Frequent exposure to anti-trans stigma linked to poorer mental health among trans Australians

A national study of trans and gender diverse Australians has found frequent exposure to anti-trans stigma is linked with poorer mental health.

The University of Melbourne-led study, published in Frontiers in Public Health, surveyed 807 trans and gender diverse people aged 16 and over.

New research has found exposure to anti-trans content was close to unavoidable. Image: iStock

They found exposure to anti-trans content was close to unavoidable. 72 per cent of participants reported seeing or hearing anti-trans remarks online multiple times a week, and 58 per cent reported the same in the news media.

Almost three quarters of trans Australians have stopped or cut back on news media in the past year to avoid anti-trans content.

The researchers define anti-trans stigma as hostile remarks in the media and online, bullying, harassment and threats, or laws and policies that restrict what trans people can do.

Lead author Dr River Zwickl from the University of Melbourne's Trans Health Research Group said the findings show the difficult position the community faces.

"Participants described a balancing act between staying informed and staying well,” Dr Zwickl said. "Many were leaving platforms they relied on for community connection because the cost to their mental health was too high. Withdrawing protects you from the abuse, but it also cuts you off from support."

More frequent exposure to this content was associated with a statistically higher prevalence of anxiety, depression, self-harm thoughts and suicidal thoughts.

Senior author Professor Ada Cheung said the findings pointed to a problem that policymakers could address.

"Pick up a newspaper, turn on the news, open social media, and trans people are under attack," Professor Cheung said. "What this study shows is that being on the receiving end of that, day after day, is associated with real harm."

"We have known for some time that trans Australians experience poor mental health at much higher rates than the general population. What this study adds is Australian evidence that the media and political environment is part of that picture, and that it is something governments, media outlets and platforms can act on.

"We would like to see stronger accountability for media outlets that publish anti-trans misinformation, coordinated action between governments and social media platforms on online abuse, and sustained investment in community-led prevention."

If you or someone you know needs support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, QLife on 1800 184 527 (3pm to 9pm daily), or 13YARN on 13 92 76.