Affirmation Station visits Shepparton! Exact location emailed upon registration.

This session is for Transgender, Gender Diverse, and Non-Binary people 16 years & over.

About the session: Are you about to get top surgery, have your surgery planned or thinking about top surgery? Our guest speaker Luka will talk about their lived experience of top surgery and provide tips about how to prepare for the experience. This session is for folks who want to understand more about the experience, what to expect and want to hear someone's first-hand experience.

About the facilitator: Luka Ritter (he/they) is a queer transmasculine Occupational Therapist living in Naarm (Melbourne) currently working at Ability Rehab, a small family-owned allied health practice. Luka’s clinical work includes providing support to people wanting to explore goals relating to gender affirmation, healthy relationships, sexuality, and sexual health; and they are a current member of the Australian Professional Association for Transgender Health (AusPATH). Luka also has experience in providing mental health, OT, and peer support services across many different organisations and settings including hospitals, community outreach, and residential mental health. Luka is also a strong advocate for improving access to gender-affirming care services and has completed research in the field based on their own experiences.

Refundable deposit: There is a $15 refundable deposit for this session, and as long as you either attend the session or cancel more than 2 days in advance, you will be refunded this cost. If you do not cancel with at least two day's notice, or you do not show up, you will be charged the $15. If you are committed to coming to the session but the $15 fee poses a financial barrier, please contact us at peersupport@tgv.org.au.

Covid safety: We acknowledge that COVID-19 has an ongoing impact on all members of our communities, especially our immunocompromised and disabled communities.

Below are the strategies we are implementing at every in-person event or gathering to increase our COVID-19 safety and build a culture of community care.

- Free N95 and K94 masks are available and wearing is encouraged - let’s keep each other safe!
- Doors and windows will be opened when suitable (bring warm clothes as it can get a little chilly)
- Hand sanitizer
- Air Purification

What can you do to increase COVID-19 safety at our events?

- Complete a COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test prior to attending any of our events.
- Feel like you are coming down with a cold or flu? Please stay home and cancel your booking by emailing us.
- Bring your favourite mask to wear! (If wearing a mask is accessible for you)