an interesting question. If happinessis an experience that will pass, whatexperiences in life are most likely to give methat happiness? One thing that is known is thathumans are happiest when they are workingtowards something of meaning to them. Wecreate a “meaningful world” for ourselves in tohelp us exist in a way that feels fulfilling. Forsome the foundation of meaning is religion orspirituality, for others it is money, career, familyand relationships or any of the other infinitepossibilities. Regardless of the framework weall create meaning for ourselves in order to beable to tolerate our existence and perhaps havethe experience of joy and happiness more often.The use of the word tolerate may seem odd, butless so when one considers the following:“.......anxiety we have about who we are andwhat we’re doing on this planet, what it meansto have our name and our face; we keep runningto the mirror to look at that face — we don’tIssue Ninety-Onereally know who thatperson is. And we don’tlike the face, usually,mostly. We look in themirror, we say, “That’snot my stupid face,besides it’s getting old.”So we run back and wetake a pill or we take adrink, or we read a book,or we make love, or wecall our mother longdistance,or something.We don’t know what we’re Anthony Carlinodoing here, what it meansto be named John Smith, to be born on ElmStreet. These are sources of great anxiety for us,whether we admit it or not.” 1The above words speak an uncomfortable truthabout the experience of being human. We cannotalways be happy and content - as indicated byLaura Perls, the famous Gestalt Therapist, whonoted that for as much as we can be aware ofourselves and the fact that we are individuallyunique and matter to the world, we are alsoaware that we are mortal and one day willperish. Our belief systems are often engineeredto ignore this fact to allow us to get on with ourday-to-day lives and yet it is ever-present. Thisis the existential dilemma that all humansexperience consciously or not and because ofit, the experience of the less pleasant emotionssuch as anxiety will form part of our experience.How can they not exist with such a dilemma?What we can do however, is look towardshaving a more frequent experience of happinessand greater meaning in our experience of theworld. Once the therapy we engage in with atrusted counsellor moves beyond the moreimmediate problems and the wounds to the soulfrom past experiences and trauma, it is notuncommon for such existential and spiritualquestions to form part of the next step of selfawarenessin therapy. It is both an exciting andhumbling process and one becomes aware ofboth how magnificent we can be as anindividual, and how one day our time will comewhen the world we know will no longer havethe gift of our presence.1Becker, E. Growing up rugged: Fritz Perls and GestalttheoryPolare page 17April-June 2012

Issue Ninety-OneUndergoing gender transition canbe described as “creating a secondlife” for oneself. There is no standardway of doing it, and there are always problems,surprises and delights along the way.But what if you could practice or rehearse someof your transition, in an environment whereyour real life identity is anonymous, where youcould have almost any shape or set of clothes,and where you could meet others with similarproblems or experiences? Well there is such anenvironment, and it’s called Second Life (SL).This is one of numerous virtual worlds availableat the moment, with thousands (if not millions)of participants accessing them via the Internet.But just what is a virtual world, and how can avirtual world help one in the “actual” (real?)world?Virtual worlds have been around in one formor another since the middle of the 1980s. Theearliest virtual worlds were “massivelymultiplayer online games (MMOGs)” (if youwatch the TV show Good Game you’ll haveseen reviews of some of these), where largenumber of players accessed the samenetworked environment and could interact witheach other and that environment to play thegame.Polare page 18April-June 2012A Second Second Life by Laura SeabrookFriends chat in the BAB North SimThis is different from a simple chat room in that(on the whole) the environment is graphical innature, is a representation of a world of somekind (not always 3D), and exists whether you’relogged in or not. The last is really importantbecause, like the actual world, it gives a senseof continuity and narrative.Virtual worlds are, however, not all games (likeWorld of Warcraft and Onverse). Some (likeIMVU and vSide, andKaneva)aresophisticated 3D chatrooms, where you cancustomise your avatar (arepresentation ofyourself) and your ownspaces, participate in chatrooms that are actualrooms, dance and doother things like buy,make and sell clothes,furniture and rooms. Thenoticeable thing aboutthese virtual worlds is thatthey are often a series ofconnected “rooms” - 3Dspaces in which youravatar can move aboutand interact with both theenvironment and theother users. But ultimately while these spacescan sometimes be quite large - Twinity hasrecreated the streets of the CBDs of places likeBerlin and Singapore - the overall shape andcontent of those spaces is mostly set by theorganisation that runs the virtual world.And then there are environments like SecondLife or Active Worlds. While the group that runsthe world will create a certain amount of content,on the whole the majority of that (including theland) is created by the users themselves. Suchworlds tend to be contiguous - instead ofswapping from one room to another by selectinga link, you can walk (or fly) there! Such worldsmight still have disconnected areas (in SecondLife they’re called SIMs, and a SIM not adjacentto another SIM is an “island”) but often youravatar can “teleport” to these places. The reasonI mention this is that the range of movementavailable within a 3D environment affects just

how immersive that environment feels. Themore immersive an environment is, the more auser or player will come to identify with theiravatar, and the more “real” it will seem..And there lies the difference between theMMOGs, 3D Chat rooms, and Open Worlds.Each can be immersive in its own way, but theoptions, customisation and possibilities varyenormously. An MMOG may be extremelyimmersive, with many ways to upgrade orcustomise your character, but the vast bulk ofthose options and customisations are likely tobe supplied by the commercial venture that runsthe game.With 3D Chat Rooms there is likely to be muchmore user-created content and customisation,and with Open Worlds it’ll be the vast majorityof stuff found.There are different commercial models forvirtual worlds as well. A game might have a freeoption but on the whole it will limit what yourcharacter can do, or only last for a certain period.3D Chat Rooms and Open Worlds often havefree and paid optionsfor users.While you can enterthese worlds on a freeaccount, a paid one willopen up opportunitieslike access to restrictedcontent, the ability toown (and maybe rentout) land, and extendedsupport.In worlds where userscan create their owncontent there is also avirtual economy whereusers via their avatarscan buy and sell itemsfor in-world currency.That curr-ency isusually bought usingreal money, and insome worlds that can go both ways, so that inworldcurrency can be traded back out for realmoney. Some people actually make a living inSL by creating and selling content!Issue Ninety-OneThe only real hitch is technical. With SL (andother virtual worlds) you have to have thehardware capable of running the viewersreasonably well using a broadband connection(anything slower and animations look more likea slideshow). There are viewers for PC, Macand Linux. There are also text-based viewersthat can be used to communicate in-worldwithout the need for 3D rendering.All of which is nice, but what has this to do withGender Transition or being trans? Well like theinternet as a whole, a virtual world like SLprovides a play area where one can play, whererisks can be taken with minimal consequences,and social connections can be made andmaintained. Second Life in particular is notedfor its large user base, customisation andcontent. It isn’t the largest Virtual World around,but it has a large number of groups andorganisations in it that focus on a huge varietyof interests and issues. Businesses and supportgroups have branches there! One such focus isLGBT issues in general and a variety oftransgender issues in particular.Virtual International Transgender Hate Crimesand Suicide MemorialThere are a number of transgender groups inSL. You can search for them online via http://www.buscopio.net/secondlifesearch.html or inworld.There are groups for she-males,Polare page 19April-June 2012

Issue Ninety-Onetransgender women and men, a group thatmaintains an in-world Day of RemembranceMemorial, trans social groups and clubs, transfanciers (an awful lot of cybersex is alleged tohappen in-world) and much more. There is evenan LGBT group with its own Pride Parade!Like real life equivalents, such groups are onlyas good as those that run and participate in them.Now of course it’s possible to use chat roomsanywhere on the net, you don’t have to go intoa virtual world just to do that. However, havinga very customisable avatar to represent yourselfdoes make a difference, because it also give anopportunity to play around with body image.The more immersive the environment, the morelikely you are to identify with your avatar.Can’t “dress” in real life? You can in SL andchanging gender in SL is one option of manypossible changes you can make to your avatar’sappearance. You can make your avatar look theway you do now, or how you’d like to be. Andthat doesn’t stop at only what’s possible in reallife - avatars can be robots, aliens, demons orvampires, furries (humanoid furry animals), oralmost anything else. That means you can “tryon” looks in clothes and bodies easily andquickly - something unlikely in real life.There’s also plenty of role playing if you wantit. As each user is anonymous who’s to say whatand who you are in real life? Most folk in-worlddon’t care and there are plenty of themedlocations in which you can play out fantasiesand ideas.A good percentage of these are sexual (heapsof B&D and “Gorean” Sims) but by definitionit’s all consensual. But sex play is just a portionof what can be done. There are therapists andcounsellors that work through Second Life forclients who can’t easily access them in real life.The legitimate ones will refer you to theirwebsites where you can check out theircredentials.Second Life also hooks into real world events.Every 20th November there is acommemorative event at the InternationalTransgender Hate Crimes and SuicideMemorial, and once again if you can’t get to alocal event, at least get to one in Second Life.Lectures, forums and support meetings alsohappen in Second Life (as do concerts, dancesand other social events). In other words it’sanother net-based resource that you can pluginto and use, one to which you can contributeand from which you can benefit.NSW SeahorseSocietyPolare page 20April-June 2012is a self help group basedin Sydney open to allcrossdressers, theirrelatives and friends. Weoffer discretion, privatemonthly social meetings,social outings, contactwith other crossdressers,a telephone informationservice, postal libraryservice and a monthlynewsletter.THE SEAHORSE SOCIETY OF NSW INCPO BOX 2193 BORONIA PARK, NSW 2111Call on 0423.125.860 and our website is:www.seahorsesoc.orgEmail: crossdress@seahorsesoc.orgMembership enquiries, change ofdetails etc. contactMembership Secretary,PO Box 6179, West Gosford, NSW,2250“crossdress with dignity”

Evie Belle, a transgendered woman, hasreceived a private ruling from theAustralian Taxation Office whichallows her to claim a tax deduction for medicalexpenses such as hair removal; the cost of a wigand its maintenance; breast augmentation andfacial feminisation.The first important factor is the necessity forreferrals from doctors and/or specialists.The second is that you would probably need toagree to being classified as having a mentalillness. There is a long-standing disagreementamong transgenders as to whether the stigmaof being classified as ‘ill’ outweighs thefinancial advantage of being able to draw onhealth funds for assistance, or claim deductionsfrom the ATO for medical expenses. In my owncase I obtained a five-year back-paid deductionfor electrolysis simply by arguing the case forfive years (without medical referrals) until theydecided to pay me to go away.Evie’s ruling was “private”which means it cannot be usedas a precedent for a generalrule but it is hard tounderstand how the ATO,having granted a deduction inone case could refuseapplications for deductionsbased on similar medicalreferrals.Evie has been kind enough toallow me to quote hercorrespondence with the ATO,to give an idea of the kind of documentation theATO might require in order to allow claims.Evie’s enclosure runs:“I refer to your (the ATO’s) letter ... which wassent to me in response to my earlier applicationfor a private ruling regarding the followingmatter:Are the costs of hair removal, purchaseand maintenance of a medicinal wig, genderfeminisation surgery and breast augmentationconsidered to be medical expenses for thepurposes of claiming a medical tax offset?Issue Ninety-OneThe ATO Bends on Transgender Expenses, But Only If You Say You’re Illby Evie Belle, with introductory comments by Katherine CummingsThe answer provided in your letter was “No.”Based on the reasons for your decision outlinedin your letter,I believe the ATO has erred in theinterpretion of the legislation. Accordingly, Iseek a reconsideration of your earlier ruling onthe basis of the following:ATO 1. The cost of laser hair removal andthe purchase and maintenance of your wigare not in respect of an illness or anoperation...I have been formally diagnosed by both aclinical psychologist and consultingpsychiatrist as having a chronic mental illness.Their independent diagnoses haverecommended specific treatments to restorepsychological function. These recommendedtreatments involve the purchase of medicalappliancesand tio commence specificbehavioural, medical and surgical interventions(by qualified medical practitioners). The costsof these appliances are not funded by the publichealth system and must therefore befunded by myself as the sufferer of suchillness.ATO 2. and [wigs] are not medicalor surgical devices.The wig has been prescribed as anecessary treatment for my illness.The wig is custom made-to-measurewith a special construction forcontinuous day-to-day wear in orderto relieve bothcurrent and potentialmental incapacities. Without such amedical appliance I would sufferextreme embarrassment and psychologicalstress, which is no different from a sufferer fromalopecia which, as I understand from yourruling, are sufficient grounds to claim a taxoffset.ATO 3. [Hair removal] is not undertakento cure or manage a medical conditionMy formal diagnosis endorses hair removal asan essential treatment for my chronic mentalillness in order to relieve both psychologicaland psychiatric impairments. I initiallypresented to my psychiatrist with acutePolare page 21April-June 2012

Issue Ninety-Onepsychological and psychiatric symptoms andthe hair removal was a designated and arecommended treatment by a registered medicalpractitioner in order to treat these impairments.Hair removal is necessary to remove theimpairing pathological male features (refer tocomments below).ATO 4. [Gender feminisation surgery andbreast augmentation] are consideredcosmetic operations as they effect asuperficial alteration while keeping thebasis unchanged.The gender surgery proposed is part of thetreatment for my chronic mental illness in orderto remove the impairing pathological malefeatures so that I am able to present in myaffirmed and acknowledged female role. Thesurgery is intended to demasculinise myappearance, which is neither a process offeminisation nor beautification.Furthermore, the procedure cannot beconstrued as “keeping the basis unchanged” asthe intent of the surgery is to enable the basis ofmy gender identity to be altered fundamentallyand permanently. This is neither superficial norcosmetic as your ruling suggests.In summary, the treatments for my chronicmental illness are required to improvepsychological function. Given that the costs ofthese treatments are not covered under thepublic health system, I am obliged to fund themfrom my own resources. For this reason I seekto have these costs recognised as a medicalexpense for claiming a tax offset.Naturally, all statements contained herein canbe supported by documentary evidence from aregistered medical practitioner.WOULD YOU LIKE TO HEAR BYEMAIL?The Gender Centre is compiling a list of emailaddresses of those clients and friends who would liketo be notified of social, support, educational and otherfunctions and events of interest.Just email usreception@gendercentre.org.auPut “Email list” in the subject line and give us yourfirst name and Email address.The Lesbian and GayAnti-Violence Project canbe contacted on (02)92062116 or1800 063 060PhD Research on AustralianIndigenous Gay, Lesbian andTransgender/Sistagirl experiencesAude Chalonis gathering life stories especially amongSistagirls. If anyone can help, pleasecontact him on his email addressaud_mmsh@hotmail.comBarbecues andother events2012Xmas Barbecue, Dec. 8, noon -4.00pmJoseph Sargeant Community Centre60 Prospect St, ErskinevilleWatch the Gender CentreWebsite, Twitter and Facebookfor detailsPolare page 22April-June 2012

Issue Ninety-One12th Social Research Conference onHIV, Hepatitis C and Related Diseases12-13 April 2012Silence & ArticulationWhat can and can’t be said about HIV, hepatitis C, drug useand sexual practices?What is emphasised and what is muted?What is seen as acceptable and unacceptable?What do such silences and articulations achieve and why?Keynote speakers:John Della Bosca, Former NSW Special Minister of State, 199-2006,National Campaign Director, National Disability Insurance SchemeProfessor Jane Ussher, Director, Psyhealth: Gender, Culture andHealth Research Unit, School of Psychology, University of WesternSydneyAssociate Professor Alison Ritter, Director, Drug Policy ModellingProgram, Faculty of Medicine, University of NSW.John Godwin, HIV, law and development Consultant Member, LegalWorking Group, Ministerial Advisory Committee on Blood-borneViruses and STIsAbstracts can be submitted for oral presentations only. There will be no posterpresentations or workshops. Please contact the conference organisers if you wish to proposea conference symposium. All abstracts are to be submitted online. Please see the conferencewebsite: http://nchsrconference2012.arts.unsw.edu.au for specific instructions on abstractsubmission.Fees: Early-bird (before 13 Feb. 2012): $350.00 / Student: $275.00 / Day pass: $225 /Full fee: $425Information: Conference Organising Committee, NCHSR, Faculty of Arts and SocialSciences, University of NSW, NSW, 2052. Email: nchsr@unsw.edu.au.Tel.:+61 (0)2 9385 6776 Website: http://nchsrconference2012.arts.unsw.edu.auVenue: Kensington Campus, University of NSW, Sydney, Australia.National Centre inHIV Social ResearchGROUP OF EIGHTM E M B E RPolare page 23April-June 2012

Issue Ninety-One9.00-4.302012FTM Australia is a membership-based networkwhich has offered contact, resources and healthinformation for men identified female at birth, theirfamily members (partners, parents, siblings andothers), healthcare providers and otherprofessionals, government and policymakers since2001.Pay-It-Forward BinderProgramis a used binder serice that provides useddonated binders to:*** guys in the Australian and New Zealandregion who need a chest binder and arestruggling financially or cannot obtain a binderthrough regular channels e.g.: Centrelinkrecipients, students, individuals who do nothave an income, or do not have the support oftheir families to access binders.The aim is to alleviate some of the dysphoriaexperienced by FTMs and to improve theirquality of life.The Pay-It-Forward program accepts donatedbinders, which are cleaned, sized and passedon to those in need.The service is based on honesty and should notbe accessed by those who are just looking tosave money.Our website is:http://binderprogram.ftmaustralia.org or youcan email: binderprogram@ftmaustralia.orgNewsletterOur newsletter - Torque is published fourtimes a year for the benefit of members,their families and service providers.Torque is available as a pdf documentwhich is emailed to you or available on ourwebsite. All the information about Torqueis on the website atwww.ftmaustralia.org/resources/torque.htmlOzGuys Discussion ListOur e-mail discussion list is called OzGuys.OzGuys - is open to FTM Australia membersliving in Australia and New Zealand.Goals of the discussion list include:• To encourage friendships andinformation sharing amongstmembers• To empower members and theirfamilies in understandingtranssexualism• To encourage members to adoptpositive images of being men insociety and achieve anything andeverything they dream of.For more information please visithttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/ozguys/To find out more or read our resourcesplease visit our website atwww.ftmaustralia.orgPolare page 24April-June 2012

Of Leaky Umbrellas and False InclusivesA quotation for the day:“Queer has become so inclusive that it doesn’tallow the space for lesbians to exist.”The quotation is by Susan Hawthorne—activist, publisher, poet, aerialist. Her blog is arevelation. If you don’t know her, you should.And her book of poems The Butterfly Effect cancatch you up on six semesters ofwomen’s history... and her bookof poems titled Bird, aboutliving with epilepsy, is... well...you just have to read it. Not tomention Earth’s Breath, aboutwhat it’s like, before, during andafter a cyclone.Anyway... I’m on Day Four ofthe 5-Day blog-off with DebRandall of Venus Theatre, andit’s about Day Seven of rain herein Maine... So I picked a subjectthat always gets me riled. Falseinclusives—which is to say,leaky umbrella terms.I am old enough to remember when “men” and“man” were used to mean “men and women.”Which is like telling people, “Well, now, whenI say ‘dog’ you know what I really mean is ‘dogand cat.’” No self-respecting cat would fall forthat for a nano-second. They would know thatit was a political ploy intended to privilege theinterests of dogs, erase the traditional animositybetween the two species, and, basically, makethe cats suck it up.Sadly, women, and especially lesbians are notcats. We have fallen and continue to fall for it.Imagine a gay man being told, “Okay, so fromnow on, the term ‘lesbian’ is going to be theterm used to refer to both gay males andlesbians.” No self-respecting gay man wouldfall for that for a nano-second. They wouldknow that it’s a political ploy to privilege theinterest of lesbians, erase the ... well, you getthe picture.My generation of feminists fought very hard notbe called “men” or “man.”The New York Times, if I’m rememberingrightly, was one of the last hold-outs. It tookthem until 1986 to stop using Mrs or Miss, andCarolyn GageIssue Ninety-Oneby Carolyn Gagego with Ms. Because in speaking of anywoman, anywhere, in any context, it is alwayssupremely important to understand herheterosexual marital status.... because.....???Anyway... trying to stay focused here. Oursuffrage sisters could tell us all about falseinclusives. How Thomas Jefferson (enslaverand impregnator of an enslavedcaptive) added the words “allmen are created equal” to theDeclaration of Independence,and how women were assuredthat this meant us,also... oh,except for when it didn’t... like,for instance, when it came tobeing able to vote.What I’m trying to say is thatwords matter. Toni CadeBambara, whose work the entireworld should know, and whosebook The Salt Eaters shouldsupplant Moby Dick...ANYWAY... Toni used to sayhow she took “acts of language”seriously. We all should. Seriously.Men are not women. Gays are not lesbians.And... okay, “queer.” What about “queer?”Well... I am not queer. I am not odd or unusual.To cite another awesome African Americangoddess, Florynce Kennedy, “I never stoppedto wonder why I’m not like other people. Themystery to me is why more people aren’t likeme.” Yeah. What she said. Now, Florynce didnot identify as lesbian... so she’s not talkingabout that. But she is talking about howsupremely natural it is to be wild, social-justiceloving,inventive, outside-the-box, feral,decolonised, and liberated. Women’s naturalstate.(Color Me Flo, her autobiography, is a greatread.)“Queer” might work for someone whoexperienced their same-sex attraction as aburden, or an affliction, or a disability...something they were born with and have to learnto live with. “Queer” might fit for someone whoviews it as a quirky, deviant lifestyle.My lesbianism feels like a homecoming to me.Polare page 25April-June 2012

Issue Ninety-OneIt feels like a beachhead from which women,all women, can effectively fight for our truths,our lives, and for the planet.In a world where women are still forced to offerup our sexuality and our emotional resourcesto men, where we are still killed, incarcerated,or faced with the slow-motion violence ofpoverty forchoosing to putwomen first inour lives, there isnothing queer,odd, strange,unusual, funny,peculiar, curious,bizarre, weird,uncanny,freakish,unnatural; unconventional, unorthodox,unexpected, unfamiliar, abnormal, anomalous,atypical, out of the ordinary, incongruous,irregular; puzzling, baffling, or unaccountableabout choosing women.There is something tremendously courageous,with a deep core of integrity about it.Considering how everyone’s first object ofattachment is a female, it can hardly be deviantto be attracted to women.It’s more like making a beeline back home.I recently had lunch with three young gay menin their twenties. The issue came up about whythey didn’t use the word “lesbian.” All threemade faces.It was a spontaneous reaction. Theyhad a visceral response to a word that referredonly to women.I had the unmistakable impression the facesindicated their distaste for women’s bodies, thatthey were all associating the word withwomen’s“Lesbians have no more control overthe times and places where “gay” willinlcude us than earlier generations ofwomen could control when and where“man” and “men” would include us.”genitals...w h i c h ,indeed, oneof them toldme he was.Ah... theinfamous“ick” factor.Okay... but isthat any reason why lesbians should abandonthe word... just because gay men feel morecomfortable with a word that privileges themand protects them from actually confronting thefact that lesbians are in different bodies?Look, let’s be honest: The reticence about usingthe word “lesbian” is always and ever at heartrooted in misogyny. No, really. You are not goingto convince me otherwise. Judith Halberstamin a recent article in Bitch Magazine says that,to her,”lesbian” has associations “which arealways sort of dowdy and unsexy.”WTF??? The Bitch author helps us out byexplaining how “lesbian” has connotations likeMelbourne Gender BlenderOn the first Saturday of every month from 9.00pm to 4.00am there will be anevent for the Sex and Gender Diverse Community of Melbourne and theirfriends. The aim is to provide a safe and comfortable space for the SGD communityin a enjoyable and inviting atmosphere. There will be Performancesthroughout the evening as well as DJs and dancing. Door prizes and raffles,with proceeds to go to a different community organisation each month or toan individual in need of funding to help with costs for health insurance orsurgery.The events will take place at the Glass House Hotel, 51 Gipps Street,Collingwood, close to Collinwood Station and trams. Plenty of taxis about ..we encourage people to drink responsibly and not to drink and driveSee our website www.genderblender.net or email info@genderbledner.net orphone 0406 777 501Polare page 26April-June 2012

Issue Ninety-One“lumberjacks,” (that’s “loggers,” Bitch),granola-eaters, porn stars, cat-owners andgoddess worshippers.WT-double-F??? Make up your mind.So now Trish Bendix of AfterEllen.com chimesin with how “lesbian” has “almost become adirty word” because of its association withfeminism.Jeez. The squeamish faces of the young gay menare starting to look not so bad. At least theiraversion was to anatomy, not human rights...although, yes, of course, duh, there is a directconnection between their wrinkled noses andmy 77 cents to the male dollar.Look, here’s the thing: Lesbians have no morecontrol over the times and places where “gay”will include us than earlier generations ofwomen could control when and where “men”and “man” would include us.Allowing ourselves to be given an identitywhose primary referent is male may seem tooffer some degree of protection and privilege,but it’s a chimera.Our safest and strongest strategy is to remainvisible to ourselves, and, sisters, “gay” is notgoing to do that. Now we see us, now we don’t.Oh... and that “label” thing that was so trendyin the 1990’s (“I don’t like labels...”) I amtalking about an identity, here. You know.identity... as in a tribe, a heritage, a legacy, ahistory, a culture. A lesbian one.If you are confusing that with a label, then youare doing exactly what our enemies would likeus to do... (See my “In the Beginning” blog.)So, now let’s all say “lesbian.” Slowly. Thinkingof Sappho. Thinking of women’s bodies.Thinking of all those times and places and waysthat our gay brothers don’t get our issues or,worse, actually undermine them.Let’s say it again and, this time, look in a mirror.Think about feminism, which is defined as theadvocacy of our rights to be considered equalto men. A goal many consider toounambitious...but nonetheless a starting place.LES-BI-AN.It’s what we are . Get over it. “Of Leaky Umbrellas and False Inclusives” isreproduced with permission from the blog called“Nobody Knows I’m A Lesbian” by Carolyn Gage(http://carolyngage.weebly.com). It has been lightlyedited.Community ContactsCancelledThe Gender Centre regrets thatfollowing misuse of the serviceCommunity Contacts will no longerbe provided. Growing reports ofpredatory actions by some ‘contacts’forced us to take this action.Advertisements of a service nature (e.g.“For Sale”, “Accommodation Wanted”or “Accommodation Available”) willcontinue to be published.PARENTS OF TRANSGENDERCHILDRENThe Gender Centre will behosting an information andsupport group for parents whohave children (any age) whoare transgender or genderdiverse).Meetings will be held on the secondMonday of each month from 6.00pm to8.00pm. A clinical psychologist will cofacilitatethese meetings.A light supper will be available.Contact Liz or Anthony on9569 2366Polare page 27April-June 2012

