Register todayJanuary 22-26, 2024

Nevo Zisin (they/them) is a white Ashkenazi Jewish settler living on stolen Wurundjeri land. They are a storyteller, esteemed educator on transgender topics, TEDx speaker, poet, workshop facilitator in schools and workplaces, and award-winning author of Finding Nevo (2017), a memoir on gender transition and The Pronoun Lowdown (2021), a useful guidebook on all things related to pronouns. They have been in-conversation with Queer Eye’s Jonathan Van Ness, Transparent producer Zackary Drucker & world-famous spoken-word poet Alok Vaid-Menon. Their work explores queerness, collective healing and liberation and mutual aid as a mycelial network of connection. Their greatest accomplishments in life beyond anything, are their friendships.

Nadir Kinani (he/him) is a Melbourne-based photographer originally from London, with Welsh and Sudanese roots. He's worked in the news and editorial photography world for over a decade across the UK and Australia, with outlets like The Guardian, Daily Mail Online, and The Telegraph, ABC, SBS, Australian Associated Press (AAP), and many more.  Recently, he has been shooting a lot of politics, including Adam Bandt with Abbie Chatfield. 

Prior to jumping into photography full time, Nadir was a picture editor for over 10 years. Working with journalists, editors and a team of photographers.

He loves capturing real stories and helping people feel comfortable in front of the camera (even if it feels awkward at first — he gets it!). Whether it’s a portrait or a moment in time, Nadir is all about honesty, connection, and a bit of fun. Also, he has a big beard and wears a lot of purple!

Nevo Zisin (they/them) is a white Ashkenazi Jewish settler living on stolen Wurundjeri land. They are a storyteller, esteemed educator on transgender topics, TEDx speaker, poet, workshop facilitator in schools and workplaces, and award-winning author of Finding Nevo (2017), a memoir on gender transition and The Pronoun Lowdown (2021), a useful guidebook on all things related to pronouns. They have been in-conversation with Queer Eye’s Jonathan Van Ness, Transparent producer Zackary Drucker & world-famous spoken-word poet Alok Vaid-Menon. Their work explores queerness, collective healing and liberation and mutual aid as a mycelial network of connection. Their greatest accomplishments in life beyond anything, are their friendships.

Nadir Kinani (he/him) is a Melbourne-based photographer originally from London, with Welsh and Sudanese roots. He's worked in the news and editorial photography world for over a decade across the UK and Australia, with outlets like The Guardian, Daily Mail Online, and The Telegraph, ABC, SBS, Australian Associated Press (AAP), and many more.  Recently, he has been shooting a lot of politics, including Adam Bandt with Abbie Chatfield. 

Prior to jumping into photography full time, Nadir was a picture editor for over 10 years. Working with journalists, editors and a team of photographers.

He loves capturing real stories and helping people feel comfortable in front of the camera (even if it feels awkward at first — he gets it!). Whether it’s a portrait or a moment in time, Nadir is all about honesty, connection, and a bit of fun. Also, he has a big beard and wears a lot of purple!

Nelly Thomas is a multi-talented, award-winning Australian comedian, broadcaster and author. She is well-known for her media commentary, keynote speaking and MCing. Nelly is a regular guest on ABC Melbourne Radio, Radio National, News Breakfast and is a co-host on Broad Radio. She was listed as one of Australia’s “most innovative thinkers” in The Age and was featured on the ABC’s Big Ideas: The Smartest Stuff on TV, Radio and Online.  

Nelly is the author of five books including three children’s books - all of which were part of the Victorian Premier’s 2024 Reading Challenge List and, were recommended for Inclusive Early Years Education Resources by ABC Kids. One was also nominated for International Outstanding Books on Disability (2024). Nelly is well-known for her inclusive humour and her books encourage kids (and their grown-ups) to accept themselves as they are. Her motto is simple: All Kids are the Joy of the World. 

Nelly’s passions include social change and health promotion; especially in the harder-to-reach areas of sexual health, inclusion, diversity, mental health and violence prevention. She lives in Melbourne with her two daughters, a dense labradoodle and a grumpy poodle. 

• Kayleen White (she/her) is a transwoman and a veteran human rights and social justice activist who helped found Transgender Victoria in the late 90s. She has worked for trans and more generally LGBTQIASB+ rights and wellbeing since the early 90s, as well as working against racism, sexism, and authoritarianism since the 70s, and for other improvements to the world, with the best results coming from being part of a larger group or movement. A few years ago, she escaped from the corporate world of wastewater treatment to retirement. 

