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, and 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 are an ambassador for both Wear It Purple and the Victorian Pride Centre.
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
Workshop: Creating Safer Workplaces LGBTQIA+ 101
This training includes definitions, terminology and an in-depth look into the LGBTIQA+ acronym and experiences that are relevant to our communities and your staff / clients. Through engaging trivia-style questions and interactive break-out rooms this workshop will leave workplaces with pragmatic steps to take in order to ensure inclusive environments for LGBTIQA+ people.Workshop: Creating Safer Workplaces LGBTQIA+ 101
LEARNING OUTCOMES
- Introduction to key LGBTIQA+ terms
- Practical tool toward allyship in professional and personal contexts
- Insight into lived experiences of transgender and gender-diverse people through storytelling
- Research-based exploration of LGBTIQA+mental health and barriers that exist within workplaces
"Nevo'sblendof humour, grace and conviction was an asset to our panel of inter-generational LGBTIQ activists.
Their keynote speech to open our Forum Day was the sort of presentation that everyone should have the benefit of listening to."- Diversity and Inclusion, Monash University.
DURATION: 3 hours in person,3.5 hours online over Zoom
SIZE:Maximum of 35 participants with a minimum of 15
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.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! ... keep reading City of Casey
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.
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.
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.
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.
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'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!
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 and that they loved Nevo’s approach and just wanted to hear and learn more. I had a wrap up meeting with the other 10 water corps yesterday and they all expressed that they have also received really positive feedback following the event.
I wish you could see the feedback we got from people absolutely PRAISING Nevo. Some even say it's the best Lunch and Learn we have had. Nevo was an absolute star. I am so glad I met them, worked with them, and saw their work. People will not forget this event! In a word - SUPERSTAR!!!!!!!
It was an absolute pleasure working with Nevo from day 1. They were very accommodating to our tight time frames and delivered an extremely engaging presentation for Wear It Purple Day. We look forward to having them again for future events/workshops.