Issue Ninety-OneMORGAN, a board member of OII Australia,wrote and presented this paper at the “AfterHomosexual” conference in Melbourne on 4February 2012. The conference marked thefortieth anniversary of Dennis Altman’s bookHomosexual: Oppression and Liberation.IntroductionI’m speaking today as a member of OIIAustralia, a local intersex activist organisationthat’s aligned with the LGBTI movementbecause of our common experience ofhomophobia, and misogyny. There is no settledview on the inclusion of the ‘I’ in GLBTI.Firstly, though, what is intersex?Intersex is where a person’s biological sex isnot clearly male or female; a person might havecharacteristics of both or neither. It’s alwayscongenital. Someone can find out or bediscovered to be intersex at birth, puberty, whentrying to conceive a child, or serendipitously.It’s not an identity: it’s not in our heads, althoughsome of us will opt out of the gender binary.It’s typically carved into our bodies.MedicalisationMedicalisation goes back centuries, and formuch of that time there was no cleardifferentiation between LGB, T and I.Mogul, Ritchie and Whitlock state:Siobhan Somerville in Queering the Color Linereports “as late as 1921, medical journalscontained articles declaring that a physicalexamination of [female homosexuals] will inpractically every instance disclose anabnormally prominent clitoris” and that this is“particularly so in colored women”.A key change happened in the 1950s, when NewZealand doctor John Money declared that sexequals nurture, not nature, and that the “brain isan object for behavioural engineering”. His(now discredited) work led to standard medicalprotocols that still result in cosmetic genitalsurgery on infants and children with intersexvariations.Even now, in Australia, these are performed toprevent social and familial discomfort, despitemedical research that shows poor satisfactionwith surgery.Polare page 28April-June 2012Intersexions by MorganThe trauma associated with these surgeries ledto the establishment of an intersex movement,initially through a magazine advert and lateronline. The immediate priority of themovement, led by the Intersex Society of NorthAmerica, was to engage with the medicalprofession, and this led in 2006 to a “consensusstatement” that changed the terminologyassociated with intersex. It introduced the term“Disorders of Sex Development” or DSD.The aim was to create a non-pejorative, valueneutralterm to replace “intersex” and“hermaphrodite”. In a very literal sense it washomophobic: it aimed to eliminate a parentaland social fear of homosexuality and queernessin an attempt to improve patient outcomes.It failed.Current rationales for infant genital surgeryDr Dix Poppas, working at Cornell University,describes his current “rationale for earlyreconstruction” on infant genitals as including,“... minimizing family concern and distress, andmitigating the risks of stigmatization andgender-identity confusion...”“Prenatal treatment to prevent homosexualityand masculinisation in CAH womenCAH, Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia, is amanageable salt wasting condition that requireslifelong treatment. In women, it’s alsoassociated with higher levels of prenataltestosterone, and a degree of physical andmental “masculinisation”.In 1999, Columbia University psychologistHeino Meyer-Bahlburg published a paperentitled What Causes Low Rates of ChildBearing in CAH?:CAH women as a group have a lower interestthan controls in getting married and performingthe traditional child-care/house-wife role. Aschildren, they show an unusually low interestin engaging in... maternal play, motherhood...Meyer-Bahlburg proposes that “treatment withprenatal dexamethasone might cause these girls’behaviour to be closer to heterosexual norms”.In an analysis that clearly shows thehomophobic nature of these concerns, AliceDreger tells how Meyer-Bahlburg and Dr Maria

Issue Ninety-OneNew of Mount Sinai School of Medicine in NYpublished research in 2008 stating:“Most women were heterosexual, but the ratesof bisexual and homosexual orientation wereincreased above controls... and correlated withthe degree of prenatal androgenization.”Dreger describes, in 2010, Maria New andfellow pediatric endocrinologist Saroj Nimkarn(Weill Cornell Medical College) to be defining“low interest in babies and men - and eveninterest in what they consider to be men’soccupations and games - as “abnormal,” andpotentially preventable with prenatal dex”.Dexamethasone is a class C steroid that, in testson sheep, has been shown to result in reducedmental capacity. It’s also linked to low birthweight, a greater incidence ofcleft palate and other issues.Dr Maria New began clinicaltrials on pregnant humanmothers in 2010 to reducemasculinisation effects onCAH girls.Dexamethasone has no impacton the salt wasting associated with CAH.TerminationsGenetic screening is now available for CAHand XXY, via amniocentesis. OII Australia iscurrently examining the effects of this inAustralia, and preliminary research shows adrop in number of live births with these intersexvariations.ConclusionsThe shift to DSD failed to change the system.It’s failed to change medical protocols.It has also come close to destroying the intersexmovement. We’ve had to start again almostfrom scratch.It is almost impossible for us to engage withthe medical profession directly.In many ways, the experience of intersex peopleshows what happens when a group of“disordered” people are found to be “born thisway”.Being trans- remains a disorder, although notreatable biological cause has been established.Being gay or lesbian is no longer a disorder todoctors in most countries, even though thisremains contentious in some major political andreligious institutions.The big weakness in the early intersexmovement was a failure to organise around thecauses of this medical treatment - homophobia,misogyny. We have to focus on the human rightsand ethical case for liberation.Intersex people are aligned with the “LGBTI”movement because of the nature of ouroppression.We seek the right to be ourselves as we are, inthe context of infant and adolescent surgery,adult relationship and medical issues.Even “straight” intersex people and theirpartners have to question andaddress issues with their sexualorientation and gender identity.We’ve been here all along, and weneed to be included - especiallyin campaigns around health andsocial services practices andpolicies, employment protection,and other frameworks for our LGBTIcommunities.Notes1. OII Australia does not support theestablishment of a third gender category, butdoes seek the ability for all adults to opt out ofthe gender binary and use neutral sex or gendermarkers on legal documents. For more on the2003 and 2011 ‘X’ passport reforms see here.2. Intersex is about an experience of the body,not identity. Nor is intersex synonymous withandrogyny. Any person, intersex or otherwise,may feel more comfortable with a non-binaryidentity such as intergender, or genderqueer.3. There are many more intersex variations thanthose mentioned in this presentation.4. We reject pathologising language, such as“disorders”. Intersex variations are a naturalpart of the human condition.5. With thanks to Gina Wilson, chairperson ofOII Australia, Hida Viloria, chair of OII, andGavriel Ansara for help during the researchingof this paper. This article includes some minorchanges post-delivery at the conference.Polare page 29April-June 2012

Issue Ninety-OneGina Wilson, President,OII AustraliaIntersex is not a gender identityOII Australia has madea submission to theAttorney General’sDepartment’sconsultation on theNational Human RightsAction Plan.The submission has keyrecommendations in thefollowing areas:OII Australia believes that definitions of sexshould never assume that everyone conforms toa binary consisting of male and female. It iscritically important that the definition of sex isbroad enough to acknowledge and includeintersex variations in human biology.OII Australia proposes that the sexes could bedefined as female, male or unspecified.Alternatively, OII Australia proposes that sex bedefined as “sex characteristics” which aretypically, but not always, male or female.Changing legal documentation on sex orgenderIt is crucial that any nationally consistentapproach to legally changing gender does notremove the right of intersex people to anadministrative correction of the details on theirbirth certificate.It is crucial that intersex people are not forced intoa situation where they must surgically orhormonally modify their body to conform to theexpectations of male or female gender.A nationally consistent approach to changinggender must continue to facilitate theadministrative correction of birth certificates forintersex people.Gender notation in passportsOII Submission to National Human Rights PlanOII Australia is not in favour of the creation of athird sex category but does welcome a situationwhere people can choose not to specify their sex.OII Australia believes that adults should be ableto choose to have ‘x’ listed on their passports orother legal documentation, as is implied in theBaseline Study statement. OII Australia believesthat this should be possible without anyPolare page 30April-June 2012requirement for supporting medicaldocumentation.Collection of data on genderOII Australia believes that a nationallyconsistent framework for sex and genderinformation must not: Expose people to discriminatorytreatment in access to healthcare, insurance,employment and services, especially if accessto an ‘x’ sex marker is standardised acrossgovernment and government-issuedocuments. Require intersex people to obtain an‘x’, or ‘m’ or ‘f’, gender marker to accessappropriate healthcare.OII Australia welcomes this review of howand why the federal Government collects anduses sex and gender information, and hopesto be able to participate in the consultationprocess.Relationship recognitionOII Australia would prefer that the collectionand recording of data on relationships did nothave an impact on the ability of partners in arelationship to manage their joint legal affairs.OII Australia would welcome a review of howand why the Federal Government collectsrelationship information. It would then bepossible to develop national guidelines toensure that such information is collectedconsistently across government and onlycollected where there is a legitimate purposefor doing so.OII Australia would welcome a nationallyconsistent framework for the recognition ofall supportive adult relationships.Physical autonomy and access toappropriate healthcareConcerns about legal approaches to changesof gender, and medical approval for theissuing of a passport with an ‘x’ identifiertouch on some fundamental issues about theright of intersex people to live with autonomyover our own bodies, and free, fully informedand prior consent to any surgical or hormonalprocedure.

Issue Ninety-OneCurrent procedures in need of revision: * Enabling of cosmetic genital surgeryon infants on the basis that they are in the “bestinterests of the child”, despite a legalframework that is supposed to prevent this. * Intersex people who take testosteroneblockers, such as Androcur, might findthemselves on a list of potential sex offenders,as use otherwise is regarded as “off label”. * Intersex people who take testosterone,a hormone that is generally prescribed over afull adult lifetime, are subject to constraints ontheir freedom of movement due to State andFederal prescribing and access restrictions.These are human rights issues that are notcurrently referred to in the National HumanRights Action Plan, but which should beincluded.View the complete OII Australia submissionas a PDFhttp://oiiaustralia.com/16849/submission-national-human-rights/Sex, Gender &Sexuality ClinicDirector: Dr Tracie O’Keefe DCH, NDDoctor of Clinical HypnotherapyPsychotherapistCounsellorSex TherapistAll Sex, Gender and Sexuality Diverse PeopleWelcome: Transsexual, Transgender, Transvestite,Intersex etc.Hormonal & Surgical Referrals When Applicable.Member of World Professional Association forTransgender Health (WPATH).Also Available: Naturopathy, Herbal MedicineDietitian, IPL Laser Hair Removal,Microdermabrasion, Non-Surgical Facelift02 9571 4333www.tracieokeefe.comwww.healtheducationcentre.comPACFAASSERTASOCHAChange of Mailing Details?Different Name?Different Address?Different gender?Don’t want Polare any more?My OLD details:............................................................................................................My New details:............................................................................................................Mail to: The Editor, Polare,PO Box 266, Petersham, 2049“Compelling infreshness.”- Del LaGrace Volcano“The genius of the editorsis in capturing thesedifferent visions.”- Christine Burns, VP ofPress for Change, UK“A rich and varied array ofinformative andprovocative stories ofrelationships.”- Jamision Green“Do not neglect this book.”- Professor A.W. SteinbeckAn anthology of real-life stories by transpeople of their experiences of being in loveContributors include Sydney legend ‘Carmen’ and aforeword by Kate Bornstein & Barbara CarrellasPublished by Routledge, 2008(In stock at The Bookshop and the FeministBookshop in Sydney, and at Hares &Hyenas in Melbourne).Still available: Finding the Real Me: True Tales of Sex & GenderDiversity, eds: Tracie O’Keefe & Katrina FoxPolare page 31April-June 2012

