This project seeks to promote health equity and improve the overall wellbeing of transgender people in Whanganui.

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Many transgender people face barriers to participating in physical activity due to concerns about safety and a lack of supportive environments. This project brought together transgender and gender diverse people, community organisations, and primary care teams in Whanganui to explore what “safe” physical activity looks like—and how we can make it more accessible.

Through a series of co-design hui, participants shared their experiences of physical activity, including what helps them feel safe, what creates barriers, and what needs to change. Rather than focusing on deficits, the project centred the strengths, ideas, and lived realities of the local transgender community.

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What we learned:

• Safety goes beyond physical environments—it includes feeling respected, affirmed, and free from judgement.
• Gendered spaces (like changing rooms and bathrooms) are a major barrier to participation.
• Many people are already engaging in low-level physical activity (such as walking), but opportunities for safe, structured, and social activities are limited.
• Consistency matters—regular, ongoing activities are more meaningful than one-off events for building connection and confidence.
• Practical considerations, such as clothing, binders, and body comfort, can affect both safety and participation.

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The project has now moved into its next phase: working with local providers to develop and trial safe, inclusive physical activity options. These will be linked with primary care through GPs, Nurse Practitioners, Nurses, Health Improvement Practitioners and Health Coaches, helping to create clear, supportive referral pathways.

This work is part of HARC’s ongoing commitment to equity, community-led design, and improving wellbeing for underserved populations in our region.