Western Australian actor and local Margaret River resident, Sharnya Thomson Yates is actively fundraising to attract federal funding into Western Australia to produce short film, "Choice".
The basis of the film is a story about a teenager coming out as transgender, and the impact of the choices that parents, teachers and society can make in responding.
Ms Thomson Yates said the film was centred on the experiences of a number of Australian families with a young person with lived experience of being transgender.
"Statistics show that having just one supportive parent can decrease the chances of attempted suicide and associated mental health issues by a staggering 60 per cent," she said.
"The film's intention is to raise awareness of the issues that trans people face and the impact that discrimination, and the lack of understanding about transgender and gender diverse people has on their mental health and increased risk of suicide."
Ms Thomson Yates said people could help bring dollar for dollar matching federal funding into WA and receive some perks along the way.
"The Short Film - Choice Facebook page contains links to our Australian Cultural Fund page for donations, opportunities for names in the credits, spending the day on set and tickets to the film premiere," she said.
"The Shire of Augusta Margaret River, Rotary Club of Margaret River and Suicide Prevention Margaret River have all provided grants and donations towards the fundraising campaign."
Choice will be filmed in various locations around Perth and Margaret River, and has until 31 July 2020 to raise its target community donations in order to attract matching federal funding.
More information can be found at www.australianculturalfund.org.au/projects/choice-short-production-post