SUPPORT GROUPS
About our support groups
The Gender Centre organises and facilitates a range of groups for our community including:
- Transtopia support groups for gender questioning youth or youth in transition (12-17)
- Partners Support Group for partners of trans and gender diverse people
- TGD Parents Support Group for parents of trans & gender diverse youth
- Over 40s Support group for transgender, gender diverse and gender questioning people
- Young Women’s Support Group for people who identify as transgender female or questioning aged between 25 and 39.
- Non-binary Support for people who identify anywhere within the gender variant spectrum and are over 18
- FTM Connect for those who identify as transgender male or questioning and aged from 17 and above
These groups provide support and access to resources and community, from diverse gender specific groups including transgender questioning, neutral, non-binary dealing with specific issues or aspects of transition providing a safe supportive space to connect and be themselves.
Please click on the topics below to learn more about each group.
Bookings are essential for all groups, as numbers are usually limited. Keep an eye on this website to learn of upcoming groups or simply call the Gender Centre on (02) 9569 2366 to enquire or to reserve your seat at a future group.
FTM CONNECT (17 AND UP)
FTM IS KICKING OFF FOR 2026
FTM Connect is a group for people who identify as transgender male or questioning and are aged from 17 and up. The purpose of this group is to provide a warm, friendly and supportive space where topics relevant to gender identity can be discussed freely and questions asked. Guest speakers are invited to attend on occasion, every month the conversation topics vary and we welcome questions or topics that you would like to see raised.
The group is run by Candy: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
To attend this group you will need to email your RSVP to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. prior to the night of group. Due to covid restrictions we have a limited capacity of 30 people and will not be admitting anyone that has not RSVP’d. FTM Connect Fridays 6pm to 7.30pm
The dates that F.T.M. Connect will be running in 2026 are as follows;
- FRIDAY FEBRUARY 6th
- FRIDAY MARCH 6th
- FRIDAY APRIL ( no group due to good friday but alternative for a catch up is the movie night on the 10th of April)
- FRIDAY MAY 1st
- FRIDAY JUNE 5th
- FRIDAY JULY 3rd
- FRIDAY AUGUST 7th
- FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 4th
- FRIDAY OCTOBER 2nd
- FRIDAY NOVEMBER 6th
- FRIDAY DECEMBER 4th
RSVP PHONE: +612 9569 2366
RSVP EMAIL: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
ABOUT FTM CONNECT:
YOUNG ADULTS (18 – 24)
Young Adults is a group for transgender, gender diverse and gender questioning young people aged between 18 and 24. The purpose of this group is to offer a safe space for young adults to express themselves, meet like-minded people and discuss issues that many young transgender people face.
This group is run by Aurora, we have a limit of 15 people so we require an RSVP each month. You can RSVP to this group via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
This group runs every month on Tuesdays at the Gender Centre's Marrickville office, 6 - 7.30pm. Dates for 2026 .
Febuary 5th
March 5th
April 2nd
May 7th
June 4th
July 2nd
August 6th
September 3rd
October 1st
November 5th
December 3rd
RSVP PHONE: +612 9569-2366
RSVP EMAIL: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
ABOUT YOUNG ADULTS GROUP:
METRO PARENTS & DISTANCE GROUP
PARENTS OF TRANS AND GENDER QUESTIONING YOUTHYour child is questioning their gender. Maybe you're feeling shocked and overwhelmed by the news or fearful for your child's future. Maybe you have no idea what you're feeling. There might be a thousand different questions running through your head. The Gender Centre runs a monthly parent's of transgender youth support group with a trained facilitator, guest speakers and lots of parents who are there to help and answer questions. Its all free - you don't need to book just come along.
PARENTS OF TRANS AND GENDER QUESTIONING YOUTH who are less than 5 years into their journey are invited to come and be part of these support nights. For regional parents and for parents who are 5 years + in supporting their children please check out our parent's distance group.
