As Transgender Awareness Week approaches, it's a crucial time to reflect on ways we can make workplaces, schools, and communities more inclusive for transgender and gender-diverse individuals. This year, Transgender Awareness Week falls between November 13th and November 19th. To dive deeper, we got insights from Nevo Zisin, a storyteller, esteemed educator on transgender topics, TEDx speaker, and workshop facilitator, to get their perspectives on what we can do to build more inclusive spaces.
When asked about the first steps toward inclusivity, Nevo emphasized the importance of valuing lived experience:
"Trans and gender diverse people know what we need in order to thrive, and yet we are rarely listened to, respected, or valued in the ways we deserve to be. Workplaces, schools, and communities are an ecosystem, not a monocrop; they thrive with diversity and recognizing the unique skills, perspectives, and strengths we all bring to the table." Nevo Zisin
According to Nevo, respecting the lived experiences of trans and gender-diverse individuals enriches our collective environment, allowing for a more dynamic and inclusive community. Seeking conformity or assimilation, Zisin explains, limits these valuable perspectives, which are crucial for the health and growth of any ecosystem.
Advice for Aspiring Advocates
For those wishing to advocate for transgender rights or share their own stories, Nevo advises taking inspiration from the pioneers who paved the way for today’s freedoms:
“As trans advocates, activists, changemakers, we stand on the shoulders of giants. Many of whom sacrificed their lives to give us the rights we experience now. These rights did not come through social ‘progress’ or ‘modernity’; they were hard-won.” Nevo Zisin
Looking to the past can provide a strong foundation and sense of community to those starting their advocacy journey. Understanding the efforts of past activists not only honours them but gives today’s advocates a clearer vision of what they’re building toward.
Supporting Mental Health Through Community
Acknowledging the mental health challenges many transgender individuals face, Nevo credits community support as an instrumental factor in their personal journey:
“Building relationships with other trans & gender diverse people, queer people, neurodivergent people… has allowed me to see myself as part of a whole so much bigger than just myself or my lifetime.” Nevo Zisin
For those looking to support gender-diverse individuals, Nevo encourages a mindset rooted in trust, humility, and curiosity:
“A very practical way that people can support the mental health of transgender people is trusting in us to understand ourselves better than anyone else’s projections.” Nevo Zisin
By approaching relationships with openness and a willingness to grow, allies can create safe spaces where transgender individuals feel understood and accepted.
Messages for Gender-Diverse Individuals
Navigating self-identity is a journey without a fixed endpoint, and Nevo's message to young transgender people is one of patience and self-acceptance:
“Recognise that self-discovery takes time. There’s no moment where my transition has been ‘completed’. I am always growing and evolving, learning new things about myself and re-meeting myself in different incarnations.” Nevo Zisin
Zisin suggests embracing the fluidity of identity and finding comfort in the uncertainty. Over time, this mindset helps individuals feel secure in who they are while continuing to evolve.
A Call for Open Hearts and Minds
As Nevo reflects on a powerful story of a mother whose child later came out as transgender, they highlight the importance of openness to new perspectives:
“Young trans people deserve to grow up in safe and loving homes, as does every child. Even if it’s a topic you think you might not need to engage with… it’s a great time to start expanding your heart and perspectives.” Nevo Zisin
Through understanding and empathy, we can all become safer, more supportive people for those around us.
To create a truly inclusive world, Nevo urges workplaces, schools, and communities to be proactive, valuing diversity and supporting the mental well-being of gender-diverse individuals. Small acts of allyship can foster an environment where everyone feels safe, and valued, and can contribute authentically.
Ready to bring Nevo Zisin’s insights to your organization?
Book Nevo today to inspire your team with a thought-provoking keynote on inclusion and allyship. Let’s build workplaces, schools, and communities where everyone thrives together.
