How gender-affirming surgery could soon be free under Medicare

Gender affirming surgeries reduce suicide, depression and gender dysphoria among transgender and gender-diverse people who need them. But they cost patients tens of thousands of dollars. In a historic moment for trans rights in Australia, an application has been made to get gender affirming surgeries fully funded under Medicare - and it’s estimated 47,000 people could take up the treatment in the first year. On this extra episode of The Briefing, we hear from the experts on the latest developments, and from trans Australians about what it means to them. Melbourne Uni’s head of Trans Health Research, Associate Professor Ada Cheung, and University of Southern Queensland psychologist Jaime Swan talk us through the evidence, and we speak to Tay, Ophelia and Stella about their gender affirmation journeys. Warning: This episode discusses mental illness including suicide. If you need help, contact Lifeline now on 13 11 14.