Rebekah Robertson (she/her) is an Australian actress, author, and prominent advocate for transgender young people and children. She is the founder of Transcend Australia, Australia’s first parent-led support group for families of trans children, inspired by her experience raising her daughter, Georgie Stone, one of the country's first visible transgender young people. Driven by the challenges they faced navigating the healthcare and legal systems, Rebekah became a leading voice for reform, contributing to significant changes in court requirements for gender-affirming care. Her memoir, About a Girl, shares their family’s story of love, advocacy, and resilience, and she continues to champion acceptance and rights for trans young people and their families across Australia.  Available for purchase at the conference.

Son Vivienne is CEO of Transgender Victoria, the peak-advocacy organization led by, for, and with, trans and gender diverse people. Son has a background in media production and Academia, and they launched their fourth book this year, titled ‘Queering Safe Spaces: Being Brave beyond Binaries’. They come from white working class roots in far north Queensland and regional South Australia, and they are a staunch ally to bio and chosen family with Arrernte and Ngarrindjeri lineage. Son is neurodivergent, non-binary and a parent to grown and growing kids and believes that deep listening can overcome almost any difference. They do their best listening with their bees, in their garden.

You can find out more about them at www.incitestories.com.au and order their most recent book at Queering Safe Spaces Some of Son’s other special interests include gardening, bees, and building shelter.

Nelly Thomas is a multi-talented, award-winning Australian comedian, broadcaster and author. She is well-known for her media commentary, keynote speaking and MCing. Nelly is a regular guest on ABC Melbourne Radio, Radio National, News Breakfast and is a co-host on Broad Radio. She was listed as one of Australia’s “most innovative thinkers” in The Age and was featured on the ABC’s Big Ideas: The Smartest Stuff on TV, Radio and Online.  

Nelly is the author of five books including three children’s books - all of which were part of the Victorian Premier’s 2024 Reading Challenge List and, were recommended for Inclusive Early Years Education Resources by ABC Kids. One was also nominated for International Outstanding Books on Disability (2024). Nelly is well-known for her inclusive humour and her books encourage kids (and their grown-ups) to accept themselves as they are. Her motto is simple: All Kids are the Joy of the World. 

Nelly’s passions include social change and health promotion; especially in the harder-to-reach areas of sexual health, inclusion, diversity, mental health and violence prevention. She lives in Melbourne with her two daughters, a dense labradoodle and a grumpy poodle. 

Tara Laursen is an accomplished Australian leader with over 15 years of experience in community-based mental health and social services. Currently, she serves as the Chief Operations Officer at ermha365. In November 2024, Tara was appointed as the Board Chair of Transcend Australia. Tara is also on the Board of the Victorian Pride Centre, and a member of the Victorian Government LGBTIQA+ Taskforce Health and Wellbeing Working Group, further underscoring her commitment to LGBTQIA+ inclusion and wellbeing. In recognition of International Transgender Day of Visibility on March 31, 2024, she shared her personal experiences and insights on the importance of transgender and gender-diverse inclusion in a podcast episode of "Get Real: Talking Mental Health & Disability." Her dedication continues to drive initiatives aimed at creating supportive environments for transgender and gender-diverse individuals and their families. Tara is also a keen cyclist and loves long days in the saddle, such as her recent ride from her home in Melbourne to NSW. 

Joe Ball (he/him) was appointed as the new Victorian Commissioner for LGBTIQA+ Communities in September 2024 for a three-year term.  

Commissioner Ball (he/him) is a proud transgender man.  

The Commissioner advocates for the rights, safety and wellbeing of LGBTIQA+ communities. He is a longstanding LGBTIQA+ advocate and former CEO of Switchboard Victoria, with a 25-year career in disability, housing and homelessness, and social services.  

During his tenure with Switchboard, Joe lead the establishment of the statewide LGBTIQA+ Family Violence and Mental Health helpline Rainbow Door.   

Throughout his expansive career, Joe has drawn upon the strength and guidance of LGBTIQA+ history and most importantly, the work of activists who have paved the way, the courageous voices with lived experience and the wisdom of LGBTIQA+ elders.  

Commissioner Ball is also a member of the Expert Advisory Group for the federal government’s 10-Year LGBTIQ+ Health and Wellbeing Plan and previously participated in several leading social service advisory committees and boards.  

This includes the Victorian Family Violence peak body Safe and Equal, the community advisory committee for 1800RESPECT, the Victorian LGBTIQA+ Taskforce, the Victorian Family Violence Reform Advisory Group, and the National Suicide Prevention Governance Committee. 

In 2020, Joe was honoured as an award recipient in the 50 Outstanding LGBTI+ Leaders in Australia.