Issue Ninety-OneRPA SEXUAL HEALTHCLINIC25 Lucas Street, Camperdown,NSW, 2050WHAT DOES THE SEXUAL HEALTHCLINIC DO? Testing, treatment and counselling forsexually transmissible infections, includingHIV Gay men’s sexual health check-ups Sex worker health checks Men’s and women’s sexual health checkups Advice on contraception Pregnancy testing and counselling Free condoms and lubricant Needle and syringe program and sexualhealth check-ups for people who injectdrugs Hepatitis testing and vaccination Post-exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) for HIVWHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU VISIT THECLINIC FOR THE FIRST TIME?You will be asked to fill out a registration form.The information you give us will remain confidentialand will be put in a numbered file. Keep this numberand quote it for any test results and when makingfuture appointments.A nurse will determine whether you need to see adoctor or nurse for a medical issue or a counsellorto discuss information on sexual health, safer sex orrelationship issues.SOME COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONSDo I need an appointment? Yes, appointment ispreferable.Do I need a Medicare card? No, you don’t needa Medicare card.Do I need to pay? No, all services are free.Do I need a referral from a doctor? No, simplycall 9515 3131 for an appointment.(Interpreters available)The Gender Centre LibraryTo borrow books you will need to become amember of the Library. You will need tosupply personal details (phone number,address etc.) You can make an appointmentto join and see the Library by phoning9569 2366 on Monday or Wednesday.Video tapes and dvds are not for loan but canbe viewed by appointment in the GenderCentre.Books may be borrowed for three weeks.If you are isolated for any reason and wouldlike to have material mailed to you, let theResource Worker know. Don’t forget toinclude your mailing address!Central Coast TransgenderSupportThe CCTS is a totally free andunfunded service to all with genderissues. It offers guidance to all whoare contemplating commencement ofthe medical and psychologicalrequirements that are involved in fullMTF transition under the HarryBenjamin Standards of Care.The Centre also provides access tohigh quality, subsidised and certifiedpermanent hair removal and offersalternative direction and instructionfor the control and management ofproblem hair or chronic hirsutism.CCTGS operates Monday toSaturday 10am-10pm0404 054 000Email:smh101@exemail.com.auPolare page 32April-June 2012

News Items of InterestOBAMA’S NANNY WAS ATRANSGENDER WOMANWhen Barack Obama was growingup in Indonesia, for two years hisnanny was a transgender womannamed Evie. Evie met Obama’smother, Ann Dunham, at a partywhen she (Dunham) was maried toLolo Soetoro, Obama’s stepfather.Evie is now trying to fit into societyas a man, having suffered constantattacks and threats of physical harmwhile living as a woman.The White House has notcommented.STUDY SHOWS SUPPORTGROWING IN USA FORTRANSGENDER RIGHTSA study carried out in November2011 by the Public Religion ResearchInstitute shows growing support fromthe general public for transgenderrights. Commentators jave said thatsupport has grown in fomerlyconservative areas because ofgrowing awareness of GBLTIQissues in the media. The NationalCatholic Reporter has noted thatsuport for transgender rights isparticularly high among AmericanCatholics.In addition the PRRI study showedthat nearly 75% of Americans polledhad a good understanding of themeaning of “transgender”. About11% reported that they had a familymember or close friend whoidentified as transgender.MAN LIVES AS WOMAN FORTHIRTEEN YEARSA homeless man accused of identitytheft has been living as a woman andusing a stolen identity to obtainmedical treatment.Perla Serrano is 51 and was arrestedwhen a policeman noticed she wasPerla Serranowearing a medical bracelet with aname diffeent from the one she hadgiven him. Enuiries were made andit was found that Serrano hadcharged a total of $100,000 inmedical expenses in four differenthospitals.GREER GLITTERBOMBEDIN NEW ZEALANDGermaine Greer has beenglitterbombed at a book signing inNew Zealand, by a group callingthemselves the Queer Avengers.Greer glitterbombedThe Queer Avengers took exceptionto Greer’s “transphobic feminism”and showered her with glitter.Greer has for many years been anenemy to transgenders, in print andin action. In 1999 she wrote that“Governments that consist of veryIssue Ninety-Onefew women have hurried to recogniseas women men who believe they arewomen and have had themselvescastrated to prove it, because theysee women not as another sex but asa non sex”. She also tried to haveRachael Padman, a distinguished [tg]astrophysicist, removed from the staffof women-only Newnham College,CambridgeMACY’S CLERK FIREDAFTER CONFRONTATIONWITH TG WOMANA clerk who prevented a transgenderwoman from using the women’schange rooms at Macy’s in SanAntonio, TX was fired aftermaintaining that she “could not allowa male to change in a females’ fittingroom, because of her religiousbeliefs.”BAILLIEU GOVERNMENTPROVIDES $4.5M FOR ZOEBELLEThe Victorian Government hasprovided a package of $4.5m to theZoe Belle Gender Centre inMelbourne, including non-recurrentfunding of $146,00 over four yearsfor suicide prevention.ZBGC is currently an online resourcefor Victoria’s sex and gender diversecommunity. Phone calls and emailmessages are received at ZBGC andresponded to as quickly as possible.Tom Cho, speaking for ZBGC, saidthat over a third of respondents metthe criteria for major depression.Cho says that ZBGC is a “virtualgender centre”. He also said that theState funding is not intended toprovide physical space for the centre.They do, however, intend to appointa paid project officer to provideinformation and training to same-sexand gender questioning youthprograms and will also work withmainstream health providers.Polare page 33April-June 2012

Issue Ninety-OneTransgender Anti-Violence Project (TAVP)The mission of the Transgender Anti-Violence Project is to provide education,support, referrals and advocacy in relation to violence and oppression based ongender identity.The Project addresses all forms of violence that impact on the transgender, genderdiverse and gender-questioning community, including (but not limited to) domesticviolence, sexual violence, anti-transgender harassment and hate crimes.Transphobic crimes affect many gender-diverse people in Australia each year.The Transgender Anti-Violence Project provides a range of free, confidential servicesand has already helped a number of people who have experienced incidents thatinclude verbal abuse, physical attacks, bullying, harassment and discrimination.The TAVP needs to know about your experiences to be able to help you personallyand to document the event in order to stop it from happening to others.What can I report?You can report anything to the TAVP. Some examples follow: Physical assaults Verbal abuse and threats Sexual assualts Stalking Domestic violence Family violenceWhen making a report to the TAVP you will be asigned a support worker, to asess thenature and level of support you may require. The Project will then provide you withongoing assistance and referral services, including support when reporting to police,counselling, legal support, court support and medical support and follow-up support.To make a report, call the Transgender Anti-Violence Project on 9569 2366or 1800 069 115 or report online at www.tavp.org.auDon’t put up with it — Don’t let them get away with itSTOP DISCRIMINATIONContact the Anti-Discrimination Board of NSWGet free confidential advicePhone (02) 9268 5544 or 1800 670 812 for people outside Sydney.If you need an interpreter call 131 450 first. TTY 9268 5522.Email adbcontact@agd.nsw.gov.auPolare page 34April-June 2012M a k e a c o m p l a i n tVisit our website at: www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/adbto download a complaint form.Email complaintsadb@agd.nsw.gov.au

Issue Ninety-OneQUEENSLAND GENDER CENTREThe Queensland Gender Centre is run solely by atranssexual in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia with theaim of assisting those in need of accommodation andassistance. It is open to all those who identify astranssexuals and who are mentally stable and drug andalcohol free.The location of the shelter is kept confidential to protectthe tenants. The accommodation is in an upmarket suburbon Brisbane’s upper north side.You can stay either up to six months or twelve monthsand we can house up to six people at a time.If you want more information or are interested in assistingwith the project, please telephone, write or email theQueensland Gender Centre. Contact details on theDirectory pages.PLEASE READ THIS!If you are moving, or changing youremail address, please tell us.Undeliverable copies of Polarewaste money that could be used forother services.The Gender Centre hasjoined Twitter!!!For those who don’t know, Twitter is anInternet text-based social networkingsystem a bit likeSMS. Messages arerestricted to 140characters but if youwant to keep up todate daily (or morefrequently) with whatis going on at theGender Centre, you can do so on Twitter.Go to the Internet, and type inwww.twitter.com/thegendercentre to seethe latest Twitter news. Note that this isone-way information. You can’t respondor ask questions on Twitter. If you needfurther information you will need tophone (02) 9569 2366or email reception@gendercentre.org.auor resources@gendercentre.org.au.○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○LEGAL PROBLEMS?The Inner City Legal Centre will be providing advicesessions for clients of the Gender Centre.The ICLC can advise in the following areas:family law | criminal matters | fines | AVOs | victim’scompensation | employment | identity documents | policecomplaints | discrimination | domestic violence | sexualassault | complaints against government | powers of attorney| enduring guardianship | wills | driving offenses | creditand debt | neighbourhood disputesDates for 2012 have not been set but sessions will be heldmonthly. To make an appointment please contact a GenderCentre Staff member on 9569 2366 or emailreception@gendercentre.org.au. Bookings are essentialPolare page 35April-June 2012

Issue Ninety-One1.00pmApr 4,11, 18,25 YogaMay 2, 9,16,23, 30YogaContact Liz earlyfor yoga as thereare limited places.Gender Centre Events, Workshops and Group Meetings April-Dec20121.00pmJun 19. hep C Whatdoes it mean for you?1.30pm Apr 30Women’sGroupMay 28Women’sGroupJun 25 Women’sGroupJuly 30Women’sGroupAug 27Women’sGroupSep 24Women’sGroupOct 29Women’sGroupNov 26Women’sGroup1.30pmApr 12 Over55 GroupMay 10Over 55GroupJun 14 Over 55GroupJul 12 Over55 GroupAug 9 Over55 GroupSep 13Over 55GroupOct 11Over 55GroupNov 8Over 55Group13 DecOver 55Group5.00pm Apr 24Youth GroupMay 30YouthGroupJun 27Youth GroupJul 25Youth GroupAug 29YouthGroupSep 26YouthGroupOct 31Youth GroupNov 28YouthGroupDec 19YouthGroup6.00pmApr 6FTMConnectJun 1FTM ConnectJul 6FTMConnectAug 3FTMConnectSep 7FTMConnectOct 6FTMConnectNov 2FTMConnectDec 7FTMConnect6.00pmApr 2Parents’GroupMay 14Parents’GroupJun 11Parents’ GroupJul 9Parents’GroupAug 13Parents’GroupSep 10Parents’GroupOct 8Parents’GroupDear Katherine,Things are progressing with the hormoneimplants. Green Pharmacy in Adelaide arealready producing oestradiol implants. I haveobtained 50 x 100-mg pellets from them andwe are currently working through a back log ofpatients waiting for the pellets. Unfortunatelythese pellets have been more expensive than theprevious Organon pellets. Green Pharmacy isretailing them for $190 each and I have beensupplying them to patients at cost price. Theyare also now starting to make the 50-mgoestradiol pellets. Green Pharmacy have noplans to produce testosterone pellets.I have been liaising with Richard Stenlake whois a compounding chemist in Bondi Junction.He has just started making the oestradiol pelletsand I saw an example today which looked good.The pellets are currently going throughsterilisation testing and Richard thinks thatpellets will be available for purchase by the endof April. Richard Stenlake has calculated thecost at around $130 for the 100-mg oestradiolpellet. Richard Stenlake is also planning tomake testosterone pellets and we have alsodiscussed the possibility of progesteroneimplants which are already available throughPolare page 36April-June 2012Letter to the Editor from Jon Hayes re Estradiol Implantsoverseas compounding chemists (eg CollegePharmacy in Colorado Springs). We are alsotoying with the idea of reducing the pelletdiameter so that the implant procedure can beperformed using a smaller incision with lessscarring and without the need for asuture.However as these pellets will have moresurface area, they will be more rapidly absorbed,producing higher blood levels but shorterlifespans.These developments are very exciting and itwould appear that something positive has comefrom the disappointing decision by MSD tocease the manufacture of hormone implants. Iwill keep you informed of furtherdevelopments.Cheers,Jon Hayes.PLEASE NOTE:The email address for the Editor,Resources and Polare is:resources@gendercentre.org.auN.B. Please put the word “Polare” somewhere inthe subject line.

