There are many different ways to perform gender, and we should be open and encouraging of them.
Nevo Zisin (they/them) is a storyteller, esteemed educator on transgender topics, TEDx speaker, poet, workshop facilitator in schools and workplaces.
They are also an award-winning author of Finding Nevo, a memoir on gender transition and The Pronoun Lowdown a useful guidebook on all things related to pronouns. They have been in-conversation with Queer Eye’s brilliant Jonathan Van Ness, Transparent producer Zackary Drucker & world-famous spoken-word poet & activist Alok Vaid-Menon.
Their work has appeared in The Saturday Paper, NGV Magazine, Archer Magazine, Buzzfeed, Junkee, SBS, Hack Live, ABC’s The Drum, The Morning Show, amongst others. They were a 2022 Varuna Scribe Fellow and is an ambassador for Wear It Purple and was an inaugural ambassador for the Victorian Pride Centre.
In 2024 Nevo was named as one of Melbourne's Future Shapers by Time Out for their work in raising awareness of issues that impact their community, as well as creating spaces to support and uplift trans and queer people.
Talking Points
The Pronoun Lowdown
Why are pronouns important? How can we use them correctly? What do we do when we make mistakes? These answers and more!
The Pronoun Lowdown
Understanding Transgender Experiences
What existing barriers are there for transgender people in our society? Why does it seem this topic is being discussed more and more? This talk also includes myth-busting ideas around transgender communities.
Understanding Transgender Experiences
Meaningful Allyship
How can we show up better for the trans and gender diverse people in our lives? What does it mean to be a good ally beyond tokenism and lip-service.
Meaningful Allyship
Unlearning Transphobia
This presentation looks at the roots of transphobia and how it manifests within not only the structures in our society but also within ourselves.
Unlearning Transphobia
Tokenism & Pinkwashing
This presentation unpacks how to show solidarity and meaningful support for LGBTIQA+ communities.
Tokenism & Pinkwashing
Assimilation VS Liberation
What’s the difference? What can freedom actually look like? What is gatekeeping & hierarchies of power that exist within community, embracing the multiplicity – the both/and
Assimilation VS Liberation
Trans Histories & Trans Futures
An investigation into the histories of transgender identities across the globe, where we are now and where we could be going.
Trans Histories & Trans Futures
Video
Beyond Pronouns: The Next Steps | Nevo Zisin | TEDxCecilStreet
We are not done. It is time to explore transgender literacy beyond pronouns and what creating a liberated society beyond gender binaries might look like. Nevo is an esteemed educator in transgender and LGBTQIA+ topics. Using their own lived expertise, Nevo runs workshops in schools and professional development training in workplaces to create more inclusive and gender equitable environments. Nevo is also an award-winning author, a mentor, an ambassador, and a member of Australia's largest all trans and gender diverse show on a main stage where they perform spoken word poetry.Nevo Zisin on the importance of visibility for the trans community | The Drum
March 31 is the Trans Day of Visibility - activist and author Nevo Zisin explains why it's important - with a 'lentil' analogy to help explain trans identity.Nevo Zisin on the Trans Experience | Saxton Speakers
In this thought-provoking keynote, Nevo Zisin offers a powerful metaphor to help audiences understand the experience of trans people, describing it as a journey to be recognised for who they truly are, beyond labels. With empathy and clarity, Nevo shares the daily struggles faced by trans and gender non-conforming individuals, from navigating societal norms to dealing with the profound impact of misgendering. Highlighting the significant mental health challenges within the trans community, Nevo underscores the importance of support, respect, and breaking free from restrictive gender stereotypes for everyone. This talk is a compelling invitation to foster greater understanding, inclusivity, and genuine allyship.Transgender Liberation | Nevo Zisin | Saxton Speakers
Discover the power of transgender liberation with Nevo Zisin, a passionate advocate and Speaker on gender diversity, inclusion, and self-acceptance. In this compelling talk, Nevo explores the concept that true freedom lies beyond rigid gender norms, inviting audiences to consider a world where we all feel worthy of love simply for who we are. Nevo shares stories of acceptance, resilience, and the beauty of gender diversity found in nature, challenging us to rethink societal norms and embrace human diversity.We have received so much positive feedback from the event from across the industry. The feedback I have had from within my organisation is that it’s one of the best events they’ve been to an ... keep reading Yarra Valley Water
The session was fantastic. The response around the office was so positive, Nevo wowed everyone. The reading they did was so lovely and I have a couple of young people in my life I think will really appreciate their memoir.
‘Nevo is an incredibly entertaining & charismatic speaker and our team were full of praise after our session. A personal take away for me is the word 'Niblings'. I will be using this as soon as possible.