Tara Laursen is an accomplished Australian leader with over 15 years of experience in community-based mental health and social services. Currently, she serves as the Chief Operations Officer at ermha365. In November 2024, Tara was appointed as the Board Chair of Transcend Australia. Tara is also on the Board of the Victorian Pride Centre, and a member of the Victorian Government LGBTIQA+ Taskforce Health and Wellbeing Working Group, further underscoring her commitment to LGBTQIA+ inclusion and wellbeing. In recognition of International Transgender Day of Visibility on March 31, 2024, she shared her personal experiences and insights on the importance of transgender and gender-diverse inclusion in a podcast episode of "Get Real: Talking Mental Health & Disability." Her dedication continues to drive initiatives aimed at creating supportive environments for transgender and gender-diverse individuals and their families. Tara is also a keen cyclist and loves long days in the saddle, such as her recent ride from her home in Melbourne to NSW. 

Bastian (he/him) recently graduated from trans young person to trans parent but is still not convinced he fits the term ‘adult’. Bastian began his journey as the only queer kid on the block back in 2012 and spent several years as a youth representative for the local LGBTIQA+ group, Peninsula Pride, at headspace Frankston. 

He now works in medical administration at a community health centre and spends his free time doing Bluey puzzles with his perfect two-year-old kid Stevie. 

Nicole Huig is the Queensland Program Manager for Transcend Australia, supporting transgender and gender-diverse young people and their families through advocacy, education, and service development. With most her carer spent supporting children, young people, and their families within the child protection and family law sectors, she is passionate about improving support and outcomes for children, young people, and their families. Formerly the Counselling Team Leader at Children by Choice, she has led work to improve access to reproductive healthcare, particularly abortion access in the face of systemic barriers. Nicole has contributed to national forums and parliamentary inquiries, with a continued focus on advancing inclusive, equitable healthcare for marginalized communities in Queensland.  

Misha Sim (they/them) is a proud queer, trans, autistic community member, currently living and working on unceded Wurundjeri and Wadawurrung lands. Misha trained as a psychologist but has spent the last decade supporting peer and clinical teams across the intersections of mental health, family violence, AOD, gender and neurodivergence. Misha is passionate about the critical role of lived experience and remains deeply committed to improving safety and access for all marginalised folks. Misha currently leads the Orygen Trans and Gender Diverse Service.

Lou Kerley (she/her/they) is Program Coordinator for the Transgender Health Research Group at Murdoch Children’s Research Institute. Lou also coordinates the Australian Research Consortium for Trans Youth and Children (ARCTYC), which is conducting national research to support the health of trans and wellbeing of trans young people. Lou draws on her experience as a researcher, clinician, and queer trans person, with the hope of contributing to systems and spaces that are genuinely equitable and meet the diverse needs of the community.

Jessica (she/they) is a Youth Advisor for the Australian Research Consortium for Trans Youth and Children (ARCTYC), working in policy at the Department of Education and trans health research at the University of Melbourne. Her practice of peer support, writing and co-creation is grounded in experiences of disability, queerness, neurodivergence, and gender nonconformity.

Eloise Brook (She/her) is a writer, advocate, and academic with extensive experience in public health policy and political science. She is the CEO of AusPATH and a key advocate for trans health and mental health in Australia, working closely with her community, healthcare professionals and government bodies.

Katherine (they/she) is a multiply disabled, neurodivergent, non-binary person with over 15 years experience working on disability and LGBTIQA+ advocacy, policy and community engagement.  Katherine is the CEO of Inclusive Rainbow Voices (IRV), a community-led advocacy organisation working towards equity & justice for LGBTIQA+ people with disability. Katherine has worked across government, not-for-profit and creative industry settings, leading projects and programs that promote accessibility, inclusion and justice for LGBTIQA+ people with disability. 

Katherine’s approach is rooted in disability justice principals and a systemic outlook that seeks to build cross-disability and cross-movement solidarity.  

Vic Harden is the Community Engagement Lead at Transcend Australia and a Registered Nurse. With nine years’ experience in trans health, they have led significant initiatives to advance gender-affirming care. In 2021, they took on the role of Trans and Gender Diverse (TGD) Health Lead, spearheading a statewide program for Victorian General Practitioners focused on TGD health. 

At Transcend Australia, Vic advocates passionately for accessible, affirming care for trans, gender diverse, and non-binary (TGDNB) young people, as well as increased funding and support services for TGDNB young people and their families. They also hold leadership roles as a Board Director of AusPATH, Community Co-Chair of the Victorian Government’s TGD Expert Advisory Group, and member of the LGBTIQA+ Education Reference Group. 

Vic is dedicated to addressing the unmet needs of TGDNB young people and their families, and they are committed to advancing this space through collaboration and advocacy.