TGDiCH Training Project

The Trans and Gender Diverse in Community Health (TGDiCH) Consortium brings together the expertise of Thorne Harbour Health, Your Community Health, Ballarat Community Health, and Austin Health.

In 2019, the TGDiCH Consortium received funding from the Department of Health and Human Services to establish two multidisciplinary community health clinics for trans and gender diverse (TGD) individuals in Preston and Ballarat. Additionally, Thorne Harbour Health was appointed to lead state-wide, evidence-based training in TGD-affirmative healthcare, ensuring inclusive and informed practices across Victoria.

TGD affirmative health care is an approach centered on actively listening to, learning about, and addressing the unique needs of trans and gender diverse (TGD) individuals accessing your services.

This model seeks to dismantle the harmful legacy of gatekeeping and stigmatizing practices that have historically created significant barriers to health access for TGD communities. By adopting TGD affirmative care, providers can help bridge the health disparity between TGD individuals and the broader population, fostering a more equitable and inclusive society for all.

Research shows that access to safe, appropriate, and accessible healthcare is essential to achieving health equity for trans and gender diverse (TGD) individuals. Our project addresses this need through a comprehensive training program designed to:

• Enhance TGD sensitivity,
• Reduce stigma and discrimination, and
• Build the health sector’s capacity to meet the needs of TGD Victorians.

Co-created with trans and gender diverse individuals and medical professionals from diverse backgrounds, our training packages are tailored to various delivery methods, contexts, and disciplines. This ensures the program is flexible and relevant, empowering healthcare providers to deliver inclusive and affirming care for TGD communities.

We are proud to have a team of trans and gender diverse (TGD)-identified trainers who bring a wealth of lived experience and professional expertise. Their diverse perspectives help bridge the gap between healthcare providers and TGD individuals, fostering understanding, inclusivity, and meaningful change in health care practices. Drawing upon their lived experiences as members of the TGD community and their professional knowledge as health service providers, our trainers offer unique and valuable insights.

In addition to our TGD trainers, the project collaborates with prescribing clinicians and experienced practitioners from a wide range of fields. This includes endocrinologists, general practitioners, surgeons, psychiatrists, nurses, speech pathologists, and other experts from across the healthcare sector. Together, this team ensures our training is comprehensive, evidence-based, and tailored to the needs of TGD individuals.

Alex Sturman (he/they) leads the TGDiCH Training Project. With over 20 years of experience in community services, including mental health, disability, and the justice sector, Alex brings a wealth of expertise in creating inclusive and affirming learning environments.

Alex has a background in behavioural psychology and Integrative Medicine (USA), with clinical experience in reproductive health. As a seasoned adult educator, professional coach, and facilitator, Alex is passionate about empowering others to foster equity, inclusion, and improved health outcomes in healthcare and beyond.

Outside of work, Alex enjoys outdoor recreational activities and building Lego creations.

TGD Affirmative Practice

2-hour multidisciplinary training available via Zoom, designed to build capacity for whole clinics and services including allied health, customer service, and management. This course is only available to clinics with GPs that have completed the Contemporary TGD Healthcare for GP training. Availability for this course is limited.

This session covers:

• Appropriate language
• Cultural sensitivity
• Current TGD Health statistics and research in Australia
• Common avenues of gender affirmation including medical pathways
• Applying Affirmative Practice in the clinic environment
• Delivered by health professionals who identify as TGD

For organisations looking to deepen their understanding of Trans and Gender Diverse individuals, and foster a more inclusive community or workplace, we offer a fee-for-service Trans and Gender Diverse Cultural Awareness Training. Please visit Diversity Training and Education to learn more.

Contemporary TGD Healthcare for General Practitioners

Co-designed by TGD health professionals, experienced general practitioners, and educators.

Qualifies for RACGP CPD points.

Advanced training opportunity designed to increase the confidence and knowledge of GPs in TGD health, covering:

• Affirmative practice
• Cultural sensitivity
• Current TGD health statistics and research in Australia
• The role of the GP in gender affirmation
• Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy prescription and management
• Navigating surgical options and referrals
• The role of the GP in general healthcare for TGD populations
• Referral pathways
• Finding a community of practice

GP Observerships

• Half-day practical observerships for GPs and GP registrars working in Victoria
• Suitable for practitioners who are starting to work in the area and have undergone Affirmative Practice (or equivalent) training in TGD and/or LGBTIQ+ inclusivity
• Observe TGD Affirmative Practice in action, shadowing one of the GPs at our unique Equinox Gender Diverse Healthcare Centre in Abbotsford.

Project ECHO Community of Practice

A free, live, online, and peer-based educational platform, creating a community of practice for GPs and Prescribing Clinicians providing TGD healthcare in Victoria. This platform is designed for prescribing clinicians and practitioners already involved in providing TGD healthcare or those beginning their work in the field after completing Affirmative Practice (or equivalent) training.

The Project ECHO initiative connects practitioners across professions and locations to maximize impact and improve health outcomes for those most in need. For more information, see the Project ECHO website. Training is multi-modal, combining didactic presentations with case discussions led by an expert panel.

Session topics may include:

• Sexual & Preventive Health
• Interpreting Laboratory Pathology
• Alopecia
• Fertility Preservation & Planning, Pre and Post Natal Care
• Intimate Partner Violence
• Cancer Screening
• Hormone Implants
• Vocal Training
• Chemsex and other activities with specific risks.

Previous sessions have covered topics such as:

• Perioperative Care and Gender Affirming Surgeries
• Family Violence and TGD Communities
• Speech Pathology Practice with Trans and Gender Diverse Individuals
• Monitoring Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy
• Supporting Trans and Gender Diverse Clients in the Perinatal Period