Nevo's presentation was pitch-perfect, balancing great education with great storytelling in a way that had us talking for days. Not only was there a record turnout, but I've never seen so much incredible feedback from my team - we're keen to invite them back!
Nevo Zisin came to Monash and in a very short time left their mark. We learnt why pronouns matter, we learnt about respect and inclusivity. Nevo honestly and generously shared their story and their message has resonated with us all. We cannot wait to have Nevo back.
‘Nevo was SHINING at our Minus18 Midsumma Youth event, and it wasn't just because of their rainbow cape. The level of preparation, confidence and care that Nevo brought as event emcee was outstanding. They thread the night together brilliantly, kept the 450+ youth attendees engaged and excited, and ultimately created an event space that was safe and inviting for all.
What a treat! Nevo presented this year at our virtual IDAHOBIT event at Officeworks. We were very grateful for their openness, education and humour as they spoke of gender identity, community and the importance of a supportive culture throughout the journey of life! We look forward to partnering again soon to continue our learning within the identity space.
‘I engaged Nevo to host a series of online writing workshops for teens, two years in a row. They were fantastic to work with - their workshops were informative and engaging, and a wonderful opportunity for the participants to learn about Own Voices writing. Nevo was incredibly professional and reliable, and adaptive to the needs of the workshop participants.
Working with Nevo has been incredible – the way they weave humour into storytelling has really helped eBay to engage with LGBTIQA+ education in a new way. The feedback I’ve had from the team has been overwhelmingly positive – I would encourage any workplace to hear from Nevo, it will truly inspire you and your teams!
Nevo’s presentation was excellent. The students were engaged and responded to the personal elements of their story well. It enabled them to form a connection that they may not have had previously. Students who had come in hesitant about the topic have responded well showing genuine interest and curiosity towards the LGBTQIA+ community wanting to gain more knowledge. Staff members who were present commented on the engagement of students and acknowledged that they themselves were interested and learned from the session. The small lunchtime group was incredible. Our rainbow students expressed that they were thankful to be able to meet with Nevo and engage in this event. In their own words "it was very cool and a great experience’. The reading from ‘Finding Nevo’ was extremely powerful and left a lasting mark on us all.
‘Nevo was a professional and animated presenter who has incredible skill in making the awkward feel comfortable, and opened up a galaxy (their words) of how thinking about individuals instead of binaries can help make every person feel safer.
Nevo is a highly engaging, sensitive and powerful presenter. They shared moving personal anecdotes and experiences which were woven in with their profound knowledge of gender, sexuality and inclusion. Their excellent sense of humour and ability to connect with their audience provided a fun, comfortable and safe space for open dialogue for both staff and students.
‘Nevo Zisin opened the first ever Midsumma event that was held in Casey in April 2021, the Rainbow Community Picnic. They set exactly the tone that we were hoping for — welcoming, inclusive and progressive. Nevo is a good listener, knowledgeable about the complex issues facing the LGBTIQ+ community, articulate and empathetic. The feedback that we have received has been extremely positive. We knew that we could rely on their professionalism and experience to set the tone for how we want to be going forward. We are so pleased that Nevo was able to help us open our event and highly recommend them — we at Casey Rainbow Community hope that we can work with Nevo again soon!
Our staff found Nevo’s presentation engaging, informative and confronting but most of all it allowed us a perspective that will enable us to understand some of our students far better. The biggest praise I believe I can give is that I cannot wait to have them talk to our students.
We invited Nevo to take part in a panel discussion recently around the theme 'Being the change you want to see in the world'. We particularly wanted Nevo to take part because they had been instrumental in making change in the world and would be an excellent example for our young people at Canteen who are experiencing cancer. Nevo did not disappoint! From the outset they made every person at the event feel at ease and special. Nevo used their story to inspire everyone present and our young people were left believing they too could make change in the world. Nevo is authentic, intelligent and entertaining - everything you want in a speaker. We would invite Nevo back in a heartbeat and hope to work further with them in the future.
Hey Nevo, in the four years of me going to Collingwood this is the best and only presentation and speech I enjoyed. Your jokes were very good, top tier good. You managed to make a long 75 minute session feel like a catch up with an old friend. Thank you so much for coming, I’m looking forward to the next time you come.
Great workshop, very interactive and engaging. I have received a lot of positive feedback from the staff that participated. Would love to have Nevo back again!
Nevo attended our fancy dress gala dinner the night before their key note address and mingled with the attendees who greatly appreciated their presence. The talk itself the following day was very well received and relevant.
We were so pleased to have Nevo share their experiences and perspectives with us. The session was engaging, and thought-provoking and left us with an openness to explore.
Nevo is a captivating speaker with fresh and interesting perspectives to share. I only wish our forum allowed more time for Nevo to share more of their story.
Nevo was a great keynote speaker and delivered content that was meaningful and very thought provoking.