Harm Reduction and Chronic Disease Self-management 1IntroductionDuring the past twenty years,there has been a surge of interestamong healthcare funders,practitioners and researchers inthe prevention of disease-relatedcomplications in chronic illness.Such complications are widelyacknowledged to causeconsiderable disruption to peoplewith chronic disease and to placeexcessive demands on thehealthcare system.The focus of most preventiveefforts in this regard has been toteach, support and motivatepeople to become effective self-managers oftheir disease by their participation in selfmanagementinterventions. Despite a plethoraof self-management interventions in recentyears, research particularly in the USA and theUK, has documented low recruitment yields,high rates of attrition and a relatively low levelof participation in self-managementinterventions.There is general acknowledgement that somepeople are harder to attract to self-managementinterventions than others, particularly people oflow socioeconomic status and marginalisedpopulations.Researchers have demonstrated that those mostlikely to attend self-management interventionsare well-resourced in terms of finances,education, and support. The participation ofonly highly select populations in selfmanagementinterventions has resulted in afield of knowledge that does not represent thosemost at risk for disease-related complications,such as the poor, the elderly and marginalisedpopulations. Some research shows that whenthe requirements outweigh the perceivedbenefits of the intervention, people who areenrolled in an intervention are likely to dropout or not to participate in the intervention.Many questions remain about the appeal andrelevance of such interventions in the real world1This article is an abridged version of a recent presentationby Max Hopwood to staff at the Menzies Centre for HealthPolicy at the University of Sydney.Issue Ninety-Oneby Max Hopwood and Barbara Patersonof people with chronic illnesswho are at risk for diseaserelatedcomplications.In considering this issue, Iwas invited by a Canadiancolleague Professor BarbaraPaterson to co-author a bookchapteron harm reduction asa framework for themanagement of chronicillness. We recently publisheda synthesis of internationalresearch about selfmanagementinterventionswithin the field of type 2diabetes (Paterson &Hopwood, 2010).Dr Max HopwoodIn this chapter, we propose that the failure ofmany self-management interventions to addressthe needs of those most at risk for disease-relatedcomplications accounts in part for the fairlyhomogenous population that has been attractedto the interventions, and this is why attritiontends to be high.Furthermore, we suggest that the participationof high risk populations may be enhanced ifsuch programs are developed and implementedaccording to the principles of harm reduction.Definitions - Harm reduction in chronicillnessWhile it is important to note that definitions ofharm reduction are contested, disagreementlargely reflects the dynamic nature of this publichealth phenomenon as it continues to evolve.Historically, harm reduction policies,programmes and interventions have beenassociated with the field of illicit drug use,particularly injecting drug use and theprevention of HIV and other blood borneviruses.As harm reduction principles become adaptedand incorporated into the lives of peopleexperiencing chronic illness further variation ofthis definition will be required. In relation tochronic illness, harm reduction is concernedwith preventing disease-related complicationsassociated with risk behaviours, such asignoring the dietary guidelines of chronicPolare page 37April-June 2012

Issue Ninety-Onedisease management. In our published chapter,we refer to ‘harm’ in chronic illness as thedisease-related complications that are known tobe linked to risk behaviors.Lenton and Single (1998) have proposed asocio-political definition of harm reduction.Consistent with this definition are principlesused to guide harm reduction interventions forpeople living with chronic illness. The essenceof harm reduction according to this definitionis the recognition thatintervention must start fromthe clients’ needs andpersonal goals and that allchange that reduces the harmsassociated with riskybehaviour is regarded asvaluable.This means that even smallincremental positive changestoward health goals are seenas steps in the right direction.Applying this definition to abroader context of chronicillness, we consider anyintervention to be consistentwith the aims of harmreduction if it (1) has as aprimary goal the reduction ofharm rather than complianceto the prescribed regime; (2) allows forinclusion of strategies for those people whocontinue unhealthy or risky practices; and (3)is likely to produce an overall reduction in harmfor an individual.Harm reduction’s values and principles arecentred on pragmatism wherein the central aimis to control the consequences and reduce theharms of specific behaviours, not eliminate thebehaviours. It is about applying humanisticvalues of respect and dignity to therapeuticrelationships, and through a collaborative anditerative health professional-patient negotiation,prioritizing the needs and diverse perspectivesof individuals.Advocacy, cultural diversity and harmreductionDr Barbara PatersonThe philosophy of harm reduction recognisesthat it is incumbent on service providers and thePolare page 38April-June 2012State to create a safe environment in whichpeople can be protected from illness.Because structural factors contribute toincreasing health risks for all, we argue thatadvocacy remains an important part of harmreduction and that health professionals need tobe engaged with advocacy and activism.Empirical evidence demonstrates thatlegislation and social and economic systemsoften create barriers tochoosing healthy practice, forexample in the relationshipbetweeen the fast-foodindustry, advertising andchildhood obesity rates.One vital area for harmreduction advocacy inchronic disease managementregards the flawed assumptions,expectations andpremise of individualresponsibility for health, thedominant paradigm of thenew health policy.Harm reduction acknowledgesthat not all people areeffective self-regulating andself-caring entities.Nor is everyone in an economic and socialposition to prioritise his or her personal healthover and above all other considerations.Harm reduction is a philosophy largely borneof social and economic marginalisation and asignificant strength of the paradigm is that itacknowledges a wide diversity of people, theirbeliefs and values within its framework.Given the context of global economic andsocial change and the individualising of healthresponsibility over the past forty years, harmreduction is an appropriate ethical frameworkin which health professionals and individualscan work together to address some of the moreproblematic assumptions and expectations ofindividualised health responsibility and theprevailing approaches to, and beliefs about,‘desirable’ aspects of self-management inchronic illness.

Issue Ninety-OneThere are strong parallels between illicit drugdependence and chronic illness, in the sense thatpeople in either circumstance are from diversebackgrounds and are dealing with entrenchedhabits which can be damaging to health anddifficult to change. Harm reduction policies,programmes and interventions can be tailoredto the needs and diverse perspectives of peopleliving with chronic illness.Harm reduction and best-practice medicineTwo Australian physicians, Bradleigh Hayhowand Michael Lowe, writing in the MedicalJournal of Australia in 2006 reported thatstrategies which are already common in clinicalpractice should be explicitly acknowledged asharm reduction strategies as this would allowphysicians an alternative to the ‘best-practice’paradigm when treating people for whom bestpractice is not a practical approach. The authorsargue that despite experiencing chronic illhealth, many people are unable or unwilling tochange unhealthy lifestyles and practices andmay continue to smoke, drink, over-eat or useillicit drugs.While health professionals are trained topromote lifestyle change in patients withlifestyle diseases or those whose illnesses areaffected by poor lifestyle choices, best-practicemay indeed be the application of harmreduction strategies in some instances. Theyemphasise that this should not be understoodas failure of best-practice medicine. Rather, itis about accepting that some people willcontinue to make unhealthy lifestyle choices forreasons that may only be rational to them, evenwhen suffering the consequences of earlier poorchoices.Harm reduction views such behaviouramorally; proponents attempt to recognise andremove personal judgements about individualbehaviour and instead focus on ameliorating thenegative consequences of unhealthy practice.Harm reductionists believe that health policyshould be built upon practice and science ratherthan ideologies and dogmatism. While healthprofessionals commonly promote and insist onlifestyle change to manage patients’ chronichealth problems, research evidence whichoutlines the benefits of lifestyle change inchronic illness comes mainly fromrandomisedcontrolled trials of patients who arecompliant with treatment.In cases where patients are not compliant thereis little evidence for what might be consideredbest-practice. Best-practice is not compromisedby the introduction of harm reductioninterventions if following a GP’s recommendationsfor lifestyle change a patient continuesto engage in unhealthy behaviours.One common objection to incorporating harmreduction principles into the self-managementof chronic disease is that harm reductioncondones and promotes unhealthy lifestylesbecause it addresses the consequences ofunhealthy behaviour, rather than the behaviour.Like Hayhow and Lowe, in response wehighlight how harm reduction is a value-neutralhumanitarian approach to health that seeks toreduce people’s suffering; it is an ethicalapproach to managing habits which come to beregarded as inevitable in some patients. In suchcontexts, harm reduction can be implementedon an individual patient basis, such thatinterventions are not misunderstood as a tacitapproval of unhealthy behaviours, or apromotion of such behaviours.A second objection states that physicians whoaccept harm reduction neglect their professionalobligation to deliver evidence-based bestpractice.While best-practice for many peopleexperiencing chronic illness is lifestyle change,we argue that lifestyle change has a high rate offailure.The integration of harm reduction approachesin chronic illness is not an argument fordisbanding best-practice with patients who areamenable to making lifestyle changes toimprove health outcomes. Instead it is aresponse which acknowledges patients’divergent values around health and that patientshave a legitimate human right to actively choosethe therapeutic responses which suit theircircumstances and lifestyle preferences.A final criticism of applying harm reductioninterventions to chronic illness regards theutilisation of pharmacotherapy in circumstanceswhere lifestyle change would be at least aseffective.Polare page 39April-June 2012

Issue Ninety-OneWe argue that drugs are ameans to enhance good healthoutcomes and that there shouldbe no hesitation in usingpharmacotherapy if patients,after being encouraged toadopt best-practice lifestylechange continue engagingin risky healthpractices. If pharmacotherapyis not deployedwhen its benefits areindicated, then insistentpromotion of lifestylechange becomes totallyirrelevant.ConclusionIn this article, and in ourchapter, we have proposed thatthere is much to be gained fromdrawing on harm reductionprinciples to inform plans toincrease the participation andretention of people withchronic illness in selfmanagementinterventions.We acknowledge that not allpeople with chronic illness areable, or motivated, to engagein effective self-management.They may hold goals for livingwith the disease that do notinclude self-management, andthese goals may be achieved bya grassroots, individualised andflexible approach congruentwith harm reduction theory.The focus of theintervention thenwill shift from thep e r s o n ’ scompliance, to acollaborativealliance, in whichhealth professionaland patient/client worktogether toward shared goalsthat ‘feel right’ for both parties.Such an approach is likely toattract a larger and morediverse clientele than iscurrently the profile ofparticipants in selfmanagementinterventions. Wepropose that in the futuremanagement of chronic illness,harm reduction policy,programmes and interventionscan become valuablecontributions to healthcarebest-practice. BibliographyBrocato, J., & Wagner, E. F. (2003). Harmreduction: A social work practice model andsocial justice agenda. Health and Social Work,28, 117-125.Hayhow, B. D., & Lowe, M. P. (2006).Addicted to the good life: Harm reduction inchronic disease management. Medical Journalof Australia, 184, 235-237.Lenton, S., & Single, E. (1998). The definitionof harm reduction. Drug and Alcohol Review,17, 213-220.Magnusson, R. S. (2004). “Undergroundeuthanasia” and the harm minimization debate.Journal of Law, Medicine and Ethics, 32, 486-495.Paterson, B.L., & Hopwood, M. (2010).Therelevance of self-management programmes forpeople with chronic disease at risk for diseaserelatedcomplications. In D. Kralik, B.Paterson & V. Coates (Eds.), Translatingchronic illness research into practice, pp. 111-142, London: Blackwell Synergy.Dr Max Hopwood is a ResearchFellow in the Hepatitis C Programat the National Centre in HIV SocialResearch, the University of NewSouth Wales.Professor Barbara Paterson is aTier 1 Canada Research Chair inChronic Illness at the Universityof New Brunswick, Fredericton,and the Director of the ChronicIllness Research Institute (CIRI).Have Your Say About Equal Marriage!The House Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs of the Federal Parliamenthas set up an Inquiry into the Marriage Equality Amerndment Bill 2012 and the MarriageAmendment Bill 2012. The Committee will examine the Marriage Bills, in particular the legaland technical aspects, and provide a report to Parliament summarising the issues. The Bills willthen be debated in the House of Representatives. The Committee encourages all interested partiesto express their views on the two Marriage Bills which can be found by Googling MarriageEquality Amendment Bill 2012 and the Marriage Amendment Bill 2012. The Bills are similar,apart from one of them allowing marriage celebrants the right to refuse to marry same-sex couples.There is an anonymous online survey set up by the Committee and you are encouraged to takepart. The Survey can be accessed by cutting and pasting, or keyboarding:http://www.surveymk.com/s/spla-marriage into your browser, or you can emailsplamarriagebills@aph.gov.au or write to: Social Policy and Legal Affairs Committee, Houseof Representatives, PO Box 6021, Parliament House, Canberra, ACT, 2600The closing date for responses is 20 April 2012. A public hearing will be held in Sydney onThursday 12 April. The Committee hopes the report will be tabled on Monday 18 June.Polare page 40April-June 2012

