Trans and Gender Diverse Bendigo and Beyond

Trans and Gender Diverse Bendigo and Beyond (TGD Bendigo) was founded out of a desire for social connection and peer support for TGD adults. It has grown to include all ages, allies and to be inclusive of people from areas further than just Bendigo. TGD Bendigo works closely with Rural Rainbows and other groups to advocate for TGD people, educate about trans experiences and needs, and participate in events that support the TGD community.

Founders:

Zara is a proud trans woman delivering on her passion to improve the lives of others by sharing her time between creating story-telling and advocacy films, working as a welfare worker, Vice President of Rural Rainbows and the President of Trans and Gender Diverse Bendigo and Beyond. Zara uses she/her pronouns, is a proud parent of two wonderful adolescents and loves spending time with friends, dancing and trying on clothes. Zara’s happy place is upside down on a pole, with toes pointed in a striking pose during a pole dancing routine.

Eli is a rural living gay trans man with a creative soul and passion for advocating for the LGBTI+ community, social worker, environmentalist and keen book reader. Eli is the Vice President for Trans and Gender Diverse Bendigo and Beyond, host of Speak EZ and has a history of following his passion and volunteering for various community causes. Eli is a proud new doggie dad and can be found trying to train a particularly energetic pup, working on personal development or wandering the aisles of bookstores.