Parents, Family and Friend Support
Alphabet Soup Westgarth
Alphabet Soup in Westgarth has a special place in the heart of the Melbourne trans and gender diverse community. It’s been there for years. Relaxed. Inclusive. Welcoming. Constant. We know we can bring family, friends and allies, and they will be welcomed with the same warmth as anyone else. It goes beyond virtual networks, and brings real people together for companionship and support. Monthly events (dinner), are held on the third Tuesday of each month in Westgarth.
Alphabet at the Sycamore Tree Cafe
In a first for Australia, the trans and gender diverse community operate and staff a cafe for three hours from 1pm to 4pm on the first Saturday of every month. Located at the Sycamore Tree Cafe in Heidelberg, members of our community, partners, friends and family can enjoy coffee, tea and cake. Come and be an active part of your community. Volunteers are welcome.
Beyond Blue
Provides information, education and resources for individuals and families.
Gender Help for Parents
This website has been created by Australian parents who have struggled to find information about services and support for issues around their child’s identity.
Headspace
Headspace, the national youth mental health organisation, has extended its phone line to support parents who are concerned about the mental health and wellbeing of their child. The phone line (1800 650 890) is available to parents between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday and is staffed by qualified youth mental health professionals.
Nexus LGBTI Community Group
The Nexus LGBTI Community group is a social group for anyone who supports LGBTI people. We meet monthly in a safe and inclusive environment for a meal and fun social events across Mitchell and Murrindindi Shires. There is no need to register for events – simply let us know you’re coming. If you have specific access needs please let us know. You don’t have to be LGBTI yourself. Contact us on 1300 773 352 if you want to know more.
Parents of Gender Diverse Children
Supports gender diverse young people and their families.
PFLAG Shepparton
We are a group of parents, families and friends of gay, lesbian and bisexual people who meet regularly to offer support and friendship to families, particularly parents, and also to members of the GLBTI community who may need support in coming out to their families and friends.
Parents and families of gender diverse young people – Warrnambool
Monthly meeting for parents, carers, family members and friends of children and young people who identify as transgender or gender diverse. First Monday of each month—5:30 to 7:00 pm, Brophy Family and Youth Services, 210 Timor St, Warrnambool.
Switchboard Victoria
Switchboard is a volunteer organisation which provides a free, confidential and anonymous telephone counselling, referral and information service for the Victorian and Tasmanian lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) communities and their supporters.
The Village
The Village is a program offered by drummond street services for parents and guardians of trans, gender diverse and gender non-conforming young people. This program is a safe space for parents to unpack any experiences and anxieties they may be feeling. The group discusses different topics each week.
Transcend
Transcend provides parent/carer support, community connection, information, advocacy and fundraising.
TransFamily
TransFamily is a Peer Support Group for parents, siblings, partners, extended family and/or friends of a TGD person. They are a Melbourne-based group that meet in Carlton on the 4th Saturday of each month except December and January. They regularly run workshops and have guest speakers to address the group.
PERK: Parents Empowering Rainbow Kids
Quarterly network for parents of LGBTIQ+ young people up to the age of 25 in Macedon Ranges and district, aimed at supporting each other, and LGBTIQ+ young people. In 2019, meetings are held on 26th March, 18th June, 10th September, 3rd December. The parent network provides a forum for discussion, education and training, development of projects and connecting into the local community. PERK is now held in Woodend.