Directory AssistanceNew South WalesTHE GENDER CENTRECounsellingProvides counselling to residentsand clients living in the community.For more information or anappointment contact the Counselloron Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday orThursday 10am - 5.00pm.Outreach serviceAvailable to clients in the inner cityarea on Tuesday nights from 6.00pmto 2.00 a.m. and on Thursdays from10am - 5.30pm by appointment only.Monday and Wednesday afternoonsand Friday 10am - 5.30pm. Alsoavailable to clients confined athome, in hospital or gaol - byappointment only. For anappointment contact OutreachWorker - 9569 2366.Social and support serviceProvides social and support groupsand outings, workshops, forums anddrop-ins. For more informationcontact the Social and SupportWorker. 9569 2366Resource development serviceProduces a range of print resourceson HIV/AIDS, medical and otherinformation relevant to people withgender issues and their serviceproviders. We provide printedinformation including a quarterlymagazine Polare and a regularlyupdated website at:www.gendercentre.org.au .For more information contact theInformation Worker on Mondayor Wednesday 9569 2366Drug and alcohol serviceProvides education, support andreferral to a broad range of services- By appointment only. For anappointment contact theOutreach or Social and SupportWorker 9569 2366Residential serviceProvides semi-supported shareaccommodation for up to elevenresidents who are sixteen years ofage or over. Residents can stay forup to twelve months and aresupported as they move towardsindependent living. A weekly feeis charged to cover householdexpenses.Assessments for residency are byappointment only and can bearranged by contacting theCounsellor, Outreach Worker orSocial and Support Worker 95692366.For partners, families andfriendsSupport, education and referral toa wide range of specialistcounselling, health, legal, welfareand other community services areavailable for partners, familiesand friends of people with genderissues. For more informationcontact the Social and Supportworker 9569 2366.For service providers,employers and othersAdvice, support and workshopsare also available to employers,service providers, students andother people interested in genderissues. For more informationcontact the Manager,GenderCentre, 7 Bent Street or PO Box266, Petersham NSW 2049Tel: (02) 9569.2366Fax: (02) 9569.1176manager@gendercentre.org.auhttp://www.gendercentre.org.auFor after hours counsellingcontact Lifeline on 131 114 orGay and Lesbian CounsellingService, 5.30pm-10.30pm sevendays on(02) 8594 95961800 105 527http://www.glcsnsw.org.au/2010 - TWENTY10/GLBTYOUTH SUPPORTTwenty10 provides support toyoung transgender, lesbian, gay andbisexual people who are havingtrouble at home or are homeless.We provide accommodation,support, counselling, casemanagement and social support aswell as information and referralsfor young GLBT people and theirfamilies. We run communityeducation programs throughoutNSW.PO Box 553, Newtown, NSW, 2042Youth callers needing help:Sydney local: (02) 8594 9555Rural NSW : 1800.65.2010All other callers:(02) 8594 9550Fax: (02) 8594 9559Email: info@2010.org.auWeb page: www.twenty10.org.auACON HEALTH LTDInformation and education aboutHIV/AIDS, caring, support forpeople living with HIV/AIDS.414 Elizabeth St, Surry Hills, NSW2010 or PO Box 350 DarlinghurstNSW 1300Tel: (02) 9206.2000Fax: (02) 9206.2069tty: (02) 9283 2088ACON - HUNTER129 Maitland Road or PO Box220, Islington 2296Tel: (02) 4927 6808Fax: (02) 4927 6485hunter@acon.org.auhttp://www.acon.org.auACON - ILLAWARRA47 Kenny Street,WollongongPO Box 1073,Wollongong,NSW, 2500Tel: (02) 4226.1163Fax: (02) 4226.9838www.acon.org.auACON -MID-NORTH COASTShop 3, 146 Gordon StPort Macquarie NSW 2444Tel: (02) 6584 1163Fax: (02) 6583 3810mnc@acon.org.auPOB 1329, Port Macquarie, 2444ACON - NORTHERNRIVERS27 Uralba StreetLismore NSW 2480PO Box 6063South Lismore NSW 2480Tel: (02) 6622.1555or 1 800 633 637Fax: (02) 6622 1520northernrivers@acon.org.auAFAO (AUSTRALIANFEDERATION OF AIDSORGANISATIONS)National AIDS lobby and safe sexpromotion organisation.PO Box 51Newtown 2042Tel: (02) 9557 9399Fax: (02) 9557 9867ALBION STREET CENTREHIV testing, clinical management,counselling and support, treatmentand trials for HIV/AIDS.Tel: (02) 9332.1090Fax: (02) 9332.4219ANKALIVolunteer project offering emotionalsupport for People Living with HIV/AIDS, their partners, friends andcarers. One on one grief and bereavementservice.Tel: (02) 9332.1090Fax: (02) 9332.4219ASTRA (ASSOCIATION OFSEXY TRANSVESTITES)An erotic social club for the boldand the beautiful! All ages, shapesand sizes. Discreet meetings,weekly parties.PO Box 502, Glebe NSW 2037BOBBY GOLDSMITHFOUNDATION (BGF)Provides direct financialassistance, financial counselling,employment support andsupported housing to people inNSW disadvantaged as a result ofHIV/AIDS.Tel: (02) 9283 8666free call 1800 651 011webwww.bgf.org.au;email bgf@bgf.org.auIssue Ninety-OneBREASTSCREENPhone 132050CENTRAL TABLELANDSTRANSGENDERINFORMATION SER-VICEProvides information and directionsfor anyone seeking medical orpsychological assistance inchanging gender. Providesinformation on gender friendlyservices available in the Bathurst,NSW Area. Brings togethertransgenders, their families andfriends and provides support andunderstanding in a non-counsellingatmosphere.Operates 9 am - 8pm Mon - FriTel: 0412 700 924(CSN) COMMUNITY SUPPORTNETWORKTransport and practical home basedcare for PLWHA. Volunteerswelcome. Training provided.Sydney Mon-Fri 8.00am-6.00pm9 Commonwealth St, Surry HillsTel: (02) 9206.2031Fax: (02) 9206.2092csn@acon.org.auPO Box 350 Darlinghurst NSW1300Western Sydney and BlueMountainsMon-Fri 9.00am-5.00pmTel: 9204 2400Fax: 9891 2088csn-westsyd@acon.org.au6 Darcy Rd, Wentworthville, 2145PO Box 284, Westmead, 2145HunterMon-Fri 9.00am-5.00pmTel: 4927 6808\Fax 4927 6485hunter@acon.org.au129 Maitland Road, Islington, 2296PO Box 220, Islington, 2296MacKillop Centre - HunterTraining and development opportunitiesfor PLWHATel: 4968 8788IllawarraMon-Fri 9.00am-5.00pmTel: 4226 1163:Fax: 4226 9838illawarra@acon.org.au47 Kenny St, Wollongong, 2500POB 1073, Wollongong, 2500Mid North CoastOutreach project: by appointmentTel: 6584.0943Fax: 6583.38104 Hayward Street, Port Macquarie,2444POB 1329, Port Macquarie, 2444HIV AWARENESS AND HIVAWARENESS AND SUP-PORTFor HIV positive IDUs and theirfriends. Meets on Wednesdays.Contact Sandra or Tony at NUAA.Tel: (02) 9369.3455Toll Free: 1800.644.413Polare page 41April-June 2012

Issue Ninety-OneFTMAustraliaResources and health informationfor all men (identified female atbirth), their partners, family andservice providers. For informationcontact FTMAustralia .PO Box 488,Glebe, NSW, 2037www.ftmaustralia.orgmail@ftmaustralia.orgGAY AND LESBIANCOUNSELLINGSERVICEOF NSW (GLCS)A volunteer-based communityservice providing anonymous andconfidential telephone counselling,support, information and referralservices for lesbians, gay men,bisexual and transgender persons(LGBT) and people in relatedcommunities.Counselling line open daily from5.30pm-10.30pm daily (02) 85949596 (Sydney Metro Area - costof local call, highe for mobiles)1800 184 527 (free call forregional NSW caler only)Admin enquiries: (02) 8594 9500or admin@glcsnsw.org.auwebsite: www.glcsnsw.org.auHOLDEN STREET CLINICSexual Health Clinic is staffed bydoctors, sexual health nurses, aclinical psychologist and anadministration officer.Mon, Tue, Wed. 9.00am-5.00pm(closed 12.15pm-1.00pm for lunch)Men’s Clinic Thursday evenings5.00pm-8.00pmAppointments preferred (02) 43202114Ground Floor 69 Holden St,Gosford 2250Tel:(02) 4320 2114Fax: (02)4320 2020INNER CITY LEGALCENTREAvailable to discuss any legalmatter that concerns you.Ph: (02) 9332.1966INTERSECTIONtransgender and other sexualCoalition group of lesbian, gay,minority groups and individualsworking for access and equity withinlocal community services and theiragencies.Christine Bird (02) 9525.3790KIRKETON ROAD CEN-TRENeedle exchange and other servicesClinic Hours:Monday to Friday, 10am - 6pmSaturday to Sunday, 2pm - 6pmOutreach Bus - Every Night100 Darlinghurst Road(Entrance above the Kings CrossFire Station - on VictoriaStreet)SundaysPolare page 42April-June 2012PO Box 22, Kings Cross, NSW,2011Tel: (02) 9360.2766Fax: (02) 9360.5154LES GIRLS CROSS-DRESSERS GROUPAn independent peer support groupfor transgender people. Freetuition, job assistance, friendship andsocials, general information. Bimonthlymeetings.Coordinator,PO Box 504 Burwood NSW 2134(MCC) METROPOLITANMCC Sydney is linked with MCCchurches in Australia as part of aninternational fellowship ofChristian churches with a secialconcern for any who feel excludedby established religious groups.MCC deplores all forms ofdiscrimination and oppression andseeks to share God’ unconditionallove and acceptance of all people,regardless of sexual orientation,race or gender.96 Crystal St, Petersham, 2049Phone (02) 9569 5122Fax: (02) 9569 5144Worship times:10.00 am and 6.30 pmoffice@mccsydney.orghttp://www.mccsydney.org.au/MOUNT DRUITT SEXUALHEALTH CLINICProvides free, confidential andrespectful sexual health information,assessment, treatment andcounselling.Tel: (02) 9881 1206Mon 9.00am-4.00pmWed 9.00am-1.00pmFri 9.00am-1.00pmNEONis a support and social group fortransgender people of all ages. It’s achance to get together and discussexperiences, gain support and makefriends. We meet at the ACONHunter office on the lastWednesdayof every month from 7pm-9pm andon the second Wednesday from 7pm-8pmTel: (02) 4927 6808 (ask for Cath)NEWCASTLE SWOPSWOP at Newcastle has a MobileSexual Health Team0249 276 808NORTHAIDSA community based organisationproviding step down and respite carefor PLWHA on the NorthernBeaches.Tel: (02) 9982 2310Directory AssistanceNUAA - NSW USERSAIDSASSOCIATIONA peer-based communityorganisation providing educationon safe injecting, safe using and safesex. Information on services forinjecting drug users. Free needles,swabs, water, spoons, condoms,gloves and lube. Free newsletter andmaterial on HIV and AIDS and othertopics of interest or concern topeople using drugs illicitly.345 Crown Street, Surry Hills,2010PO Box 278, Darlinghurst, NSW,1800Tollfree: 1800 644 413Fax: (02) 8354 7350admin@nuaa.org.auTel: (02) 8354 7300PARRAMATTA SEXUALHEALTH CLINICprovides free, confidential andrespectful sexual healthinformation, assessment,treatment and counselling.Level 1, 162 Marsden (cnr.George St)Parramatta 2150Ph: (02) 9843 3124Mon, Wed, Fri 9.00am-4.00pmTue 9.00am-1.00pmFri 9.00pm-1.00pmPLWHA (PEOPLE LIV-ING WITH HIV/AIDS)PO Box 831, Darlinghurst NSW2010Tel: (02) 9361.6011Fax: (02) 9360.3504http://www.plwha.org.au/Katoomba:P.O. Box 187Katoomba NSW 2780Tel: (02) 4782.2119http://www.hermes.net.au/plwha/plwha@hermes.net.auPOSITIVE WOMENCan offer one-on-one supportfor HIV positive transgenderwomen. Contact Women andAIDS Project Officer orWomen’s HIV Support Officer atACON.Tel: (02) 9206 2000http://www.acon.org.au/education/womens/campaigns.htmREPIDUResource and Education Programfor Injecting Drug UsersMon - Fri, 9am - 5pm Sat & Sun, 1- 5 Deliveries Tue, Fri 6 - 9103/5 Redfern Street, Redfern,NSW, 2016(Redfern Community HealthCentre, enter via Turner Street)Tel: (02) 9395 0400Fax: (02) 9393 0411RPA SEXUAL HEALTH CLINICprovides a free and confidential rangeof health, counselling and supportservices. Ph: 9515 3131[See ad. p.30]SAGE FOUNDATION (Sex andGender Education Foundation)A voluntary lobbying organisationmade up of gender variant people tolobby the government to ensure equaltreatment in all respects of life. Sageis non-profit. All welcome.Ph: 0421 479 285Email:SAGE_Foundation@yahoogroups.comSEAHORSE SOCIETY OFNSWThe Seahorse Society is anon-profit self-help group fundedby members’ contributions. Opento all crossdressers, their relativesand friends. We offer discretion,private monthly social meetings,outings, contact with othercrossdressers, a telephoneinformation service, postal libraryservice and a newsletter.PO Box 168,Westgate,NSW 2048 orTel: 0423 125 860www.seahorsesoc.orgcrossdress@seahorsesoc.orgSOUTH COAST of NSW fromUlladulla to the VIC Border. We area group of like-minded peopletrying to establish a social and supportgroup. Jen Somers, Sexual HealthCounsellor, Narooma CommunityHealth Centre, Marine DriveNarooma, NSW 2546Tel: (02) 4476.1372Mob: 0407 214 526Fax: (02) 4476 1731jenni.somers@sahs.nsw.gov.au(SWOP) SEX WORKERSOUTREACHTRANSGENDERSUPPORT PROJECTProvides confidential services forpeople working in the NSW sex industry.69 Abercrombie StreetChippendale NSWPO Box 1354Strawberry Hills NSW 2012Tel: (02) 9319 4866Fax: (02) 9310 4262infoswop@acon.org.auwww.swop.org.au/SYDNEY BISEXUALNETWORKProvides an opportunity forbisexual and bisexual-friendlypeople to get together incomfortable, safe and friendlyspaces. Pub social in Newtownon 3rd Sunday of every monthfollowed by a meal. Allwelcome.PO Box 281 BroadwayNSW 2007

