International Non-Binary People's Day: Visibility, Respect and Belonging Matter
- Shane Warren
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
MEDIA RELEASE / AWARENESS STATEMENT
For Immediate Release
14th July 2026
On International Non-Binary People's Day, the Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) recognises and celebrates the diversity, resilience, and contributions of non-binary people within our communities.
This day is an opportunity to increase understanding, promote respectful dialogue, and recognise that every person deserves to be treated with dignity, regardless of how they identify.
For many non-binary people, visibility can be both empowering and challenging. Experiences of misunderstanding, discrimination, or exclusion can have significant impacts on social and emotional wellbeing. Conversely, inclusive communities where people feel respected, heard, and able to be themselves are associated with improved mental health outcomes and a stronger sense of belonging.
VMHPAA Chair Shane Warren said:
"Belonging is one of the strongest protective factors for mental wellbeing. When people are respected for who they are, they are more likely to participate confidently in education, employment, family life, and their communities. Respect costs us nothing, but it can make an enormous difference to someone else's life." [Shane Warren]
Everyday actions help create psychologically safe communities. Listening with respect, using a person's affirmed name and pronouns, and remaining open to learning all contribute to environments where people feel valued and included.
VMHPAA Secretary Susan Sandy added:
"Inclusive communities are healthier communities. When people experience acceptance rather than judgement, relationships strengthen, resilience grows, and everyone benefits. Understanding begins with a willingness to listen." [Susan Sandy]
On International Non-Binary People's Day, VMHPAA encourages Australians to:
Learn about the diversity of gender experiences.
Foster respectful and inclusive conversations.
Create psychologically safe workplaces, schools, and community spaces.
Challenge discrimination wherever it occurs.
Promote dignity, belonging, and compassion for all.
Creating communities where everyone feels safe to be themselves is not simply an inclusion goal it is fundamental to social and emotional wellbeing.
Together, we can build a society where diversity is respected, belonging is strengthened, and every person is valued.
Media Contact:
Shane Warren, Chair
Susan Sandy, Secretary
Philip Armstrong, CEO