Media invite: Webinar for journalists, Reporting on trans and gender diverse communities. How can media reporting reduce violence?

Journalists are invited to a free webinar on best practice reporting to prevent violence against transgender and gender diverse people.  

National violence against women prevention organisation Our Watch has consulted with leading trans organisations to develop new reporting guidelines and the webinar.   

There is significant overlap in the drivers of violence against women and against LGBTIQA+ people, including transgender and gender diverse people. These drivers include gender inequality, with evidence showing that this violence is rooted in rigid gender stereotypes and ideas about sex, gender, and sexuality. 

Trans and gender diverse people experience high rates of discrimination and gender-based violence, including domestic and family violence, sexual violence and harassment, in both private and public spaces, including workplaces, at universities and online. Research indicates that over 50% of trans and gender diverse people have been sexually assaulted at least once, compared to around 14% of the general population. 

The session will cover: 

• The drivers that lead to violence against trans and gender diverse people and how these might play out in the media 

• How media professionals can ensure their reporting is linked to accurate evidence, free from dis- and misinformation 

• Media representations and story selection to prevent further violence  

• Navigating backlash and resistance and ensuring safety of sources 

• Tips to support change in the newsroom. 

For information about the event: mediamakingchange@ourwatch.org.au 

To access guides for reporting about violence against women and their children, visit Media Making Change.