How does repeated exposure to anti-trans rhetoric, policies and violence affect the mental health of trans people?

New Australian research involving more than 800 trans people has examined exposure to anti-trans stigma across news and social media, online harassment, political rhetoric and other environments, and its relationship with mental health. The findings show that exposure is widespread and frequent, and is associated with higher prevalence of anxiety, depression, self-harm ideation and suicidal ideation.

In this webinar, lead author Dr River Zwickl will present the findings and participants’ accounts of navigating an environment in which anti-trans stigma can feel pervasive and difficult to escape. The session will explore what the research tells us about the relationship between anti-trans stigma and the mental health and wellbeing of trans people in Australia.

Webinar presenter

Dr River Zwickl (They/Them)

Dr River Zwickl is a trans non-binary interdisciplinary Senior Research Fellow with the Trans Health Research Group, based in the Department of Medicine at the University of Melbourne. Since 2020, they have led the TRANSform project, growing it to be Australia’s largest and longest-running trans adult health study, with over 2,400 participants from across Australia and 11 sub-studies to date. In recognition of their contribution to trans health researcher and the broader trans health sector, Dr Zwickl was recently awarded Australian Professional Association of Trans Health (AusPATH) Best Early-Career Researcher 2025, and Transgender Victoria’s Trans Person of the Year 2025. 

Members, including staff, volunteers and delegates of LHA Full, Regular, Affiliate and Associate member organisations can attend free as part of their supporter benefits.
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Are you a non-member? Please register here, tickets are $20.