How to talk to a transphobe: Tips for coliberation in divisive times
This session will outline both the knowledge and, crucially, the skills needed to engage in a meaningful dialogue with those with opposing (and, indeed, prejudicial) views.
A recent study by Amnesty International found that gender critical and anti-trans organising has increased in the UK by 1,600% in the last nine years. The state of trans rights has never been under greater threat in recent history, and communities are at each others’ throats as we try to navigate unjust laws, complex ‘equality’ guidance and sensitive debates.
This session explores both the social and cognitive aspects of division, identifying the systemic reasons women and trans people have been pitted against one another, who ultimately benefits from this conflict, and why we all must find a route to healing and unity.
Drawing from their PhD in intersectional systemic oppression and extensive experience in queer community-centred approaches to coliberation, Dr. Christopher Owen will outline both the knowledge and, crucially, the skills needed to engage in a meaningful dialogue with those with opposing (and, indeed, prejudicial) views.
It’s not about agreeing to disagree, it’s about building communities of care and establishing the relational foundations needed for solidarity. By the end of the session, attendees will understand how to create the conditions required to allow for the active processing of values and shared interests, in turn enabling hearts to open and minds to change.
Attendees will:
- Learn the context of gender-based division, from its colonial history to its contemporary organising
- Recognise how common approaches to debate only replicate and maintain systems of power and inequality
- Explore the specific cognitive processes that create bias, prejudice and hate and what to do about each of these
- Understand the clear tools and tactics required to build empathy and change minds
This session is relevant for:
- LGBTQ+ professionals
- People leaders, managers, and HR practitioners
- EDI, OD, and wellbeing professionals
- Allies seeking to support inclusion and enable cohesion
No prior knowledge is required.
About the facilitator:
As the founder of Coliberate, Christopher Owen (he/they) offers inclusivity and liberation coaching, consulting, speaking and training to individuals and organisations to improve their impact for positive social change. A 2024 Northern Gamechanger, Christopher has a PhD in intersectional systemic oppression, with a decade of experience in LGBTQ+ inclusivity. They have presented to thousands internationally and published on intersectionality, identity, social change, queer resistance, and inclusive practice, with his second book forthcoming from Routledge Education. For more information, please visit: coliberate.co.uk
