The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission has developed an easy-to-use gender identity reporting guide in time for this year’s Midsumma Festival.
Kristen Hilton, Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commissioner said that despite great advances in recent years misgendering still occurs in the media and can be particularly harmful to trans people.
“I encourage all journalists to use our language guide. Getting the language right is respectful and easy to achieve,” Commissioner Hilton said.
In Victoria, it is unlawful to discriminate against someone on the basis of gender identity. However complaints to the Commission show that transgender and gender diverse people face discrimination every day in their schools, employment or in accessing healthcare.
“Continued misgendering, including using ‘he/she’ or ‘it’ to describe a transgender person without checking their preferred pronoun not only reflects a lack of acceptance but can perpetuate ignorance and confusion. This guide will assist the media to deliver respectful and accurate information,” Commissioner Hilton said.
Anyone who experiences discrimination on the basis of their gender identity should call the Commission’s Enquiry Line on 1300 252 193 for more information on making a complaint.
You can find the resource here
