EJ, Heine
EJ, Heine they/he/ia (1980-)
EJ is Māori, and identify as Irawhiti (trans) and Takatāpui (Queer), with lived experience of disability including being nuerodivergent. They were born in Whakatū (Nelson) Aotearoa (New Zealand), in 1980.
EJ's story traces their journey since arriving in Australia in 2011 after the Christchurch Earthquakes,
identifying as a lesbian, to affirming themselves in their trans identity, and becoming an advocate for trans rights with a focus on equity in healthcare in Australia.
A passionate advocate for trans and gender diverse communities, they seek to amplify voices within the community where they can to influence change. They have served on the volunteer board of AusPATH (2025 to current as of September).
They use their skills, knowledge and experience, in their professional, volunteer and personal capacity to support improvements in systems, policy and practice, and community knowledge, to support improvements in trans peoples health and wellbeing, including access to, and experiences of health care.
They use their self described neurodivergent skills as a 'super power' to influence improvements in equity, as a change agent. They also seek to empower others, including health professionals and community to do the same, through sharing of information, knowledge, supporting their skills development, or amplifying their voices to support change.
They are particularly interested in disinformation, healthcare politics and challenging misconceptions about trans lives, drawing on lived experience to ensure trans and gender people, especially those who don't often have their voices hear (Trans youth & trans people of colour) have a meaningful voice in the systems that affect them.
At the heart of EJ’s story is connection: the people who have influenced them, the families they have supported and the belief that small acts of solidarity can create lasting change.
Photo: Supplied