The Distance Group is run remotely by This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and availability depends upon numbers. Please contact Liz if you are interested. Also, please note that the link provided for the distance group changes each month.
The Metro Parents Group meets one Monday per month except January and public holidays.
The group is run by Naomi This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., at the Gender Centre: 10 Lilydale St, Marrickville.
6-8:30pm.
Doors open at 6pm. Dates for 2026:
- MONDAY 9th FEBRUARY
- MONDAY 9th MARCH
- MONDAY 20th APRIL
- MONDAY 11th MAY
- MONDAY 15th JUNE
- MONDAY 20th JULY
- MONDAY 10th AUGUST
- MONDAY 14th SEPTEMBER
- MONDAY 12th OCTOBER
- MONDAY 9th NOVEMBER
- MONDAY 14th DECEMBER
RSVP PHONE: +612 9569-2366
RSVP EMAIL: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
ABOUT METRO PARENTS & DISTANCE GROUP:
First Steps "shared stories from parents and caregivers:
When my daughter was growing up it never crossed my mind that she had any issues with her gender. I have no stories to share of her insisting she was a boy, no struggles to persuade her to wear girls’ clothing, no anecdotes about how she was a tomboy or played on the boys soccer team. I have nothing like that to share. My stories are of a beautiful and creative little girl who loved her princess dolls, her My Little Ponies, her coloured hair clips, bows and fairy wings.
It was never on my radar that my daughter could be transgender or that one day when she was in her early twenties my life would be turned completely upside down. I cannot remember clearly how my daughter told me she was a boy, or whether she used the word transgender. The panic and fear that I felt at that moment, thinking there must be something terribly wrong with my child, has wiped some of my memories of that day. But I will never forget the anguish I saw in my child’s face. I knew whatever she was struggling with, was massive.
I didn't know what I should do and I turned to a diagnostic manual for information. At that time it was the DSM IV. I looked up gender and I came away worried that my daughter could be suffering a serious disorder and be mentally ill. I saw a psychologist specialising in gender issues and I told her about my daughter and how she had always behaved and dressed like a girl. But I also told her about the distress my child felt during puberty, her anxiety and discomfort with her female anatomy and of her breast binding. The psychologist said she believed my child could be transgender.
For a long time I fell into a deep abyss. I worried about my child's future, how difficult her life would be and how badly she would be treated. How could I ever keep her safe? What had I done to cause this? How had I not known? I fluctuated between denial, fear, depression and guilt. In those early troubled years it was hard for me to see that I could get to the place I am now, or to see that I would gain so much from the journey. I have a transgender son and I am enormously proud of him. I feel positive about his future and all of his potential. He is interesting, inspiring and courageous and I fully embrace him as my son.
The reason I am sharing my story is because I want you to know that it does get better! You will come to a place of acceptance. You will get used to the new name and pronouns. You will feel proud of your child and positive about the future. You will feel confident that your child will find happiness and love. You will learn that your transgender child is a natural part of human diversity.
Use your child’s preferred name and pronouns. In the beginning you may find this very difficult but continued resistance could damage your relationship with your child.
Show support and a willingness to understand her or his experience. Whatever your child’s age he or she wants and needs your acceptance.
Connect with a parents’ support group. When you need support or comfort or reassurance about your child’s future, don’t look for that from your child.
Not all transgender people are the same. Not everyone transitions, not everyone takes hormones and not everyone has surgery. Some transgender people pass in their affirmed gender and some do not and some don’t feel they need to try. There is no right or wrong way to be transgender.
Reassure your child
Communicate that you love and support your child no matter what. Encourage your child to be the person he or she is.
Help your child connect to age-appropriate trans-positive places and people
If your child is seeking a connection with other transgender or gender diverse people, contact appropriate services for social and support groups.
Adapt to pronoun and name changes
Practise and apologise when you make a mistake. It all gets easier with time and shows respect for your child..
Be an advocate
Be a proud parent. Do not approach your child’s diversity with a sense of shame.
