SUPPORT GROUPS
About our 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.
F.T.M. CONNECT (17 AND UP)
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**
The dates that F.T.M. Connect will be running in 2023 are as follows;
FTM Connect Fridays 6pm to 7.30pm
- FRIDAY FEBRUARY 3rd
- FRIDAY MARCH 3TH
- FRIDAY MARCH 31ST
- FRIDAY MAY 5 TH
- FRIDAY JUNE 2ND
- FRIDAY JULY 7TH
- FRIDAY AUGUST 4TH
- FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 1ST
- FRIDAY OCTOBER 6TH
- FRIDAY NOVEMBER 3RD
RSVP PHONE: +612 9569 2366
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 Chris, 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 on the last Friday of every month except in September at the Gender Centre in Annandale, between the hours of 6pm - 7.30pm, see below for dates: 2023
- Friday February 24th
- Friday March 31st
- Friday April 28th
- Friday May 26th
- Friday June 30th
- Friday July 28th
- Friday August 25th
- Friday September 22nd
- Friday October 27th
- Friday November 24th
- Friday December 22nd
RSVP PHONE: +612 9569-2366
RSVP EMAIL: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
METRO PARENTS
Parents of Trans & Gender Diverse 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 on what you're feeling. There must be a thousand different questions running through you're head. The Gender Centre runs a monthly parents of transgender youth support group with a trained facilitator, guest speakers and lots of parents who are there to help you, and answer some of these 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 parents support group meets on the third Monday of each month except January. The group is run at the Gender Centre: 41-43 Parramatta Rd Annandale.
6-8:30pm.
The group is run by Liz. Doors open at 6pm.
Dates for 2023:
- MONDAY MAY
- MONDAY JUNE
- MONDAY JULY
- MONDAY AUGUST
- MONDAY SEPTEMBER
- MONDAY OCTOBER
- MONDAY NOVEMBER
- MONDAY DECEMBER
RSVP PHONE
+612 9569-2366
A resource of shared stories and information from parents and caregivers of transgender youth.
Over 40's
THE OVER 40s GROUP IS LIVE AGAIN AS WELL AS DIGITAL. If you're interested in attending please contact Edwina at; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. And please take our very, very short survey to tell us what you'd like to do in the group, here.Over 40’s 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 41-43 Parramatta Rd Annandale between the hours of 2:30pm and 4pm.The group is run by Edwina.
Please take our very short survey to help us improve the Over 40s Group here.
Dates for 2023:
(All are the last Tuesday 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.
Partners
PARTNERS ON-LINE SUPPORT GROUPThe Partners Support Group is for people whose partners are questioning gender,neutral, 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.
NON-BINARY (18 AND UP)
PLEASE NOTE: OUR OCTOBER 2022 GROUP DATE HAS BEEN CHANGED TO THE 27TH
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.
Dates for 2023Thursday February 9th
Thursday March 9th
Thursday April 20th
Thursday May 18th
Thursday June 15th
Thursday July 13th
Thursday August 17th
Thursday September 21st
Thursday October 19th
Thursday November 16th
Thursday December 14th
The group is run at the Gender Centre between the hours of 6pm and 8pm. The group is run by Eilish who can be contacted at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
PLEASE NOTE:
This group is limited to people over the age of 18.
You will need to read and consent to the Rules of Engagement to join the group.
If you are interested in attending, please contact Eilish via email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
TRANSTOPIA YOUTH (12 -17)
WHEN AND WHERE?
Transtopia runs once a month on a Thursday from 4pm to 6pm at our Annandale office (41-43 Parramatta rd, Annandale)
HOW DO I RSVP?
To RSVP for your child please email Viola directly – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. – (there will be a limit on how many attendees we can have at each event so an rsvp is required each month)
**if you are under 16 we request that you have your parent or guardian complete the attached form below**
UNDER 16 TANSTOPIA CONSENT FORM
What time does the group meet:
4pm to 6pm
Where do we meet:
The Gender Centre 41-43 Parramatta rd Annandale (street parking on Nelson st)
When: Dates for 2023
- Feb 2nd
- Mar 2nd
- Apr 6th
- May 4th
- Jun 1st
- Jul 6th
- Aug 3rd
- Sep 7th
- Oct 5th
- Nov 2nd
- Dec 7th
RSVP PHONE
+612 9519 7599
RSVP EMAIL
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
WOLLONGONG PARENTS
When: The Wollongong Parent's Group meets on the first Wednesday of each month. Doors open at 5:30pm for a 6pm start.
Feb 1st
March 1st
April 5th
May 3rd
June 7th
Aug 2nd
Sep 6th
Oct 4th
Nov 1stDec 6th
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 is a group for people who identify as transgender female or questioning and are aged between 25 and 39. 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 on the Last Wednesday of the month at the Gender Centre between the hours of 6pm and 7:30pm.
The group is run by Eloise.
To attend this group RSVPs to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.or phone reception on 95197599. Please be aware that group capacity is 25 and that no-shows who do not email or call to cancel before the meeting will be put to the bottom of the RSVP list for next month.
The dates that Young Women’s will be running in 2023 are as follows:
- Wednesday, January 25
- Wednesday, Feburary 22
- Wednesday, March 29
- Wednesday, April 26
- Wednesday, May 31
- Wednesday, June 28
- Wednesday, July 26
- Wednesday, August 30
- Wednesday, September 27
- Wednesday, October 25
- Wednesday, November 29
(All are the last Wednesday of each month, except for December due to holiday closure).
RSVP PHONE: +612 9569-2366
RSVP EMAIL: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
