Through the support of her carers and case manager, Asha regains control over her life and uses her experience to support and guide others.
Image: A teenager holds a pride flag over their shoulders and smiles at the camera. Behind them is a lake surrounded by trees and grass.
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All pre-teens and teenagers are exploring their identities, and for some, this includes discovering their gender identity. Sixteen-year-old Asha* identifies as transgender and goes by the pronouns she/her.
Asha is a young person in care, who has faced significant challenges in her life. Her home life was difficult and, at times, emotionally unstable, which left Asha feeling unsupported and unsafe.
Feeling overwhelmed by her circumstances, Asha decided to reach out for help.
"I went to the school counsellor’s office and told them I wanted to harm myself," Asha recalled.
This honest admission was the first step toward accessing the support she needed. It marked a turning point, where her internal struggle was externalised, and immediate action was taken to assist her.
Image: A teenager wearing a pride flag stands beside a path at a lake, looking into the distance.
Liam, Life Without Barriers' Case Manager, was contacted and quickly became an integral part of Asha’s support system. He provided the guidance she needed to navigate the emotional and logistical challenges ahead.
With Liam’s help, Asha was able to advocate for herself and make significant strides toward a healthier and safer living situation. Leaving her home was a difficult decision, but it was a necessary one for her well-being.
"My family weren’t emotionally supportive. They didn’t understand who I was or support me being transgender. I wasn’t safe there," Asha shared.
"So, I left. And there’s no chance I can go back now."
This act of leaving was not just a physical relocation, it was an assertion of control over her life, a commitment to her safety and personal growth, and a reclamation of her agency and her right to live in an environment where she could thrive.
Asha’s move to a new home provided her with a fresh start. It offered her the safety, support, and the freedom to truly explore her identity.
Asha's carer, Laura, shared that allowing Asha to express herself has been a core part of her care.
"Asha can wear what she wants, dye her hair, and just be herself," said Laura.
Image: A teenager puts their multi-coloured hair up into a pony tail.
The shift wasn’t just emotional; it also opened new opportunities, like Asha’s involvement in the Mardi Gras parade. A chance encounter at Mardi Gras Fair Day led to an unexpected invitation to join the parade, and Asha fully embraced this opportunity.
"It was really fun, a little crazy, but fun. So many people, so much energy," Asha said.
For Asha, joining the parade was a tangible moment of reclaiming her space in the world and embracing her individuality.
Image: A close up of a person holding a transgender flag at a pride parade.
Now, Asha’s journey continues to unfold as she remains committed to advocating for herself.
"Asha has been the driving force in her journey to this point and the progress she has made in a short few months is nothing short of remarkable," said Liam.
"I’ve learnt from Asha the power of being vulnerable, by being true to yourself, and by putting trust in others."
"By doing this, she has allowed herself to be open and raw. She has advocated for herself, for change, and for something better."
Through the support of people in the community, like her carers and her case manager, Asha has regained control over her life and is now focused on using her experience to support and guide others.
"I want to be able to help others," she shared.
"If I can share my story and help someone else who might be in a similar situation, that would mean a lot to me."
When asked about her advice for others facing difficulties, Asha’s message was clear and powerful.
"Life does get better. You just have to keep pushing forward."
A person's story is precious. We take storytelling seriously. Sometimes people are able to tell their own story, and we love that. We always make sure they give us their ok, and we will always honour the trust placed in us to bring their story forward. *Names have been changed to protect the children in this story.
Resources for trans and gender diverse young people
Minus18: resources about gender diversity for young people and family members
Transcend Australia: information and support services for trans young people
Qlife: Anonymous and free LGBTQIA+ peer support and referral for people in Australia wanting to talk about sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships
