Case Study 2: Supporting NDIS Participants in Safe Gender Exploration

Supporting participants to explore gender identity is another vital part of holistic wellbeing. Many participants have not had opportunities to understand or express their gender fully, and support workers often become the trusted people they turn to for guidance.

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Why Gender Exploration Matters

Understanding and expressing gender identity is fundamental to personal wellbeing. Participants who are unsure about their identity may feel isolated, anxious, or disconnected from society. Providers can play a crucial role in creating safe, inclusive spaces where participants can explore their identity safely.

Building Trust and Respect

Support workers can help by:

• Listening without judgment.
• Responding thoughtfully to questions.
• Recognising when specialist input is needed, such as psychologists or gender-affirming clinicians.
• Reflecting on personal biases to ensure they do not impact support.

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Case Study 2 Example: Safe Exploration

Another example to consider, let me introduce Sally: Sally is a NDIS participant, having met access for Schizophrenia. Sally receives community access and in-home support daily. Sally has often felt unsure of their sexual orientation and would like to understand more whilst connecting with likeminded individuals. Sally speaks to their long-term support worker Becca who assists Sally to research local groups and connect with online forums. Becca sits alongside Sally during the research but ensures that Sally is the one driving the connections. When attending a local group, Becca gives Sally the option to just provide transport to and from the event, or to attend alongside, to support them emotionally in a new environment. After attending a local social group, Becca provides Sally a safe space to discuss her experience. When Sally starts asking Becca questions that she cannot answer, Becca supports Sally to engage with her local GP around securing accurate information. The GP speaks at length with Sally and feels confident that they understand the journey they are considering but provides a referral to a psychologist who specialises in supporting those looking at gender reassignment. Becca transports Sally to these appointments. Following a psychology session, Sally informs Becca that he is called Sal and utilises the pronouns him/he. Becca ensures that her office/management are aware of this information so that all future paperwork can be reflective of this information. Sal informs Becca that he feels safe and supported

knowing that Becca and the company she works for are supportive and understanding of the journey he is taking.
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Practical Takeaways

• Create safe spaces where gender identity is acknowledged and respected.
• Encourage participant autonomy in decision-making.
• Provide accurate information or guide participants to trusted resources.
• Recognise when specialist support is needed.
• Reflect on personal biases and seek supervision when unsure.
• Respect and affirm chosen pronouns consistently.

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Supporting NDIS participants in exploring their gender identity is a vital aspect of fostering self-understanding, confidence, and overall wellbeing. By creating inclusive, non-judgmental spaces and affirming each participant’s lived experience, support workers can help individuals feel seen, respected, and empowered in their journey. Reflecting on personal biases, recognising the need for specialist input, and consistently affirming chosen pronouns ensures that support is both safe and meaningful. Ultimately, gender-affirming care enables participants to embrace their identity fully, fostering a sense of belonging, dignity, and autonomy in all aspects of their lives.

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