There are many, many parents with transgender children. You are not alone.
Tips for parents: When your older child tells you she or he is transgender he or she has probably agonised over these feelings for years.... believe them.
Use your child’s preferred name and pronouns. In the beginning you may find this very difficult but continued resistance could damage your relationship with your child.
Show support and a willingness to understand her or his experience. Whatever your child’s age he or she wants and needs your acceptance.
Connect with a parents’ support group. When you need support or comfort or reassurance about your child’s future, don’t look for that from your child.
Not all transgender people are the same. Not everyone transitions, not everyone takes hormones and not everyone has surgery. Some transgender people pass in their affirmed gender and some do not and some don’t feel they need to try. There is no right or wrong way to be transgender.
If your child is transgender that does not mean there is something “wrong” with him or her. Learn all you can and be an advocate and champion for your child. .
What can you do for your child
DON’T PANIC!
Reassure your child
Communicate that you love and support your child no matter what. Encourage your child to be the person he or she is.
Help your child connect to age-appropriate trans-positive places and people
If your child is seeking a connection with other transgender or gender diverse people, contact appropriate services for social and support groups.
Adapt to pronoun and name changes
Practise and apologise when you make a mistake. It all gets easier with time and shows respect for your child..
Be an advocate
Be a proud parent. Do not approach your child’s diversity with a sense of shame.
What can you do for yourself:
- Take a deep breath.
- Remember you are not alone.
- Get support.
- Allow yourself to feel sad but do not let it overwhelm you so you can’t help your child.
- If your feelings are overwhelming you, seek professional help.
- Be kind to yourself and recognise that you will make mistakes.
- Do not beat yourself up.
- You may need to unlearn and unpack a number of preconceived ideas and beliefs – it helps to talk to people.
Transcend 40 (Changed from Over 40s)
TRANSCEND 40 IS OUR NEW NAMETranscend 40 is a group for transgender and gender questioning people who are aged 40 and above. The purpose of this group is to provide lively conversation and the opportunity to socialise over tea and coffee. The group is run at the Gender Centre 10 Lilydale St, Marrickville between the hours of 2:30pm and 4pm.
The group is run by This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Dates for 2026:
- MONDAY FEBRUARY
- MONDAY MARCH
- MONDAY APRIL
- MONDAY MAY
- MONDAY JUNE
- MONDAY JULY
- MONDAY AUGUST
- MONDAY SEPTEMBER
- MONDAY OCTOBER
- MONDAY NOVEMBER
(All meetings are the last Monday of each month, except for December due to holiday closure).
RSVP PHONE: +612 9519 7599
RSVP EMAIL: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
ABOUT TRANSCEND 40 GROUP:
Partners
PARTNERS ON-LINE SUPPORT GROUPThe Partners Support Group is for people whose partners are gender questioning, non binary, and or gender queer.
The aim of this support group is to provide participants with a network of support in a safe on-line enviroment in which participants can communicate with one another constructively.
Each session's objectives will be to share resources and assist participants deepen their understanding of their situation and themselves. The focus will be on the participants not their partners.
This is an on-line group facilitated by a qualified counsellor,the group meets via Zoom. Prospective participants will need to complet an in-take form on what participants hope to gain from the group and what pressing concerns or questions you might have once the form has been completed you will need to email the form to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. you will then be supplied with a link to the zoom group.
Please Note this group is currently at capacity
DOWNLOAD PARTNERS ONLINE FORM Email your online form to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Where .....On Line
When ....The group has started
How much......its free
Do I need to book.........yes as you will need to fill out the group form and be given your Zoom link
RSVP PHONE:
RSVP EMAIL: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
ABOUT PARTNERS GROUP:
NON-BINARY (18 AND UP)
NON-BINARY IS KICKING OFF FOR 2026:
The Group runs on the 4th Tuesday of each month
Non-Binary is a group for people who identify anywhere within the gender variant spectrum and are over 18. The purpose of this group is to provide a warm, friendly and supportive space where topics relevant to gender identity can be discussed freely and questions asked. The NB group is run by Briana
Dates for 2026:
- TUESDAY FEB 24th
- TUESDAY MARCH 24th
- TUESDAY APRIL 28th
- TUESDAY MAY 26th
- TUESDAY JUNE 23rd
- TUESDAY JULY 28th
- TUESDAY AUGUST 25th
- TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 22nd
- TUESDAY OCTOBER 27th
- TUESDAY NOVEMBER 224th
The group meets at the Gender Centre from 5.30- 7:00pm.
