Tasmania’s Department of Health has announced its support for The Unsaid Says A Lot campaign, which was officially launched at the inaugural LGBTIQA+ Champions Day in Campbell Town last week.
Developed in partnership with the Victorian Government, the campaign aims to raise awareness and improve understanding of the experiences of trans and gender diverse people.
Secretary of the Department of Health, Dale Webster said the campaign was important because everyone deserves to be safe, supported and equal.
“This important equality campaign is supported through the Department of Health’s LGBTIQA+ Action Plan 2024-2027,” said Mr Webster.
“A key purpose of the Action Plan is to reduce the impact and experience of stigma and discrimination and effects of minority stress experienced by LGBTIQA+ Tasmanians and to improve health outcomes.”
The Unsaid Says A Lot campaign helps people understand what it can be like for a trans or gender diverse person experiencing discrimination in everyday situations, he said.
“It emphasises how powerful our non-verbal communication can be in expressing what we want to say, without saying a word.”
“The campaign demonstrates small, positive actions viewers can take to show their allyship and be inclusive.”
The campaign was co-designed by the Victorian Government, the Victorian Commissioner for LGBTIQA+ Communities and representatives from Inclusive Rainbow Voices, Transgender Victoria, Transcend Australia and Zoe Belle Gender Collective.
It was brought to life by Victorian-based director, actor, writer, producer and transperson, Harvey Zielinski.
Research shows that more than three-in-four trans and gender diverse people have been treated unfairly because of their gender identity. The impact of persistent stigma, discrimination and exclusion is linked to higher rates of depression, anxiety and suicide across LGBTIQA+ communities.
To learn more visit: https://www.health.tas.gov.au/theunsaid.
