URGENT UPDATE: A groundbreaking health clinic dedicated to the trans community in Brunswick has just won a prestigious award at the Victorian Pride Awards. Trans Space secured the top honor in the Improving Health and Wellbeing category, just two years after opening its doors, marking a significant milestone in community health support.
This major recognition highlights the clinic’s vital role in addressing the health needs of the trans community, a group often overlooked in traditional healthcare settings. The award is not only a testament to the clinic’s innovative approach but also serves as a powerful validation for its founder, Lee Taube, who has championed trans health services for years.
“To kind of have an award within two years is pretty fast but I’ve been planning it for five or so years before opening the doors,” Taube stated. “So it is slow in that way.” These sentiments underscore the dedication and perseverance behind Trans Space’s establishment.
Offering a wide array of services, including counselling, psychotherapy, dietary advice, and physiotherapy, Trans Space is uniquely staffed by practitioners who are themselves trans and gender diverse (TGD). This remarkable feature allows clients to receive care from professionals who truly understand their experiences. “For some people, I’m the first trans person that they’ve ever met,” Taube expressed. “And that is powerful, because it can be hopeful to be like, oh, trans people are alright.”
The clinic’s clientele ranges from teenagers exploring their gender identity to middle-aged individuals seeking ongoing support. Parents of children considering gender transition also find a compassionate space to discuss their feelings and concerns.
Trans Space’s establishment is rooted in Taube’s personal journey. After undergoing gender reassignment at the age of 19, they co-founded Ygender, a youth-led social support group for TGD individuals. This initiative aimed to provide essential resources and promote inclusivity within educational institutions, successfully securing gender-neutral bathrooms at Swinburne University.
Despite the growing acceptance of trans individuals in society, Taube acknowledges that prejudice still exists. “I think when you don’t know of someone that’s trans, and you’ve never met someone that’s trans, the unknown is scary,” they noted. “But I think exposure and visibility is really important.”
Trans Space’s award win comes at a crucial time when awareness and understanding of trans issues are more important than ever. As the clinic continues to thrive, it sets a precedent for similar initiatives across Australia, paving the way for improved health services for all underserved communities.
What’s next for Trans Space? With this recent accolade, the clinic aims to expand its services and outreach efforts, ensuring that even more individuals receive the support they need. As Taube emphasizes, the journey is ongoing, and visibility and compassion are key to fostering a more inclusive future.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story, as Trans Space continues to make waves in the health sector and inspire change for the trans community.
