Yesterday, the ANMF (Vic Branch) LGBTQIA+ reference group alerted us to the publication of an article in the Federation’s ANMJ (Australian Nursing and Midwifery Journal) written by an international nurse on gender affirming healthcare and outcomes of suicide in the transgender community.
ANMF acknowledge that this opinion piece has caused immediate and significant distress to the community.
We apologise.
The Branch has written to ANMF Federal Secretary Annie Butler with immediate action taken of removing the article from online publications and from downloadable PDF formats. There will be a formal response from the Federation in the immediate days ahead.
ANMF members will have already received or will receive in the coming days a physical copy of the ANMJ in their letterboxes.
Nurses and midwives are the most trusted professions. We provide care and compassion to people when they are at their most vulnerable. We work in a healthcare system that should not discriminate or create an unsafe environment for those seeking support. I know that our nurses and midwives hold their code of ethics close to their heart.
ANMF is committed to continue working with LGBTQIA+ members via the Victorian reference group to ensure consultation and input before any consideration of publications that directly affect them.
ANMF will provide a copy of this apology to the Victorian Commissioner for LGBTQIA+ community, whom I spoke with today and who is attending next week’s LGBTQIA+ reference group meeting.
It has never been a more important time to stand with and advocate for this community. Negativity and hatred have no place in our movement.
ANMF commit to the Trades Hall Solidarity Statement
We are union.
We stand united as part of a great movement of workers.
Our diversity is our strength
Our solidarity is our power
We respect and take care of each other.
Prejudice and discrimination – including misogyny, racism, homophobia and all other hatreds – have no place in our movement. We rise together. Today and every day we commit ourselves to achieving justice, fairness, equality and dignity for all workers.
Solidarity forever.
In unity and with respect
Nicole Allan
Acting Secretary ANMF (Vic Branch)