PLEASE NOTE:
This group is limited to people over the age of 18.
RSVP PHONE: +612 9519 7599
RSVP EMAIL:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
ABOUT NON-BINARY GROUP:
WOLLONGONG PARENTS
WOLLONGONG PARENTS GROUP 2026
When: The Wollongong Parent's Group meets on the first Wednesday of each month. Doors open at 5:45 pm for a 6pm start.
Dates for 2026
- WEDNESDAY FEBURARY 4th
- WEDNESDAY MARCH 4th
- WEDNESDAY APRIL 1st
- WEDNESDAY MAY 6th
- WEDNESDAY JUNE 3rd
- WEDNESDAY JULY 1st
- WEDNESDAY AUGUST 5th
- WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 2nd
- WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 14th
- WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 5th
- WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 2nd
Where: Headspace Wollongong 7 Atchison St, Wollongong NSW 2500
To book a place please email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Alternatively you can contact parent peer suppot on: 02 90560838.
First Steps "shared stories from parents and caregivers:
When my daughter was growing up it never crossed my mind that she had any issues with her gender. I have no stories to share of her insisting she was a boy, no struggles to persuade her to wear girls’ clothing, no anecdotes about how she was a tomboy or played on the boys soccer team. I have nothing like that to share. My stories are of a beautiful and creative little girl who loved her princess dolls, her My Little Ponies, her coloured hair clips, bows and fairy wings.
It was never on my radar that my daughter could be transgender or that one day when she was in her early twenties my life would be turned completely upside down. I cannot remember clearly how my daughter told me she was a boy, or whether she used the word transgender. The panic and fear that I felt at that moment, thinking there must be something terribly wrong with my child, has wiped some of my memories of that day. But I will never forget the anguish I saw in my child’s face. I knew whatever she was struggling with, was massive.
I didn't know what I should do and I turned to a diagnostic manual for information. At that time it was the DSM IV. I looked up gender and I came away worried that my daughter could be suffering a serious disorder and be mentally ill. I saw a psychologist specialising in gender issues and I told her about my daughter and how she had always behaved and dressed like a girl. But I also told her about the distress my child felt during puberty, her anxiety and discomfort with her female anatomy and of her breast binding. The psychologist said she believed my child could be transgender.
For a long time I fell into a deep abyss. I worried about my child's future, how difficult her life would be and how badly she would be treated. How could I ever keep her safe? What had I done to cause this? How had I not known? I fluctuated between denial, fear, depression and guilt. In those early troubled years it was hard for me to see that I could get to the place I am now, or to see that I would gain so much from the journey. I have a transgender son and I am enormously proud of him. I feel positive about his future and all of his potential. He is interesting, inspiring and courageous and I fully embrace him as my son.
The reason I am sharing my story is because I want you to know that it does get better! You will come to a place of acceptance. You will get used to the new name and pronouns. You will feel proud of your child and positive about the future. You will feel confident that your child will find happiness and love. You will learn that your transgender child is a natural part of human diversity.
Use your child’s preferred name and pronouns. In the beginning you may find this very difficult but continued resistance could damage your relationship with your child.
Show support and a willingness to understand her or his experience. Whatever your child’s age he or she wants and needs your acceptance.
Connect with a parents’ support group. When you need support or comfort or reassurance about your child’s future, don’t look for that from your child.
