Starlady’s first-hand experience as a young transgender person serves as an invaluable resource as she works to educate people about creating inclusive and safe spaces for LGBTI (lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender and intersex) people.

At the Regional Diversity in Action event in Warrnambool on Wednesday, she spoke to more than 30 professionals who work directly with young people.

“I never had any safe space when I was young. If I had had any safe space or any service coming to me and saying ‘hey, how are you going?’ my mental health would have been a lot better,” she said.

Starlady said it took her years to heal after experiencing problems such as anxiety and depression.

Safe Schools Coalition Victoria project coordinator Joel Radcliffe, who also presented at the event, said identifying and addressing the use of homophobic and transphobic language and behaviour in schools was crucial for young LGBTI people.

“We know anecdotally, but we also know through research, that LGBTI young in rural and regional communities are particularly vulnerable,” he said.

“(This event) is about having conversations. It’s about putting these issues on the agenda and most importantly it’s about providing information and education.”

Mr Radcliffe said discussions about gender and identity did not need to be confined to health or physical education classes at schools.

Brophy Family and Youth Services youth projects officer Lyn Eales said the unique training was “imperative” for the community.

“We wanted to celebrate and acknowledge the hard work that all sectors of the community are doing to become more inclusive in their practise,” she said.

“People feel like they’re working in isolation to support LGBTI communities so these particular roadshows are imperative.

“We’ve now got 35 people sitting in a room who feel like they’re not in isolation in their work.”

A training day was also held in Hamilton on Tuesday.