Allyship in Action: Building bystander action for trans and gender equity

Abstract

This report explores the outcomes of the "Allyship in Action" Forum, hosted by Women’s Health In the North (WHIN) and Zoe Belle Gender Collective (ZBGC), aimed at enhancing the prevention of violence against trans and gender-diverse (TGD) individuals through bystander intervention and allyship. The Forum, held in April 2024, brought together professionals working in gender equity and violence prevention to develop strategies for confronting transphobia and transmisogyny, especially within the northern metropolitan region of Melbourne.<br><br>

The event underscored the importance of addressing both transphobia and gender-based violence as interconnected issues that reinforce each other through social structures and public attitudes. Transmisogyny, specifically, was identified as a significant driver of violence, disproportionately affecting trans women and trans feminine people through direct discrimination, such as verbal and physical attacks, as well as indirect harms like misgendering and exclusion from essential services. <br><br> Forum presentations and workshops emphasised the need for proactive bystander action to counter discriminatory behaviour and promote TGD rights within broader gender equity initiatives. Participants engaged in role-play and case studies to apply good-practice principles in scenarios of transphobia, learning from real-life experiences shared by trans advocates. The Forum highlighted that, while gender equity efforts have expanded to include gender-diverse individuals, there remains a lack of dedicated resources to address the unique vulnerabilities faced by TGD communities, particularly in areas of family violence and public space safety. <br><br> In response, WHIN and ZBGC advocate for closer partnerships between mainstream gender equity organisations and TGD-led groups to create inclusive, transformative approaches that address both shared and distinct drivers of violence against cis women and TGD people. The report concludes that fostering genuine, respectful partnerships and promoting bystander action are essential steps in building a cohesive prevention strategy that supports both cis women and TGD individuals.