Not all transgender people are the same. Not everyone transitions, not everyone takes hormones and not everyone has surgery. Some transgender people pass in their affirmed gender and some do not and some don’t feel they need to try. There is no right or wrong way to be transgender.
Reassure your child
Communicate that you love and support your child no matter what. Encourage your child to be the person he or she is.
Help your child connect to age-appropriate trans-positive places and people
If your child is seeking a connection with other transgender or gender diverse people, contact appropriate services for social and support groups.
Adapt to pronoun and name changes
Practise and apologise when you make a mistake. It all gets easier with time and shows respect for your child..
Be an advocate
Be a proud parent. Do not approach your child’s diversity with a sense of shame.
Remember you are not alone.
Get support.
Allow yourself to feel sad but do not let it overwhelm you so you can’t help your child.
If your feelings are overwhelming you, seek professional help.
Be kind to yourself and recognise that you will make mistakes.
Do not beat yourself up.
You may need to unlearn and unpack a number of preconceived ideas and beliefs – it helps to talk to people.
It was never on my radar that my daughter could be transgender or that one day when she was in her early twenties my life would be turned completely upside down. I cannot remember clearly how my daughter told me she was a boy, or whether she used the word transgender. The panic and fear that I felt at that moment, thinking there must be something terribly wrong with my child, has wiped some of my memories of that day. But I will never forget the anguish I saw in my child’s face. I knew whatever she was struggling with, was massive.
I didn't know what I should do and I turned to a diagnostic manual for information. At that time it was the DSM IV. I looked up gender and I came away worried that my daughter could be suffering a serious disorder and be mentally ill. I saw a psychologist specialising in gender issues and I told her about my daughter and how she had always behaved and dressed like a girl. But I also told her about the distress my child felt during puberty, her anxiety and discomfort with her female anatomy and of her breast binding. The psychologist said she believed my child could be transgender.
For a long time I fell into a deep abyss. I worried about my child's future, how difficult her life would be and how badly she would be treated. How could I ever keep her safe? What had I done to cause this? How had I not known? I fluctuated between denial, fear, depression and guilt. In those early troubled years it was hard for me to see that I could get to the place I am now, or to see that I would gain so much from the journey. I have a transgender son and I am enormously proud of him. I feel positive about his future and all of his potential. He is interesting, inspiring and courageous and I fully embrace him as my son.
The reason I am sharing my story is because I want you to know that it does get better! You will come to a place of acceptance. You will get used to the new name and pronouns. You will feel proud of your child and positive about the future. You will feel confident that your child will find happiness and love. You will learn that your transgender child is a natural part of human diversity.
There are many, many parents with transgender children. You are not alone.
Tips for parents:
When your older child tells you she or he is transgender he or she has probably agonised over these feelings for years.... believe them.
Use your child’s preferred name and pronouns. In the beginning you may find this very difficult but continued resistance could damage your relationship with your child.
Show support and a willingness to understand her or his experience. Whatever your child’s age he or she wants and needs your acceptance.
Connect with a parents’ support group. When you need support or comfort or reassurance about your child’s future, don’t look for that from your child.
Not all transgender people are the same. Not everyone transitions, not everyone takes hormones and not everyone has surgery. Some transgender people pass in their affirmed gender and some do not and some don’t feel they need to try. There is no right or wrong way to be transgender.
If your child is transgender that does not mean there is something “wrong” with him or her. Learn all you can and be an advocate and champion for your child. .
What can you do for your child
DON’T PANIC!
Reassure your child
Communicate that you love and support your child no matter what. Encourage your child to be the person he or she is.
Help your child connect to age-appropriate trans-positive places and people
If your child is seeking a connection with other transgender or gender diverse people, contact appropriate services for social and support groups.
Adapt to pronoun and name changes
Practise and apologise when you make a mistake. It all gets easier with time and shows respect for your child..
Be an advocate
Be a proud parent. Do not approach your child’s diversity with a sense of shame.
What can you do for yourself:
Take a deep breath.
