International Conference 2024 | Getting Transformative - The Spectrum of Social Work Practice with Trans People Panel

The 10th International Conference on Social Work in Health and Mental Health (ICSWHMH) was held in November 2024 in Melbourne. This significant event in successfully brought together social work professionals, researchers, educators, and students from around the world to discuss and share the latest developments in the field of social work in health and mental health.

Getting Transformative - The Spectrum of Social Work Practice with Trans People Panel

This panel will explore how integrating a culturally relevant and gender-affirming approach can enhance ethical social work practice. We aim to clarify how gender-affirming care aligns with our commitment to social justice and person-centered care.

Social work’s dual focus on person-centred care and social justice is crucial for the health and wellbeing of trans and gender diverse (TGD) people. It also strengthens multidisciplinary health teams across various settings, including general health, emergency departments, mental health, and specific gender services. In Western countries, trans lives have historically been pathologized under oppressive medical models. Social work has begun to challenge this narrative, but more work remains. Integrating gender-affirming care into person-centered practice is increasingly recognized as essential to ethical and culturally relevant social work.

The panel features members of the Social Workers in Trans Communities and Health group, which connects professionals across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. They will share insights from their work with TGD individuals, families, partners, and communities in various settings. We will discuss the challenges and successes of this work and address the socio-political climate that impacts both practice and TGD communities, while highlighting the importance of centering trans joy in social work.

Presenters: Seanna Keeley, Andy Allen, Connor Gryffdd, Jani-Forest-Wyatt, and Dr Justin Canty