Still room to move in the long fight against transphobia

Transphobia is still ‘‘absolutely present’’ in society, Palmerston North’s gay society president says.

Manawatu Lesbian and Gay Rights group MALGRA’S president Rachel Hoskin said negative perceptions and remarks still existed.

The issue was highlighted on Wednesday as part of the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. Although people had come a long way toward accepting gay, bi, and transgender people, Hoskin said there was still a lack of understanding on the topic.

Hoskin said the idea of visibility and financial assistance for transgender people was at the top of the priority list for her society.

MALGRA was looking to start a hardship fund to support transitioning youth struggling to pay for medication, food and rent, she said.

MALGRA is in the process of shifting from Square Edge to Te Manawa’s building. The shift was simply down to financials. The gay rights group was paying rent at Square Edge, however, the space at Te Manawa was free, she said.

The money saved would likely go to help the hardship fund and transitioning community members. The group was also working on a ongoing safe spaces project in Palmerston North.

Hoskin was supportive of the progress being made, and although Palmerston North was ‘‘doing well’’ in the trans area, she said there was still room for more understanding and acceptance throughout the country.