Remember you are not alone.
Get support.
Allow yourself to feel sad but do not let it overwhelm you so you can’t help your child.
If your feelings are overwhelming you, seek professional help.
Be kind to yourself and recognise that you will make mistakes.
Do not beat yourself up.
You may need to unlearn and unpack a number of preconceived ideas and beliefs – it helps to talk to people.
YOUNG WOMEN'S (25-39)
YOUNG WOMEN'S GROUP The Young Women’s group is open to anyone between the ages of 25-39 who identifies as a transgender woman or is questioning their gender. The purpose of this group is to provide a warm, friendly and supportive space where topics relevant to gender identity can be discussed freely and questions asked. Guest speakers are invited to attend on occasion, every month the conversation topics vary and we welcome questions or topics that you would like to see raised.
Due to the feedback received about the size and functionality of this very popular group, in 2026 we’ve decided to split the group so that it will run twice a month. RSVPs are required for attendance, and each group will have a cap of 20 attendees. Please be mindful that you only attend one of the two groups within the same month, as it is important that new people are able to access support within this space.
The group is run at the Gender Centre, 10 Lilydale St, Marrickville.
One group will be held on the first Tuesday of each month from 5pm to 6:30pm by Michelle. Please send your RSVP for this group to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The second group will be held on the third Friday of each month from 5:30pm to 7pm by Maxine. Please send your RSVP for this group to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Due to the feedback received about the size and functionality of this very popular group, in 2026 we’ve decided to split the group so that it will run twice a month. RSVPs are required for attendance, and each group will have a cap of 20 attendees. Please be mindful that you only attend one of the two groups within the same month, as it is important that new people are able to access support within this space.
The group is run at the Gender Centre, 10 Lilydale St, Marrickville.
One group will be held on the first Tuesday of each month from 5pm to 6:30pm by Michelle. Please send your RSVP for this group to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The second group will be held on the third Friday of each month from 5:30pm to 7pm by Maxine. Please send your RSVP for this group to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
2026 GROUP DATES :
Group 1 Tuesday (Michelle) Group 2 Friday (Maxine)
Tuesday 3rd feb Friday Feb 20th
Tuesday 3rd Mar Friday March 20th
Tuesday 7th Apr Friday April 17th
Tuesday 5th May Friday May 15th
Tuesday 2nd Jun Friday June 19th
Tuesday 7th Jul Friday July 17th
Tuesday 4th Aug Friday August 21st
Tuesday 1st Sep Friday September 18th
Tuesday 6th Oct Friday October 16th
Tuesday 3rd Nov Friday November 20th
Tuesday 1st Dec Friday December 18th
TRANSTOPIA YOUTH
Transtopia 2026
Welcome to Transtopia
Transtopia is a social group for young transgender, gender diverse, and questioning young people aged between 10 and 17
Transtopia runs once a month on a Thursday evening from 4pm till 6pm, here at The Gender Centre.
This group is split into 2 separate age ranges
Group one (1) is ages 10 to 13
Group two (2) is ages 14 to 17
Both groups run the same day during the same time but are hosted in two seperate parts of the Gender Centre's building
Each group has one dedicated staff member and their is a third staff member who will float between the two groups
NO RSVP REQUIRED
ATTENDEES UNDER 16 MUST BRING A SIGNED CONSENT FORM FROM A PARENT OR GUARDIAN (Under 16 Consent form link here)
What time does the group meet?
4.00 pm to 6.00 pm
Dates for 2026:
- February .............THURSDAY 19th
- March..................THURSDAY 19 th
- April....................THURSDAY 16th
- May......................THURSDAY 14th
- June.....................THURSDAY 18th
- July......................THURSDAY 16th
- August.................THURSDAY 13th
- September...........THURSDAY 17th
- October............... THURSDAY 15th
- November............THURSDSAY 19th
- December............THURSDAY 17th
PHONE: +612 9519 7599
ABOUT TRANSTOPIA GROUP:
