Gender identity in focus for IQ²

IQ²ed’s will shine a spotlight on gender identity next month when it presents its latest discussion panel ‘Society Must Accept Trans People’s Gender Identities’ as part of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival.

IQ² will take over the City Recital Hall on March 3 to discuss this important human rights issue which will highlight the role gender recognition and gender identity play in transphobia.

On hand to lead the debate will be a slew of trans advocates including Andrea James and Peter Hyndal.

James is a transgender advocate, writer, film producer and director based in Los Angeles. She appeared in the HBO documentary Middle Sexes, and is a consulting producer on the series Transcendent and consults on productions featuring transgender characters such asTransamerica.

James believes recognition of a trans person’s gender identity is one of the first steps towards achieving equality.

“Deeply held beliefs and subtle biases often hinder this ethical imperative. Overcoming these will lead to a healthier society where everyone is freed from oppressive gendered expectations,” James says.