Directory AssistanceTel: (02) 9565.4281 (info line)sbn-admin@yahoogroups.comhttp://sbn.bi.orgSYDNEY BISEXUALPAGANSSupporting, socialising and liberatingbisexual pagans living in theSydney region.PO Box 121, Strawberry HillsNSW 2012SYDNEY MEN’S NETWORKWelcomes FTM men.PO Box 2064, Boronia Park, 2111Tel: 9879.4979 (Paul Whyte)paulwhyte@gelworks.com.auSYDNEY SEXUAL HEALTHCENTREProvides free, confidential healthservices, including sexuality, sexualfunction, counselling and testingand treatment of STDs includingHIV.Level 3, Nightingale Wing,Sydney Hospital, Macquarie St,Sydney, NSW, 2000.Tel: (02) 9382 7440 or freecall fromoutside Sydney 1800 451 624(8.30am-5.00pm) Fax:(02) 98327475sshc@sesahs.nsw.gov.auSYDNEY WEST HIV/HEP CPREVENTION SERVICENeedle and syringe program162 Marsden St, Parramatta, NSW2150Ph: (02) 9843 3229Fax: (02) 9893 7103TOWN & COUNTRYCENTREDrop In Centre - Weekly Coffee Nights- 24 hour ph line - regular socialactivities - youth services - information,advice and referral - safer sexpacks and more! - for bisexual,transgender folks and men who havesex with men80 Benerembah Street, GriffithPO Box 2485, Griffith, NSW 2680Tel: (02) 6964.5524Fax: (02) 6964.6052glsg@stealth.com.auTRANS MASHFor younger Trans people (25 andunder). Newcastle area.Contact JudiButler j.butler@acon.org.auWOLLONGONG - TRANTransgender Resource andAdvocacy Network.A service for people who identify asa gender other than their birthgender. Providing a safe andconfidential place to visit, phone ortalk about gender issues.Thursday AND Friday 9am - 5pmTel: (02) 4226.1163WOMENS & GIRLS DROP INCENTREis a safe, friendly drop-in Centrein inner Sydney for women withor without children. Shower, re-lax, read the paper, get information,referral and advice.Monday to Friday - 9.30 -4.30pm177 Albion Street, SurryHills, NSW 2010Tel: (02) 9360.5388A.C.T.AGENDER AGENDA is a nonprofitgroup committed toproviding support, education,information and relief to peopleliving with any tupe of sex orgender related condition (whethersymptoms are physical or mentaland are attributable to genetic orother origin).PO Box 4010, Ainslie, ACT, 2602Ph: 0412 882 855Fax: (02) 6247 0597Email: polar@homemail.com.auAIDS ACTION COUNCIL OFACTThe AIDS Action Council of the ACTprovides information and educationabout HIV/AIDS, caring, supportservices for people living with HIV/AIDSWestlund House, Acton, ACT 2601GPO Box 229, Canberra, ACT 2601Tel: (02) 6257.2855Fax: (02) 6257.4838info@aidsaction.org.auPLWHA (PEOPLE LIVINGWITH HIV/AIDS)People living with HIV/AIDS ACTprovides peer based support, adviceand advocacy for people with HIV/AIDS in a relaxed friendlyenvironment.Westlund House, Acton ACT 2601GPO Box 229, Canberra ACT 2601Tel: (02) 6257.4985Fax: (02) 6257.4838plwha.act@aidsaction.org.auSWOP ACT (SEX WORKEROUTREACH PROJECT)Provides services for peopleworking in the sex industry in theACT.Westlund House,16 Gordon Street, Acton,,ACT, 2601GPO Box 229, Canberra, ACT,2601Tel: (02) 6247 3443Fax: (02) 6257 2855E-mail:aacswop@aidsaction.org.auNORTHERN TERRITORYAIDS & HEPATITISCOUNCILIncorporating Services and SupportFor HIV Positive and HepatitisPositive people. Needle Syringe Program Sex Worker Outreach ProjectNorthernTerritoryPeer Project GLBTI CommunityEducation, Social &Emotional SupportCommunity EducationTel: (08) 8944 7777www.ntahc.org.auinfo@ntahc.org.auQueensland(ATSAQ) AUSTRALIANTRANSGENDERISTSUPPORT ASSOC. OFQLD.A non-profit organisation providingcounselling, support, referral andinformation, crisis counselling, drug andalcohol for transgender people, theirfamilies and friends.Ph: (07) 3843 5024 8am-6pmEmail: trans.atsa@bigpond.comwww.atsaq.comPO Box 212, New Farm, Qld, 4005BRISBANE GENDERCLINICDoctors from private practices withan understanding of the transgendercommunity ARE available forconsultation by appointment eachWednesday afternoon from 1.30pmto 5.30pm.Phone (07) 3837 5645Fax: (07) 3837 5640Level 1, 270 Roma Street,Brisbane 4000CAIRNS SEXUAL HEALTHSERVICEA public health clinic with aninterest in and experiece oftransgender medicine. Doctors,nurses and psychologist withreferral to other services asrequired.The Dolls House, Cairns BaseHospital, The Esplanade, CairnsPh: (07) 4050 6205GOLD COAST SEXUALHEALTH CLINICA public sexual health clinic withan interest in and experience oftransgender medicine. MedicalIssue Ninety-Onepsychologist. Referral to speechpathology, endocrinologists,psychiatrists, surgeons available.Consultations free, byappointment.2019 Gold Coast HighwayPO Bopx 44, Miami, Qld, 4220Ph: (07) 5576 9033fax(07) 5576 9030QUEENSLAND GENDERCENTRETranssexual semi-supportedaccommodation available to thosewho identify as Transgender andwho are drug and alcohol free.Accommodation available for six ortwelve months.PO Box 386, Chermside South, QLD4032 Ph: (07) 3357 6361www.queenslandgendercentre.orgSEAHORSE SOCIETY OFQLDWe provide a safe environment formembers and other persons in their livesto meet and socialise and offercounselling where possible. We arewholly self-funded And open to bothsexes no matter what their sexualityPO Box 574 Annerley QLD 4102www. geocities. com/WestHollywood/8009/seahorse@powerup.com.au(SQWISI) SELF HEALTHFOR QUEENSLANDWORKERS IN THE SEXINDUSTRYProvides a confidential service fortrannies working in the sex industry inQueensland. Offices in Brisbane, GoldCoast and Cairns. Also has an exitand retraining house for sex workerswanting to leave the sex industry.PO Box 5649, West End Qld 4101Tel: 1800 118 021Fax: (07) 3846 4629Email: sqwisib@sqwisi.org.auAndrejic Arcade, Suite 32,55 Lake Street,PO Box 6041, Cairns, Qld, 4870Tel: (07) 4031 3522Fax: (07) 4031 0996Email: sqwisic@sqwisi.org.auLevel 1 Trust House3070 Gold Coast Highway,Surfers Paradise, Qld, 4217PO Box 578, Surfers Paradise, Qld4217Tel: 1800 118 021Fax: (07) 5531 6671Email: sqwisigc@sqwisi.org.auLevel 3 Post Office ArcadeFlinders Street, Townsville, Qld,4871PO Box 2410, Townsville, Qld,4810Ph: 1800 118 021Fax: (07) 4721 5188Email: sqwisit@sqwisi.org.auPolare page 43April-June 2012

Issue Ninety-OneTRANSBRIDGEA support group for transgenders inthe Townsville area. We have connectionswith sexual health, mentalhealth, AIDS counselling and othersby association.Transbridge Support, PO Box 3572,Hermit Park, QLD 4812If we can help you at any time wehave a mobile phone for twenty-fourhour support at:0406 916 788email: transbridge@mail.comSouth AustraliaCARROUSEL CLUBA non-profit, social group thatoperates as a support group forpersons with gender issues, andprovides social outlets. Produces aClub Newsletter every two months.PO Box 721, Marleston SA 5033Tel: (08) 8411.0874ccsai@hotmail.comwww.geocities.com/carrousel_2000CHAMELEONSCounselling, information andsupport aimed at minimising theisolation of transgender people inSouth Australia. PO Box 2603Kent Town SA 5071Tel: (08) 8293 3700Fax: (08) 8293 3900AH: (08) 8346 2516DARLING HOUSECOMMUNITYLIBRARYA non-profit, community basedresource that operates as a jointproject of the AIDS Council of SAand the Gay and LesbianCounselling Service of SA Inc.64 Fullarton Rd NorwoodPO Box 907 Kent TownSouth Australia 5071Tel: (08) 8334 1606Fax: (08) 363.1046Freecall: 1800 888 559SHINE - SEXUAL HEALTHNetworking and Education SouthAustralia Inc. (formerly FamilyPlanning South Australia) providessexual and reproductive healthservices for the South Australiancommunity.17 Phillips Street, Kensington,SA. 5068 Tel: (08) 8431 5177Fax: (08) 8364 2389Polare page 44April-June 2012(SATS) SOUTH AUSTRALIANTRANSSEXUAL SUPPORTGROUPA support group for transsexualswho have changed or are about tochange their gender role and for theirpartners.Also provides information ontranssexualism for the communityand people with gender identitydifficulties.SATS C/o PO Box 907Kent Town SA 5071or the Gay and Lesbian CounsellingService (Gayline) on: (08) 84228400 or country on 1800 182 223or Sarah on 0409 091 663 orwww.tgfolk.net/sites/satsg/hrt.htmlemail: satsgroup@yahoo.com.auTasmaniaWORKING IT OUTTasmania’s sexuality and gendersupport and education serviceproviding counelling and support,mentoring for lesbian, transgenderand intersex (LGBTI) Tasmaniansand education and trainingprogrammes to schools, workplaces,government and non-governmentorganisations Office hours vary fromoffice to office.Hobart, 39 Burnett St, North Hobart(03) 6231 1200 or 0429 346 122Fax (03)6231 1400Launceston, 45 Canning St,LauncestonBurnie, 11 Jones St, Burnie (03)6432 3643www.workingitout.org.auEmail: exec@workingitout.org.auVictoriaCHAMELEON SOCIETY OFVICTORIA Inc.While the group does not meet on aregular basis it is there to providesupport and information to those requiringassistance with all matters.PO Box 79Altona, VIC.3018Telephone message bank service(03) 9517 9416email:chameleonvicgirls@hotmail.comrobr@vicnet.net.auFTM PHALLOPLASTYCONTACTMichael is F2M who has had GRS andis willing to be contacted for informationand support around GenderReassignment Surgery for F2Ms inparticular phalloplasty as performed bythe Monash Medical Centre GenderTeam.Michael Mitchell. Tel: 0405 102 142Tel: (03) 5975 8916 messagebankpathwaysau@yahoo.com.auDirectory AssistanceGENDER AFFIRMATIONAND LIBERATIONis a caring self-help group for transexedpeople. It meet monthly to supportpeople who are in the process of gender/sex affirmation (transitioning ortransitioned).PO Box 245, Preston, VIC, 3072Tel: (03) 9517 1237http://groups.yahoo.com/groups/gaal1PROSTITUTESCOLLECTIVE OFVICTORIARhED in the sex industryAre you interested in contributing toRED, the magazine produced by theRhED Program? If you are, pleasecontact RhED on (03) 9534 8166 Mon-Fri 10am to 5pmSEAHORSE CLUB OFVICTORIA Inc.A fully contituted self-help groupfinanced by members subscriptions. Fullor postal membership is open totranspersons who understand and respectthe purpose of the club. Partners are alsoconsidered to be members. We haveprivate monthly social meetings withspeakers from relevant professions.Besides a monthly magazine and alibrary, we offer a contact mail service.GPO Box 86, St Kilda, VIC, 3182Tel: (03) 9513 8222http://home.vicnet.net.au/~seahorseseahorsevic@mbox.com.au(TGV) TRANSGENDERVICTORIATransgender Victoria is dedicated toachieving justice and equity for peopleexperiencing gender identity issues, theirpartner, families and friends. We providesupport on a range of issues includingeducation, health, accommodation andfacilitating assistance with workplaceissues for those identifying astransgender, transsexual or cross-dresser.PO Box 762, South Melbourne, VIC,3205Tel: (03) 9517 6613 (leave a message)transgendervictoria@yahoo.com.auwww.vicnet.net.au/~victransWesternAustraliaCHAMELEON SOCIETYProvides support to crossdressers, theirrelatives and friends.PO Box 367,Victoria Park WA 6979Tel: 0418 908839 (8pm-10pm)Email: chameleonswa@email.comwww.chameleonswa.comFREEDOM CENTRE93 Brisbane Street, Northbridge,Perth, WA 6000Ph: (08) 9228 0354 (openinghours(08) 9482 0000(admin)Fax: (08) 9482 0001Email: info@freedom.org.auWeb: www.freedom.org.auProvides peer support, information,referrals and a safe social space foryoung people (under 26) who aregay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender,transsexual, queer and questioning.We have a monthly drop-inspecifically for Trans- and/or genderdiverse young people called GenderQ (see below) on the first Thursdayof every month from 5-8pm.GAY AND LESBIANCOMMUNITY SERVICES2 Delhi St, West Perth, WA, 6005Ph: (08) 9486 9855Counselling line (08) 9420 7201Counselling line country areas 1800184 527Email: admin@glcs.org.auWeb: www.glcs.org.auGay and Lesbian CommunityServices provides telephonecounselling and other supportservices for people with diversesexuality and gender. They have anexcellent referral list for trans*friendly doctors, psychs etc.GENDER-QMeets at the Freedom Centre (93Brisbane Street,, Northbridge PerthWA) on the first Saturday of everymonth from 1pm-4pm. It is a freepeer-based support session for youngpeople (aged 25 and under) with diversegender expression. Significantothers welcome.Freedom Centre, PO Box 1510, WestPerth 6872, WATel: 9228 0354www.freedom.org.auemail: info@freedom.org.auINTERNATIONALFOUNDATION FORANDROGYNOUS STUDIES(IFAS)See International listings on p.39MAGENTAMagenta offers support, educationand information to transgender, maleand female workers in the sex industry:PO Box 8054 PBCNorthbridge, WA 6849Tel: 08. 9328 1387Fax: 08. 9227 9606

