To celebrate Trans Awareness Week (13-19 November), we spoke with our very own Youth Participation Officer Finn Stirling (he/him) about his nomination for ‘Most Influential’ at the 2025 Trans Visibility Awards.
These awards were presented at Transgender Victoria’s Gender Reveal Gala on 7 November.
Finn was recognised for his advocacy work in the youth sector and LGBTIQA+ communities, having shared his lived experiences of receiving top surgery this year and starting Hormone Replacement Therapy.
Tell us about Transgender Victoria’s Gender Reveal Gala? How was the event?
It was an unforgettable night of trans joy and excellence, where trans and gender diverse folks, their family, friends and allies came together in celebration.
I’m so grateful I got to spend it with my bio family and my chosen family. I’m very lucky that my parents are so supportive and show up for me and the trans community in so many ways.
On the way home, Mum said she loved being in a community space again. She was the one who took me to my first queer event in the city as a 16-year-old, so it was a beautiful full circle moment to be there with her, Dad and be nominated for an award.
Another highlight was dancing with my friends to DJ Gay Dad’s set after the awards, which of course included Chappell Roan!
You were nominated for the ‘Most Influential Award’ in the 2025 Trans Visibility awards! What does that mean to you?
To be recognised and celebrated in this way is such a gift and honestly feels like a love letter from community.
I’ve turned to TGV many times for support, guidance, and community. I’ve been having peer support sessions with TGV this year to support my medical affirmation, so for this to come from TGV means the world.
This nomination is a reminder that I’m not out there advocating alone, and even when sometimes it feels that way, I’ll feel the support of our wonderful community behind me.
Why is it important to have events that celebrate and recognise trans and gender diverse excellence?
When chatting to people about the event, my biggest takeaway is that I’d never seen so many trans women in a room together. I think this clearly shows the incredible work TGV have done to support all aspects of the trans and gender diverse community, especially our friends that face trans-based misogyny and higher levels of discrimination and violence.
These events are safe havens for us to just be, without the weight of discrimination and fear we carry around. We can wear the clothes, accessories and makeup that bring joy or euphoria and celebrate with the people we love.
Receiving or being nominated for awards that recognise our contributions to community, creativity and visibility are personal achievements where we get to be proud of our work. They’re also a moment of recognition that we are successful, empowered people, even when certain parts of the world tell us we aren’t.
What’s next for you – any projects or goals you’re excited about?
I’m currently doing some work with Eating Disorders Victoria (EDV), creating content around trans and gender diverse people’s body image. It’s super exciting as I haven’t worked in the eating disorder space and I’m keen to learn more about how eating disorders affect my community. Keep your eyes on our socials for videos to come!
I’m also working on submitting a poetry manuscript with my bestie, which is the biggest piece of writing work we’ve embarked on to date! I’m nervous to try something new, but it’s great to work collaboratively with someone so talented and who I trust so much.
Follow Finn’s advocacy page on Instagram (@Finnslayy__). Check out his video wrap up of the event!