Gender identity is your own inner sense of who you are: a man, a woman, a mix of both, neither, or something else. For some people it matches the sex they were given at birth. For others it doesn’t, or it shifts over time. Every person’s experience is their own, and there is no right speed at which to work it out.
Whoever you are, you are welcome here. As with every consultation at The Village Medical Practice, you will be treated with respect, your choices will be respected, and what you tell us is confidential within the law.
Some words you might hear
- Cisgender: your gender identity matches the sex you were given at birth.
- Transgender (trans): your gender identity is different from the sex you were given at birth.
- Non-binary: you don’t identify only as a man or a woman.
- Gender fluid or genderqueer: your sense of gender isn’t fixed and may change.
- Agender: you don’t feel you have a gender, or you feel neutral about it.
People use many other words too. We will ask what name and pronouns you would like us to use, and we will use them.
Why it matters for your health
Understanding and expressing who you are can make a real difference to how you feel. Trans and gender diverse people are more likely to face stress, discrimination and bullying, and these can affect mental health. Feeling accepted by family, friends, school or work makes a big difference.
Exploring your gender identity
- Take your time. It is fine not to have all the answers yet.
- Reflect. Journalling, or talking with a counsellor or someone you trust, can help sort through your thoughts.
- Learn. Reliable books, websites and support groups can help you understand different experiences, including your own.
- Connect. Meeting others with similar experiences can be affirming and remind you that you are not alone.
How your GP can help
You can talk to us about gender whether you have questions, want support, or are thinking about medical care.
- A safe first conversation. No judgement, no pressure, at your pace.
- Mental health support. Exploring gender can be emotionally hard. We can help with anxiety, low mood or stress, and arrange a Mental Health Treatment Plan to see a psychologist.
- Medical options. If you are thinking about medical steps such as hormones, we will talk through the options, the benefits and the risks, and what is right for your age and health.
- Young people under 18. Medical gender care is led by specialist children’s and adolescent services. We can help with referral, keep looking after your general health, and support you and your family along the way.
- Ongoing care. Dr Richard Gibson has a special interest in gender identity and sees patients of all ages, working alongside specialist services where that’s needed.
Your rights
In Australia, it is against the law to discriminate against someone because of their gender identity, including at school and at work. Knowing your rights can help you stand up for yourself. And just as you deserve respect, everyone else does too.
Support and information
- QLife (qlife.org.au): free LGBTIQ+ peer support by phone and webchat
- Minus18 (minus18.org.au): support and community for LGBTQIA+ young people
- headspace (headspace.org.au): mental health support for 12 to 25 year olds