Directory AssistanceIssue Ninety-OnePYCISPh: (08) 9338 2792Fax: (08) 9388 2793Email: picys@westnet.com.auPICYS provide medium to longtermsupport and accommodationfor young people aged 16 to 25who would otherwise be homeless.PICYS staff are well informed aboutTTI issues and are trained to provideyoung people with specialisedsupport. TTI-specific resources andreferrals to medical professionals.TRANSCOMMUNITYWAWe provide peer support for,information resources about, andadvocacy on behalf of, people whoare transitioning, are planning totransition, or have transitioned. Wealso organise discreet social eventsat which significant others andsupporters of our membership arewelcome.Contact Lisa on 0427 973 496,email lisasonau@yahoo.com.auTRANSWEST: THETRANSGENDERASSOCIATION OFWESTERN AUSTRALIA(INC)Support, information, advocacy andsocial events for all kinds oftransgender and transsexual people.Established 1997PO Box 1944,Subiaco, WA, 6904Mob: 0407 194 282hmpperth@cygnus.uwa.edu.auwww.geocities.com/transwest_waTRUE COLOURSPROGRAM1st floor, Trinity Buildings,72 St Georges Terrace. PERTH,WA, 6000Ph: (08) 9483 1333Fax: (08) 9322 3177Email:jaye.edwards@unitingcarewest.org.auWeb: www.unitingcarewest.org.auThe True Colours program aims topromote safe and inclusive ruraland regional communities whereyoung people with a diversesexuality and gender, their familiesand friends are supported andaffirmed. This program offerssupport to young people who arecoming out as well as educatingthe community services sector andcommunity members about theimpact of homophobia andheterosexism on these youngpeople, their families and friends.WELLBEING CENTRE OFWAService for people with blood-bornediseases such as Hep C and HIV/AIDS. This service is for peoplewith issues such as healthproblems,relationships, medica-tionand alternative therapies.162 Aberdeen Street,NorthbridgeTel: (08) 9228 2605www.free2be.org,au is a WA basedwebsite for DSG youth that has asection on gender too(www.free2be.org.au/gender.htmlNational(ABN) AUSTRALIANBISEXUAL NETWORKABN is the national network ofbisexual women, men and partnersand bi- and bi-friendly groups andservices. ABN produces a nationalnews magazine, houses a resourcelibrary and is a member of theInternational Lesbian and GayAssociation (ILGA).PO Box 490, Lutwyche QLD 4030Tel: (07) 3857 25001800 653 223ausbinet@rainbow.net.auwww.rainbow.net.au/~ausbinetIRCL (oz.org network) A.B.N.AIS SUPPORT GROUP(AUSTRALIA)Support group for Intersex people andtheir families. We have representativesin all Australian States.PO Box 1089Altona Meadows, VIC, 3028Tel: (03) 9315 8809aissg@iprimus.com.auwww.vicnet.net.au/~aissgAUSTRALIAN WOMANNETWORKAustralian WOMAN Network isprimarily a lobby and health supportgroup for people who experience thecondition of transsexualism, theirfamilies, friends and supporters.There are email discussion lists formembers as well as a bulletin boardproviding places for both public andmember-only access. There is alsoa large archive of related materialavailable for education and researchpurposes.www.w-o-m-a-n.netCHANGELING ASPECTSA caring national supportorganisation for Transsexual people,their partners and families. Forinformation, please write or call.email:knoble@iinet.net.auwww.changelingaspects.comFTMAustraliaResources and health informationfor all men (identified female atbirth), their partners, family andservice providers. Contact FTMAustralia for more information.PO Box 488, Glebe, NSW, 2037www.ftmaustralia.orgmail@ftmaustralia.orgTRUE COLOURSDIVERSITYTrue Colours represents young peoplewho experience transsexualism anda network of their parents, familiesthroughout Australia. Whether youare a parent, a family member, a carer,a friend or a young personexperiencing the diversity in sexualformation called transsexualism, youhave come to a friendly place. TRUEColours offers mutual support andadvocacy for young people withtranssexualism and their families. Wealso offer a parents/caregivers emaildiscussion group.Web: www.trucolours.org.auEmail: Mail@truecolours.org.auPolare page 45April-June 2012

Issue Ninety-OneInternationalAGENDER NEW ZEALANDA caring national supportorganisation for Cross/Transgenderpeople, their partners and families.For a detailed information pack,please write or call:PO Box 27-560,Wellington, NewZealandTel: (64) 0800 AGENDEREmail: president@agender.org.nzwww.agender.org.nzBEAUMONT SOCIETYNon-profit organisation forcrossdressers throughout GreatBritain. Social functions,counselling and a contact systemfor members. Provides a magazine- Beaumont magazineBM Box 3084London WCIN 3XXEnglandwww.beaumontsociety.org.uk/BEAUMONT TRUSTThe Trust is a registered charity,the aim of which is the support oftransvestites, transsexuals, theirfriends and families. It fostersresearch into both psychologicaland social aspects of transvestismand transsexualism and canprovide speakers to address otherorganisations. It producesliterature and arranges workshops,develops befriending facilitiesand assists with conferences.The Beaumont Trust, BM Charity,London WC1N 3XX.http://www3.mistral.co.uk/gentrust/bt.htmCROSS-TALKThe transgender community news& information monthly.PO Box 944,Woodland Hills CA91365U.S.A.FTM INTERNATIONALA group for female to male transgenderpeople. Provides aquarterly newsletter - FTM.160 14th StSan Francisco, CA, 94103http://www.ftmi.org/info@ftmi.orgFTM NETWORK UKA support group for female tomale trans people. Provides anewsletter - Boys’ OwnFTM Network, BM Network,London, WC1N 3XX, England.www.ftm.org.ukGENDERBRIDGE Inc.Support and Social Society forpeople with gender identity issues,their families, partners andprofessionals involved in care,treatment and counselling.PO Box 68236, Newton, 1145,New ZealandPhone: (64) (09) 0800 TGHELP(0800.84.4357) (24 hrs)www.genderbridge.orginfo@genderbridge.orgGENDER TRUST (THE)A help group for those whoconsider themselves transsexual,gender dysphoric or transgendered.Provides trainedcounsellors, psychologists andpsychotherapists and a there is areferral procedure to a choice ofother therapists.The Gender TrustPO Box 3192, BrightonBN1 3WR, ENGLANDhttp://www3.mistral.co.uk/gentrust/home.htmgentrust@mistral.co.ukINTERNATIONALFOUNDATION FORANDROGYNOUS STUDIES(IFAS)Support, information, advocacyand social events. An incorporatedbody established to advancethe health, well-being, basicrights, social equality and self-determinationof persons of any ageor cultural background who aretransgender, transsexual, transvestiteor intersex, or who are otherwisephysically or psychologicallyandrogynous as well as gay, lesbianand bisexual people.PO Box 1066Nedlands, WA, 6909, AustraliaMobile ph: 0427 853 083http://www.ecel.uwa.edu.au/gse/staffweb/fhaynesIFAS_Homepage.htmlwww.IFAS.org.auIFGE INTERNATIONALFOUNDATION FORGENDEREDUCATIONEducational and service organisationdesigned to serve as aneffective communicationsmedium, outreach device, andnetworking facility for the entireTV/TS Community and thoseaffected by the Community.Publisher of materials relevant tothe TV/TS theme. Produces TV/TS journal -Tapestry.PO Box 229, Waltham, MA02254-0229 U.S.A.http://www.ifge.org/info@ifge.orgDirectory AssistanceIKHLASIKHLAS drop in centre is acommunity program by PinkTriangle Malaysia. Provides anoutreach project, HIV/AIDSinformation, counselling,medication, workshop and skillbuilding for transgender people inKuala Lumpur Malaysia.PO Box 11859, 50760Kuala Lumpur MalaysiaTel: 6.03.2425.593Fax: 6.03.2425.59ITANZ INTERSEX TRUSTAOTEAROA OF NEWZEALANDRegistered non-profit charitabletrust to provide a number ofeducational, advocacy and liaisonservices to intersexuals, theirparents, caregivers, family, friendsand partners within theCommunity and those affected bythe Community.PO Box 9196, Marion SquareWellington, New ZealandTel: (04) 4727 386 (machineonly) Fax: (04) 4727 387PROSTITUTESCOLLECTIVE OFAUCKLAND - NEWZEALANDPO Box 68 509,Newton, Auckland,New ZealandPROSTITUTESCOLLECTIVE OFCHRISTCHURCH-NEWZEALANDProvides a confidential service fortrannies working in the sexindustry.PO Box 13 561Christchurch,New ZealandPROSTITUTESCOLLECTIVE OFWELLINGTON - NEWZEALANDProvides a confidential service fortrannies working in the sexindustry.PO Box 11/412, Manner StWellington New ZealandTel: (64) 4382-8791Fax: (64) 4801-5690Every effort has been made toinclude accurate and up-to-dateinformation in this directory. Toamend your listing fax (02) 95691176 or email the Editor onresources@gendercentre.org.auPolare page 46April-June 2012

Issue Ninety-OneAre You Embarrassed byUgly and Unwanted Facial or Body Hair?You are not alone, and there is a permanent solution.Everywhere people are raving about the results of thisamazing method!It is medically and scientifically provensafe to permanently remove yourunwanted hair so that it NEVER growsback. This process (called Multi ProbeElectrolysis) has 130 years of tried, testedand proven safe and effective guaranteedpermanent hair loss results.Multi Probe Electrolysis is suitablefor:All areas of the bodyAll skin types and skin coloursAll hair types and hair coloursComments from satisfied clientsMy skin feels so soft now; I am notembarrassed to be kissed anynore; I just feel sofree; I thought I would have to live with thishair, now I know I don’t - thank you; I can talkto people and look at them again; 12 years andnothing has grown back - you changed my life;I have so much more confidence; I wish I knewabout Permanence a long time agoOur GuaranteeOur treatment has transformedthe appearance of thousands ofpeople. We are so confident inour results we put our 100%money back Guarantee behindour work! If in the unlikely eventyou are not truly satisfied withyour treatment, then we insist ongivimg you back your money - NOQUESTIONS ASKED!So phone Sydney’s most sought after HairRemoval Specialists for Results NOW.Say goodbye to your ugly unwanted hairforever and let us focus on achievingwhat you want, and this we do every day.The first 27 people to call and mentionthis ad will receive our specialintroductory offer - you pay only $99for $165 of Value - a saving of $66.Consultation Valued at $6030 Minute Treatment Valued at $75Melfol Aftercare cream Valued at $30CityDymocks Building,Level 3428 George St, Sydney9221 8595Drummoyne170 Victoria Road,Drummoyne9719 1391www.permanence.com.auPERMANENCEThe permanent hair removal specialistsPolare page 47April-June 2012

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