Sex and gender diversity
9 May 2008
To whom it may concern
I would like to invite individuals and organisations from the sex and gender diverse community to comment on the most pressing human rights issues for people who are transgender, transsexual or intersex.
As Human Rights Commissioner, I have been made aware of and have become increasingly concerned about the human rights issues facing transgender, transsexual and intersex people living in Australia.
Last year, the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC) released the Same-Sex: Same Entitlements report which sets out the recommendations and findings of the year long national inquiry into financial and work-related discrimination against same-sex couples and families.
Throughout the inquiry we heard about the discrimination and human rights issues relating to transgender, transsexual and intersex people. We were not able to fully address these issues in the Same-Sex: Same Entitlements report as they were not within the terms of reference of our inquiry.
HREOC plans to conduct a project on human rights and sex and gender diversity. We have assessed our resources and capabilities over the next 6 months and have identified capacity for a small to medium scale project on these issues. We do not have the resources to conduct a national inquiry.
The focus and outcomes of the project are yet to be developed. We are seeking feedback from the sex and gender diverse community about the focus of the project and the outcomes that would be most useful for your organisation.
What has HREOC done so far?
HREOC has undertaken some preliminary research into the human rights issues of transgender, transsexual or intersex people. We have also contacted individuals and organisations from the sex and gender diversity community.
Based on our research and conversations, we have drafted a brief issues paper setting out what we understand to be the main issues facing transgender, transsexual and intersex people that raise human rights concerns. The main issues we have identified relate to:
- official and identity documents
- health policy
- protection from discrimination and
- education and awareness.
We appreciate your comments on the sex and gender diversity issues paper. Please send us your response by 30 May 2008.
Responses can be sent by:
- email to sarah.winter@humanrights.gov.au or
- post to Sex and Gender Diversity Project, HREOC at GPO Box 5218, Sydney NSW 2001.
What will happen next?
We will collate the feedback to the issues paper and determine the scope and outcome of the sex and gender diversity project.
We will keep you updated on the sex and gender diversity project in the coming weeks.
If you have any questions, please contact Sarah Winter, Policy Officer on (02) 9284 9650.
Yours sincerely
Graeme Innes AM
Human Rights Commissioner &
Commissioner Responsible for Disability Discrimination
